South Africa - Most Famous Five People

South Africa is brimming with fascinating history

, vibrant cities and stunning geography. Affordable flights and cheap hotels in even its most tourist heavy areas make South Africa an adventurous trip for even those on a tight budget. Whether you end up in Cape Town or the Kruger Park, the place is likely to have a famous alumnus. Here is a little about five of the most famous South Africans.

Sid James

Sid James, the actor made most famous for his role in the Carry On films, may have hit the big time in the UK, but he was born and raised in South Africa. He grew up in Johannesburg and was a lieutenant in an entertainment unit of the South African army, then moved to England after the Second World War. It is unclear which of the countries most nurtured his famous dirty laugh.

Charlize Theron

It is little wonder that this actress from a farm in Benoni gets so much attention, and indeed modelling work, given her incredible looks, but that is not all she has got going for her. Theron is a true acting talent, as she proved with her award-nominated performances in films such as North Country and Young Adult. She became the first South African to win an Academy Award in a major acting category in 2003 for her role in "Monster", which also won her a Golden Globe.

Miriam Makeba

She may not have hit the big time all over the world, but there are few singers more dear to South Africa than Miriam Makeba. Her Johannesburg roots helped her find fame with her song "Pata Pata", but "Mama Africa" achieved far more than a big hit in the music world. She actively campaigned against apartheid which led to her being exiled from South Africa in 1960. Her career flourished, and she toured with the likes of Paul Simon, but eventually was convinced to return to her own country by Nelson Mandela, following his release in 1990.

Desmond Tutu

The first black South African Archbishop of Cape Town was born in the Transvaal and grew up in Johannesburg, though he studied at King's College London in the sixties. As well as being an important religious figure, Tutu was an activist and famous opponent of apartheid in the 1980s. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, and continues to back many campaigns.

Nelson Mandela

Mandela needs no introduction, since his work as an anti-apartheid activist has led him through imprisonment to presidency and to worldwide recognition. He served 27 years in prison on Robben Island, off the coast near Cape Town, and was released in 1990. He was the first South African president to be elected in a fully representative democratic election and was president from 1994 until 1999, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

by: Steve Alexander

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