Final Field Program - University of Virginia

CAP58 SOUTH AFRICAN DECISION MAKING: NATIONAL PARLIAMENT TOUR (0830-1115
Friday, 08 October) Minimum 16/Maximum 16 (PRICE: $39)
[FDP: TOSCANO]
The city of Cape Town, though not the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa‘s National Parliament.
While the seat of government is in the administrative capital of Pretoria, Cape Town is the legislative capital
Completed in 1885, the parliament building itself, which also houses the Library of Parliament, is admired for its
central dome and Corinthian porticos and pavilions. Opposite the Library is the imposing façade of the Houses of
Parliament. The original building, in which parliamentary sittings were first held in 1814, has been much altered
and extended since then. Here the South African Parliament meets between the end of January and the end of
June; during the rest of the year it meets in Pretoria. Its debates are open to the public.
Due to the building‘s location in the uppermost corner of the Company Gardens, with its entrance on Parliament
Street, it is not unusual for locals and visitors alike to encounter members of Parliament in coffee shops or
restaurants in the surrounding areas; and journalists use this locale to scout for news. It is from here that the
President gives his State of the Nation Address following the opening of Parliament.
A tour of this compound will acquaint participants with South Africa's recent history and its political system. The
tour includes visits to the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and the old apartheid-era
assembly which is now only used for caucus and committee meetings. Please note: This day trip requires a
manifest and each participant to carry his/her passport; therefore, participants cannot sell or exchange tickets. All
participants are further required to undergo a security check upon entrance to the building. In addition, cameras
are only allowed in certain sections of the building. Video Cameras are not allowed.
CAP59 STELLENBOSCH & WINELANDS (0830-1300 Friday, 08 October) Minimum 30/Maximum 40
(PRICE: $45)
Depart the quayside and travel to Stellenbosch, named after its founder, Governor Simon van der Stel who discovered
the broad fertile valley of the Eerste River in 1680. Today Stellenbosch is a major university town, characterized by
Cape Dutch-style architecture and streets lined with oak trees, some of which have been declared national
monuments.
Enjoy an orientation drive through Stellenbosch, after which
you will have an hour at leisure to explore the town own
your own. Pay a visit to the Stellenbosch Museum, which
comprises four different houses depicting different eras –
Schreuder House, 1709; Bletterman House, 1788;
Grosvenor House, 1800 to 1830 and the OM Bergh House,
1850.
After this visit, stop at one of the wine estates in the
Stellenbosch area where you will enjoy a wine tasting and
gain a glimpse of the fascinating skills practiced in the
cellar. Return to Cape Town harbor along the N2 national
road.
South Africa Field Program – page 31