A very warm welcome to our newsletter 'Lekker Living in South Africa'.

Our newsletter will keep you up-to-date with the latest news, tips and insights to embrace life in South Africa, this beautiful country!

Please spread the word and share this newsletter with your friends and family to tell them about this awesome country and its amazing people.

This is what you will find in this newsletter:

* Learn the Lingo: 'second skins' and 'slip slops'

* Fun Things to Do: Award-winning South African beaches

* Places to Visit: Umhlanga Beach

* What's in the News: Unabridged Birth Certificates

* Get inspired: Choices, Hopes and Tolerance

* What are 'slip slops'? This slang word refers to light sandals typically made of plastic or rubber, with a thong between the big and the second toe. Also called 'flip-flops', this form of footwear is popular in summer months and widely worn on the beach and in casual environments. More formal sandals or shoes, however, are required to be worn in offices, in workshops or when dining in restaurants.

Where are the Blue Flag Beaches in South Africa? Read more here.

* Visit the Cherry Festival: The annual Cherry Festival in Ficksburg in the Free State province is known for being one of the biggest cherry festivals in the world. The Cherry Jazz Festival in particular, which takes place on 15 November, showcases some great local and international talent is worth a visit.

Check out our new event calendar for other great South African festivals in November

* Hike up Table Mountain: Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain offers a spectacular hike with awesome views across Table Bay. The Platteklip Gorge route leads past awe-inspiring viewpoints and along refreshing waterfalls. A great hike on a sunny day, but always be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Umhlanga and the surrounding coastal towns are certainly worth a relaxing beach break even if only for a day-trip or weekend. The north coast is dotted with many scenic seaside resorts, from quaint Umdloti to upmarket Ballito with its amazing and luxurious Zimbali Resort. The beaches along the northern coast line are protected with shark nets, have life guards and offer good surfing, body boarding and fishing.

During the South African summer holidays from mid December to mid January, Umhlanga has a huge influx of holidaymakers. The small town buzzes with seaside activities and many entertainment options. So remember to book now for accommodation if you want to stay in the area for the holiday season.

Read more about great South African beaches here.

* Economy: The prime lending rate remains unchanged in October at 9.25%. The unemployment rate is 25.4% in the third quarter of 2014. The inflation rate has decreased to 5.9% (October 2014), and is again in the target range of 3%-6%. The Kagiso Purchasing Manager's Index which measures expansion in the manufacturing sector stands at its best level since November 2013.

* Housing: Albeit slower than expected, the prices on the housing market are still increasing. The year-on-year gains range at 5.9% and the solid housing market is describes as being in a 'very balanced situation' (FNB house price index October 2014).

* Travel with Children: For travel out of or into South Africa, all children will need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. The new regulation will be enforced on 1 June 2015. Remember this affects everybody, tourists, visitors, expats as well as South Africans. So if you are not in possession of an unabridged birth certificate for your child and plan to travel in the foreseeable future, apply for this document as soon as possible. South Africans need to apply at the Department of Home Affairs. Expats and foreigners will need to apply in their home countries. The local embassies and consulates will be able to advise on where to obtain an unabridged birth certificate for your child.

For more information regarding the immigration regulations click here.

'May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears' (Nelson Mandela)

Overcoming your fears and worries is not easy when relocating and experiencing culture shock. Practice patience and tolerance with yourself and others and you will deal with any culture shock experience more successfully. Do not be afraid to embrace the unknown, exercise caution and hope, and ask for help when needed. Join a group and share interests and experience to ensure your stay in South Africa will is a fulfilling one.

16 November is the International Day for Tolerance. Established by the UN in 1995 on this day, all are asked to create awareness for tolerance. The vicious circle of mistrust and violence which creates intolerance of others can be broken by learning to accept people of different cultures, creating awareness of our diversity and promoting the African spirit of 'ubuntu'. Let's share the vision that South Africa is one nation where people of so many diverse backgrounds and cultures can live together in harmony.

Make sure you join our Facebook forum 'Living in South Africa' for regular updates and to share insights and tips on moving to and living in South Africa with other like-minded people.

In our forum, on the blog and website, you will find many tips and news on happenings and events for expats and all who want to embrace life in South Africa. We welcome your information and comments and look forward to hearing from you!

Interested in our new book? To order your copy of our book, simply drop us a line on the order form.

All the best wishes and enjoy life wherever you are,

Regina and Derryn