Venue

The event will be held at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg.

Physical address: 21 North Road, Illovo, Johannesburg.

Wanderers Club website

Map with directions to venue

Accommodation

Most participants will stay at the following hotels during the event:

The Wanderers Protea Hotel (next door to venue)
The Don Hotel, 3 Rivonia Road, Illovo (2 km from venue)
The Hyatt Hotel, Rosebank (3.5 km from venue)
The Grace Hotel, Rosebank (4 km from venue)
The Don Hotel, Rosebank (4.5 km from venue)
Courtyard, Rosebank (3 km from venue)

Shuttle Service to and from Wanderers Club

We will provide participants staying at the above-mentioned hotels with a daily shuttle service to and from the Wanderers Club.

On Day 1, delegates will be collected between 09h00 and 09h30. On Days 2 and 3, delegates will be collected between 08h15 and 08h45.

Please adhere to these times as the shuttle will only make one round in the mornings.

Social Programme

The MobileActive08 programme will include a dinner event at Moyo Zoo Lake on 13 October 2008, a release party for the new SANGONeT branding and SANGONeT NGO Pulse Portal on 14 October 2008, and a closing cocktail reception on 15 October 2008.

Transport will be provided to Moyo and then to the mentioned hotels on 13 October 2008, while the other two functions will be held at the Wanderers Club.

Getting to South Africa

OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg receives flights from all five continents. There are also direct international flights to Cape Town International. Flights from the UK and Europe are usually overnight with a flight from London to Johannesburg or Cape Town taking approximately 12 hours. Direct flights between the USA and Johannesburg are approximately 15 hours. South Africa has an excellent network of domestic carriers offering flights to all major city centres throughout South Africa. A flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town is 2 hours.

Transport to and from OR Tambo International Airport

People arriving at OR Tambo International Airport have the option of taking a shuttle bus, renting a car or taking a metered taxi to their hotel. A public transport information desk can be found on the public concourse in domestic arrivals.

The airport is a half-hour drive from most major parts of the city. Most big hotels operate their own shuttle services to and from the airport. You should inquire about shuttle services and book your seat in advance when you make your room reservation, ensuring that you are met at the airport - although arrangements can be made by calling your hotel on arrival.

The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals area. Minibus taxis will transport larger groups of up to 12 passengers.

Weather

It is now summer in South Africa. Lightweight clothing is advisable although evenings can be cool. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are a must and remember that sunburn can occur even in overcast weather. In the interior (Johannesburg and surrounding areas) afternoon showers are common during the summer months.

South African Weather Service - www.weathersa.co.za.

Time Difference

South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year. It is therefore an hour ahead of Central European (Winter) Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard (Winter) Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Passports & Visas

Traveling to South Africa is fairly easy and hassle-free. All foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport - and in some instances a visa is required. Travellers from Europe, most Commonwealth countries, the USA, Scandinavia and Japan do not need to apply for a visa for vacation purposes. A free entry permit for a period of up to 90-days will be issued on arrival. For visitors wishing to stay longer, an official visa needs to be applied for.

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure and receipts from purchases must be kept and produced.

Currency & Banks

The South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R. One hundred cents makes up one R1 (one Rand).  Exchange rates: US$1 = R9.00 / ₤1 = R15.50 / €1 = R12.30 (7 October 2008)

Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Change. Credit cards are widely accepted. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 09h00-15h30 and on Saturdays from 08h30-11h00.

Personal Safety

As in any foreign country, visitors are advised to be aware and alert when travelling to avoid falling prey to petty theft and crime. Most areas and attractions of South Africa can be safely visited. However, use common sense, be discreet with expensive camera equipment and jewellery and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking in deserted areas after dark and when driving, always park in a well lit and designated parking area. In you have any doubts, speak to your hosts and ask for their advice on potential areas to avoid.

South African Police Service Emergency Number - Tel: 10111.

Communication

If you have a GSM or dual-band cellphone, you can easily buy a cheap pay-as-you-go Sim card (choose Vodacom or MTN) at the airport or various shops throughout Johannesburg.

If you don’t have a GSM or dual-band cellphone, you can rent a phone at OR Tambo International Airport on arrival in Johannesburg.

Shopping

Johannesburg is a shopper's paradise. From designer boutiques, world-class cuisine to local curios and cozy coffee shops, Johannesburg shopping malls offer superior quality merchandise, entertainment and are unique lifestyle destinations. Major shopping centres and malls are open 7 days a week from 09h00-17h00.

Some of Johannesburg’s best shopping malls are close to the conference centre.

Killarney Mall - www.killarneymall.co.za
Melrose Arch - www.melrosearch.com
Sandton City - www.sandtoncity.com
Mall of Rosebank - www.themallofrosebank.co.za

Johannesburg Night Life and Entertainment

Johannesburg has a vibrant night life catering for all tastes.

www.southafrica.com/bars-and-clubs/johannesburg/

Tipping

As a rule South African restaurants do not include a service charge in the total bill. It is customary to leave a 10% tip for good service, or more for excellent service. At petrol station, petrol attendants will fill your tank for you and will offer to wash your windscreen - a tip of whatever small change you have available is appreciated (R1 or R2). In many areas parking attendants will offer to assist you in parking your car and watching over it while you are away - again, a tip of R2 or so is appreciated.

Driving

A valid driver's permit is required to rent a car in South Africa and all drivers must carry a valid driver's licence at all times of driving. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and driving while talking on a mobile phone is illegal - a hands free kit must be used. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited and strict fines apply. Speeding is strictly enforced with cameras and fines are high.

Bear in mind the following language differences in South Africa - South Africans put petrol in their cars, not gasoline. Trunks are referred to as boots, while hoods are called bonnets. Traffic lights are called robots.

Health & Medical Care

South Africa has excellent health services and doctors with some of the best training in the world. There are adequate hospitals and medical care facilities throughout the country. However, visitors should ensure that they have sufficient funds or medical insurance to cover the fees of private facilities.

Hospitals close to the conference venue:

• Morningside Medi-Clinic, Hill Road, Sandton, Tel: (011) 282-5000 / 24-Hour Emergency Unit: (011) 282-5127.
• Rosebank Clinic, 14 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Tel: (011) 328-0500.

As a rule, the tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as all water has been treated. Hygiene and food preparation are of excellent standards and fresh fruit and vegetables are safe to eat.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa and immunization against cholera and small pox are not required. However, if you are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone, you must be in possession of a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Infants under the age of one year are exempt.

Smoking

South African law prohibits smoking in most public spaces, including airports and railway stations. Most restaurants have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.

Disabled Facilities

Generally speaking many accommodation providers have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Most public buildings cater for wheelchair access and most sports stadiums have areas accessible to wheelchairs. National parks usually have at least one wheelchair accessible chalet or room.

Electricity

South Africa's electricity supply: 220/230 volts AC 50 Hz.

Most plugs have three round pins but some plugs with two smaller pins are also found on appliances. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

International Dialing Code

South Africa’s dialing code is +27 (0) 11 (for Johannesburg) followed by the number.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages - one of them being English. The majority of the population is able to speak and understand English even if it is not their first language. South Africans use a lot of local 'slang' - some of those you are more than likely to come into contact with are listed below:

• Dumelang - Tswana for good morning or hallo.
• Hamba kahle - Xhose for good bye.
• Howzit - A traditional South African greeting meaning "How are you?" or "How are things?"
• Lekker - An Afrikaans word meaning nice. It is often used in association with food, as in: "That meal was lekker."
• Now now - This is not intended to comfort but means shortly, as in: "I will be there now now."
• Rooibos - A popular South African tea made in the Cape. Rooibos is an Afrikaans word meaning "red bush". When people speak of rooibos they are referring to rooibos tea.
• Braai - the South African equivalent of a barbeque where meat is cooked over an open fire. A popular weekend and social pastime.
• Boerewors/Wors - a type of spicy sausage made from beef or lamb. Generally it is quite thick and is cooked on a braai.
• Biltong - Biltong is South African dried meat, a delicacy a bit similar to "beef jerky", just 500% better.

General Tourist Information / Information about South Africa

• www.southafrica.info
• www.tourism.co.za
• www.africasafari.co.za
  
• www.gauteng.net