Arts & Culture

South Africa has a rich literary history.

In terms of quantity, the literary output is relatively modest. However, in terms of its quality, influence and reach, South African literature has an important place in the world.

Though fiction is written in all of the country’s eleven official languages, most literary works are in English and Afrikaans. Out of 576 fiction titles of new and subsequent editions published in 2007, 444 were in Afrikaans, 84 in English, and the reminder in one of the African languages. ... more

In Africa, music is inseparable from dance and the costumes, and everything is linked to the communities themselves.

Both the music and the dance in South Africa are a mixture of local and imported forms, with varying degrees of hybridisation. The result is a unique, unmistakeable flavour of the country. ... more

The theatre, film and television sectors are becoming more and more interwoven, with the creative talent and digital technologies moving from one medium to another.

Here is a glance at the three disciplines in South Africa.

Theatre ... more

South African contemporary art scene is diverse and encompasses both the legacy of both European and African traditions.

The country has numerous art galleries.

South African National Gallery, Cape Town, has a permanent collection that spans from the colonial to the contemporary times, with its first works acquired in 1871. ... more

South African crafts are exported all over the world and have come to symbolize the very essence of South Africa. No tourist experience is complete without a spear, shield, woven basket, drum or mask acquired on one of the numerous African Crafts markets. ... more