



South Africa

Republiek van Suid-Afrika - Republic of South Africa - IRiphabliki yeSewula Afrika - IRiphabliki yaseMzantsi Afrika - IRiphabliki yaseNingizimu Afrika - Rephaboliki ya Afrika-Borwa - Rephaboliki ya Afrika Borwa - Rephaboliki ya Aforika Borwa - IRiphabhulikhi yeNingizimu Afrika - Riphabubliki ya Afurika Tshipembe - Riphabliki ra Afrika Dzonga





National symbols

Administrative division

South Africa has a complicate history of local government. The country was created in 1910 from several English colonies, some of whom were previously independent Boer countries. In the 1970s several regions were made 'independent' as Bantustans or Homelands, but not recognised by any other country. In 1994 they were again incorporated into South Africa.

The former colonies were made into provinces, which were further divided into municipalities. In 1994 a large reform took place, with new provinces asPrague, 13 May 1997 (RFE/RL) -- Strolling across Prague's Jiraskuv Bridge, many a tourist has taken photos of the famous Hradcany and the islands anchored in the majestic Vltava River. But today, camera lenses are frequently pointed in the opposite direction -- toward a modern building at the eastern end of the bridge.

Opened last June, that building is dubbed "Fred and Ginger," an allusion to the famous American actors-cum-dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It has become a popular landmark in the Czech capital and won "Time" magazine's award for the best design of 1996. The New York-based publication called the building "the new Prague, just as Charles Bridge is the old. Like Fred, it has some stunning moves; like Ginger, it's a lot of fun."

Croatian-born Vladimir Milunic,