Underwater Hockey Was Invented in South Africa
South Africa is the birthplace of the sport of underwater hockey (also known as octopush). The game was invented in the 1950s by a group of divers in Durban who wanted a way to stay fit during winter.
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Interesting Facts
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Discover the story of our nation, one fact at a time.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes Are a Natural Geological Wonder
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve contains the famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes – cylindrical holes carved into the rock by the swirling action of water and pebbles over thousands of years at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers.
South Africa Has the Most Threatened Plant Species on Earth
South Africa has the highest number of threatened plant species of any country in the world. The Cape Floristic Region alone contains thousands of endemic plants, many of which face pressure from urban expansion, agriculture, and invasive species.
South African Surgeons Advanced Early Heart Valve Surgery
The first successful artificial heart valve implantation in a human was performed in South Africa. In 1960, surgeon Chris Barnard’s brother Marius and colleagues pioneered early work that contributed to cardiac surgery advances.
Pilgrim’s Rest Is a Perfectly Preserved Gold Rush Town
The town of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga is one of the best-preserved gold rush towns in the world. Declared a national monument, its Victorian-era buildings and history date back to the 1870s gold discoveries.
South Africa Still Runs Luxury Heritage Steam Trains
South Africa is one of the few countries that still operates a working steam railway for tourists. The famous Rovos Rail and other luxury steam and heritage trains offer journeys through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes.
The Taung Child Fossil Was a Breakthrough in Human Evolution
The first human fossil of Australopithecus africanus, nicknamed the Taung Child, was discovered in South Africa in 1924. This find by Raymond Dart was a breakthrough in understanding human evolution.
South Africa Protects Its Oceans with Marine Protected Areas
South Africa has a unique system of “marine protected areas” that safeguard important ocean habitats. These areas help protect breeding grounds for whales, sharks, fish, and seabirds along the country’s long coastline.
The Durban July Is One of Africa’s Oldest and Most Famous Horse Races
The annual Durban July is one of the oldest and most famous horse races in Africa. First run in 1897, it combines top-class thoroughbred racing with high fashion and social celebration every year in early July.
South Africa Performed Its First Kidney Transplant in 1966
The first successful kidney transplant in South Africa was performed in 1966 at Johannesburg Hospital, one year before the famous heart transplant. This early success helped establish the country as a pioneer in organ transplantation.