Safety and Security
Despite the country’s reputation, it is generally safe to visit South Africa as a tourist. Like anywhere else in the world, it is wise to use common sense and avoid high-risk areas. We recommend you lock passports, cameras and other valuables in your hotel room safely while not in your room. Should you have any specific concerns you are most welcome to contact the conference organiser for more information.
For more safety tips we recommend the following website: https://wild-wings-safaris.com/blog/safety-tips-for-tourists
Climate
Pretoria enjoys a consistently temperate climate throughout the year, providing a comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike. DESRIST takes place in South Africa’s Autumn. All indoor facilities at Future Africa are temperature controlled. Autumn in Pretoria is characterised by chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and moderately cold evenings.
You can expect very pleasant temperatures during the day in May and June. The average maximum daytime temperature in Pretoria in May and June lies at 20.3°C (68.54°F). The average minimum temperature goes down to around 7.0°C (44.6°F) (the minimum temperature is noted at night).
June and May are dry months with an average of 7mm (0.3 inches) of rain.
Loadshedding
Loadshedding, the conference facilities, and accommodation at Future Africa: Loadshedding is another term for rolling blackouts and power cuts. Please note that Future Africa (FA) has a generator that supplies power to both the FA Conference Centre as well as the accommodation at FA. You may experience a minute of power interruption after which the generator turns on automatically. (Please remember that your mobile phone has a built-in torch). If you are residing elsewhere (not at FA) you can ask your host what type of alternative power source they have in place to make provision for power during load-shedding – most will have alternative power sources.
When will it end: Loadshedding is not expected to be resolved by the time you visit South Africa. Upon your arrival at Future Africa, we recommend you download an app onto your phone that will keep you informed of the “Loadshedding schedule” for the day. Ensure that your telephone and laptop batteries are charged.
What is load-shedding: Load-shedding happens when there’s a huge demand on the national power grid, leading to the interruption of the electricity supply to the country. Loadshedding discontinues the power supply to certain areas, according to a schedule, to allow the power utility to get failed generation units back online. Load-shedding is implemented in stages and depends on the extent of the shortage of electricity generation.
You can download the EskomSePush App from Google Play and the Apple App Store for scheduled times. The area to be selected on the app to get advance notification of the day’s schedule is “Hatfield (6), City of Tshwane”.
Telecommunications
Mobile phones can be rented at all international airports and prepaid airtime can be purchased at most retail outlets. Future Africa offers a wireless connection.
Liability and insurance
Registration for the Conference implies that attendees agree that neither the Local Organizing Committee nor the Professional Conference Organizer assumes any liability or responsibility for any losses, accidents, illness, or damage to a person’s private property. Attendees are required to make their own arrangements for medical, travel, and personal insurance.
Currency and exchange
The South African Rand is the local currency. Major credit cards are accepted and can be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
Electricity/Voltage
In South Africa the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. A kettle and a bar fridge are available in your room at Future Africa – consider bringing your Aeropress or a coffee plunger if you like a good cup of coffee before you get going in the morning.
Time Zone
South African Standard Time (GMT +2)
Water
Tap water is drinkable in Pretoria. Bottled water will be supplied during the conference and you can purchase bottled water at any convenience store – should you wish to do so.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public spaces and is restricted to specific areas.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in South Africa. A 10% gratuity on the bill generally applies in restaurants and is at the discretion of the diner. Restaurants usually do not usually include a tip unless you have reserved a table for 10 or more people.
