Influence of Sports in South Africa
Influence of Sports in South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, surrounded by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. About a quarter of the population is unemployed and lives on less than US$ 1.25 a day. South Africa achieved the status of a republic in 1961. Due to European influences a lot of discriminative laws where in effect until 1990. After many protests and the rebellion of more black South Africans, negotiations began and democratic elections where finally held in 1994. Africa is known for their diversity in cultures, languages, ethnicity, and religious beliefs. There are eleven official languages that are recognized in the constitution. English is the most commonly spoken language in the public, however, it is only the fifth most-spoken language used in homes. South Africa contains the largest European, Indian, and racially mixed communities in Africa. Although 79.5% of the South African population is Black, the people are from a variety of ethnic groups speaking different Bantu languages. There are estimated to be 513 different types of Bantu languages in the regions commonly known as central Africa, east Africa, and southern Africa. Nine of these are considered an official language. South Africa is a sports crazy nation with its most popular sports being football (soccer), rugby, and cricket. International matches and big local matches are full of intensity from not only the athletes but the fans. Watching videos online, you can really begin to see the passion, heart, and emotion that take place at these venues. Sports in South Africa were not always this passionate though. During the Apartheid era, racially segregated sport was a highly discussed issue. Basil D’Oliviera, one of South Africa’s prominent cricket players, was disqualified from local first class cricket play on the grounds of race. D 'Oliviera went to live in England in 1960, becoming one of the stars
The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, surrounded by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. About a quarter of the population is unemployed and lives on less than US$ 1.25 a day. South Africa achieved the status of a republic in 1961. Due to European influences a lot of discriminative laws where in effect until 1990. After many protests and the rebellion of more black South Africans, negotiations began and democratic elections where finally held in 1994. Africa is known for their diversity in cultures, languages, ethnicity, and religious beliefs. There are eleven official languages that are recognized in the constitution. English is the most commonly spoken language in the public, however, it is only the fifth most-spoken language used in homes. South Africa contains the largest European, Indian, and racially mixed communities in Africa. Although 79.5% of the South African population is Black, the people are from a variety of ethnic groups speaking different Bantu languages. There are estimated to be 513 different types of Bantu languages in the regions commonly known as central Africa, east Africa, and southern Africa. Nine of these are considered an official language. South Africa is a sports crazy nation with its most popular sports being football (soccer), rugby, and cricket. International matches and big local matches are full of intensity from not only the athletes but the fans. Watching videos online, you can really begin to see the passion, heart, and emotion that take place at these venues. Sports in South Africa were not always this passionate though. During the Apartheid era, racially segregated sport was a highly discussed issue. Basil D’Oliviera, one of South Africa’s prominent cricket players, was disqualified from local first class cricket play on the grounds of race. D 'Oliviera went to live in England in 1960, becoming one of the stars
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