People
Nelson Mandela
Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
After 27 years in prison he led South Africa's transition away from apartheid and became its first Black president in 1994.
Lived: 1918–2013 · Known for: Anti-apartheid leader
South Africa: leaders, famous people, culture and history
9 places on the atlas covering people, history, language, culture, folklore and crafts. Highlights include Nelson Mandela, Robben Island, Zulu (isiZulu) and Ubuntu philosophy.
See South Africa on the map Etiquette guide
What is on the atlas
- People Nelson Mandela, Trevor Noah and Miriam Makeba
- History Robben Island
- Language Zulu (isiZulu)
- Culture Ubuntu philosophy and Braai
- Folklore Isicathamiya
- Crafts Zulu beadwork
Who leads South Africa?
| President (head of state and government) | Cyril Ramaphosa |
|---|
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check South Africa’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from South Africa
- Nelson Mandela anti-apartheid leader and president
- Desmond Tutu archbishop and campaigner
- Miriam Makeba singer
- Steve Biko anti-apartheid activist
- Nadine Gordimer Nobel-winning writer
- Shaka Zulu king of the Zulu
- Albert Luthuli Nobel Peace Prize laureate
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
Etiquette tips for South Africa
- Greeting Handshakes are common, often with a warm 'Hello, how are you?'. Greeting people before asking for something matters.
- Dining A braai (barbecue) is a social event. Bring a drink to share if invited.
- Talk Be sensitive about the country's history. Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants.
All etiquette tips for South Africa
People in South Africa
People
Trevor Noah
Johannesburg, South Africa
He grew up in apartheid-era South Africa, became a stand-up star, and hosted The Daily Show in the United States for seven years.
Born: 1984 · Known for: Comedian and writer
People
Miriam Makeba
Johannesburg, South Africa
Known as Mama Africa, she brought South African music to the world and spoke out against apartheid, spending decades in exile.
Lived: 1932–2008 · Known for: Singer and activist
History in South Africa
History
Robben Island
Cape Town, South Africa
An island used as a prison, notably for political prisoners. Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison here.
Period: 17th–20th century
Language in South Africa
Language
Zulu (isiZulu)
Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The most widely spoken home language in South Africa. It uses click sounds borrowed from neighbouring languages, and 'Sawubona' means 'I see you'.
Say hello: Sawubona · Script: Latin
Culture in South Africa
Culture
Ubuntu philosophy
Johannesburg, South Africa
A Nguni Bantu idea that a person becomes a person through other people, often summarised as shared humanity. It has influenced South African public life.
Idea: I am because we are
Culture
Braai
Cape Town, South Africa
A braai is a barbecue with friends and family, often with boerewors sausage and lamb chops, and treated as a social gathering as much as a way to cook.
Tradition: Social barbecue
Folklore in South Africa
Folklore
Isicathamiya
Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
A harmony singing style that grew among Zulu migrant workers, made globally famous by groups such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Kind: A cappella singing
Crafts in South Africa
Crafts
Zulu beadwork
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Colourful beaded pieces carry messages through patterns and colour combinations, and are worn in ceremonies and at weddings.
Craft: Beaded messages
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead South Africa today, a short selection of well-known people from South Africa, and the 9 places pinned for South Africa on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see South Africa on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the people page, history page, language page, culture page, folklore page and crafts page.
Questions about South Africa
Who is the leader of South Africa?
As of July 2026: President (head of state and government): Cyril Ramaphosa. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from South Africa?
Well-known people connected with South Africa include Nelson Mandela (anti-apartheid leader and president), Desmond Tutu (archbishop and campaigner), Miriam Makeba (singer), Steve Biko (anti-apartheid activist) and Nadine Gordimer (Nobel-winning writer).
Which famous people from South Africa are pinned on the atlas?
People pinned for South Africa include Nelson Mandela, Trevor Noah and Miriam Makeba. Open the map to read a short summary of each.
What are important historical places in South Africa?
Historical places in South Africa on the atlas include Robben Island. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What languages and scripts is South Africa known for?
Language entries for South Africa on the atlas include Zulu (isiZulu). Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What traditional crafts is South Africa known for?
Traditional crafts from South Africa on the atlas include Zulu beadwork. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What food and customs is South Africa known for?
Food and customs from South Africa on the atlas include Ubuntu philosophy and Braai. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What folklore and music does South Africa have?
Folklore and music from South Africa on the atlas include Isicathamiya. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore South Africa on the map?
Choose See South Africa on the map above, or search for South Africa on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.
What etiquette should visitors know in South Africa?
Greeting: Handshakes are common, often with a warm 'Hello, how are you?'. Greeting people before asking for something matters. Dining: A braai (barbecue) is a social event. Bring a drink to share if invited. These are general customs, not legal advice.