South Africa EDIA Resources

• The Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for South Africa states: “Avoid using public minibuses.” Tourists have been mugged and assaulted both onboard and in bus stations. The advisory also states that most passenger rail services should be avoided because of attacks, theft, poor maintenance, and accidents. For safety, Summer Abroad students should use transportation arranged or recommended by the program rather than public minibuses or rail services. Cape Town’s MyCiTi bus system includes some accessibility features, such as level boarding, tactile paving, induction loops, designated wheelchair spaces, and wide station gates. However, students should use the transportation arranged or recommended by the Summer Abroad program unless otherwise advised by program staff. 
• The Summer Abroad Office works with partners, including a travel tours company in South Africa, to plan safe and reliable private transportation for scheduled program activities. Students who take the recommended flight will be greeted by a representative at the airport, who will meet them at the flight arrival area and provide a transfer to the hotel. Students arriving independently should confirm their airport transfer arrangements with the Summer Abroad Office in advance, and will need to find their way independently to the hotel on the date of check-in. The Government of Canada recommends arranging airport transfers in advance and travelling on highways and main roads when leaving Cape Town International Airport.
• If you require transportation accommodations, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator as early as possible, so that we can work with our partner in South Africa to explore whether appropriate transportation arrangements may be available. Accessible vehicles may be limited and may require advance booking, and their availability cannot be guaranteed. Cape Town also operates a Dial-a-Ride service for passengers with disabilities who are unable to use conventional public transportation. However, the service requires an application and assessment, so students should not rely on it for short-term program transportation. 
• The Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory recommends that travellers avoid hailing taxis on the street and use only licensed taxis selected by a reputable hotel or restaurant. Travellers using a ridesharing service should use a trusted application, confirm the driver’s identity and licence plate before entering the vehicle, avoid pickups and drop-offs near taxi stands, and use the application’s ride-sharing or safety features where available.
• Cape Town has varied terrain, including relatively flat and low-lying urban areas, rolling hills, steep slopes, and rugged mountain areas. Routes may include inclines, stairs, curbs, uneven pavement, cobblestones, or unpaved surfaces. These conditions may create barriers for students who use mobility devices, have limited stamina, or experience difficulty walking long distances. Accessibility varies between neighbourhoods, attractions, and field-trip locations. Students should contact the Summer Abroad Office early if they anticipate requiring mobility-related accommodations.
• According to Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, May falls in late autumn and marks the transition toward winter. Climate averages for Cape Town indicate an average May daytime high of approximately 21°C and average relative humidity of approximately 80%. Rain also becomes more frequent as winter approaches. Pack a waterproof jacket, water-resistant footwear, and layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change. Breathable clothing may still be useful on warmer afternoons. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also recommended for outdoor activities.
• Students will stay in a hotel during the program. The specific hotel for the 2027 program has not yet been confirmed, but the accommodation will have air conditioning. Other accessibility features, such as step-free entrances, elevators, accessible bathrooms, roll-in showers, grab bars, and sufficient doorway widths, cannot be confirmed until the hotel has been selected. Students who require an accessible room or specific accommodation features must contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator as early as possible. 
• We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs. 

Departing from Canada  

Sunflower Status  

Canada is a Sunflower-Recognized country. Which means, you can find individuals and organizations across various sectors who are trained to understand the meaning of the sunflower lanyard.  

Airports  

Canada has 27 airports that are sunflower recognized. 

Students based at the University of Toronto are encouraged to visit Pearson Airport for departure. 72 hours before departure, students should visit the airports accessibility webpage and contact their mobility and accessibility customer service for more information regarding specific accessibility support.  

 Airlines  

 There are many airlines that depart or arrive in Canada.  

While we recommend Air Canada and West Jet, students are required to research the best airline for their situation. Summer Abroad has no official partnership with any airline.  

Arriving in South Africa 

Sunflower Status  

South Africa does not have a physical sunflower presence in the country. Which means you may interact with people who are unfamiliar with what the sunflower means.   

That being said, you will still be able to receive accessibility support as you travel abroad. 

Airports  

Students who are travelling to and from South Africa will be able to find the following airports that offer accessibility supports:  

Cape Town International Airport 

Students are encouraged to visit the airport accessibility webpage for more information on specific accessibility supports at least 72 hours before departure. 

  Airlines  

There are many airlines that depart or arrive in South Africa.  

Students are encouraged to check out our Sunflower Recognized Airlines Resources page for more information about the accessibility supports particular airlines offer and best tips.  

For more information check out Hidden Disabilities Airports and Airlines Around the World. 

• Mental health is increasingly recognized in South Africa as both a public health priority and a human rights issue. The country’s Mental Health Care Act No. 17 of 2002 and National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023-2030 establish protections for mental health care users and outline national priorities for improving prevention, treatment, and community-based care. However, the World Health Organization’s South Africa office notes that stigma, discrimination, limited resources, and a gap between the demand for services and their availability continue to affect access to mental health care.
• Perspectives on mental health vary considerably between individuals, communities, and health care providers. Some students may encounter hesitation about discussing mental health openly, misunderstanding of particular conditions, or different expectations about counselling and treatment. These experiences should not be assumed to represent all South Africans or all local health professionals. However, students who rely on regular counselling, medication management, or specialized care should make a support plan before travelling rather than waiting until an urgent need arises.
• If you have an existing or anticipated mental health condition that may affect your participation in a Summer Abroad course, please contact your Accessibility Advisor and the Summer Abroad office as early as possible, ideally before applying. Early planning gives the University and its international partners more time to explore appropriate academic and non-academic supports.
• Students who require disability-related accommodations must register with U of T Accessibility Services and request a tailored Letter of Accommodation for Summer Abroad.
• Summer Abroad students also have access to International SOS services through the University of Toronto, which can assist with locating medical and mental-health professionals abroad and provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support. However, appointments may take time to arrange, and English-language providers may have limited availability. International SOS should therefore be treated as an additional in-country resource rather than a substitute for advance accommodation and continuity-of-care planning.
• If you anticipate ongoing mental-health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor or other healthcare provider before travelling to develop a continuity-of-care plan. Bring an adequate supply of prescribed medication, confirm that it is legal at the destination and consider whether telehealth follow-up is available. For questions about the tailored Letter of Accommodation process, contact summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.

• Section 9 of the Constitution of South Africa prohibits unfair discrimination on grounds that include sex, gender, and sexual orientation. The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act provides additional protections against unfair discrimination and harassment. Same-sex couples can legally enter a marriage or civil partnership under the Civil Union Act 17 of 2006. The Equaldex overview of 2SLGBTQ+ rights in South Africa provides a regularly updated summary of the country’s laws, including marriage rights, discrimination protections, legal gender recognition, and access to gender-affirming care.
• However, the presence of legal protections and an established community does not mean that social acceptance is consistent across the city or throughout South Africa. The Equaldex country profile indicates that public attitudes remain mixed, and individual experiences may vary depending on the setting and people involved.
• Social attitudes vary considerably between individuals and communities, including within Cape Town, smaller towns, townships, religious communities, and different social settings. Students should not assume that a person or community will be either accepting or unaccepting based solely on their location, religion, race, or socioeconomic circumstances. Nonetheless, some students may encounter unfamiliar terminology, misgendering, unwanted questions, negative comments, or different levels of comfort with openly discussing sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 
• Students travelling with a passport containing an “X” gender identifier should complete additional checks before booking travel. The Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for South Africa states that Canada cannot guarantee entry into or transit through another country with an “X” identifier. Some immigration, airline, and travel-booking systems may still require travellers to select either male or female
  • Before purchasing flights, students with an “X” gender identifier should contact the South African High Commission in Ottawa to confirm current entry requirements. They should also check the requirements of their airline and every country through which they will transit. Students are encouraged to share the information they receive with the Summer Abroad Office so that any potential documentation or travel issues can be discussed before departure.
• Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options.  You may also contact the U of T Sexual & Gender Diversity Office via sgdo@utoronto.ca or by phone at (416)946-5624. 

• Many women travellers visit Cape Town every year, without issues. However, it is important to note that it is extremely important to always be aware of your surroundings and take extra pre-cautions. Cape Town does have areas with higher crime rates and for this reason, it is important to avoid walking alone at night, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to popular tourist spots, and dress like a local to blend in an avoid unnecessary attention.
• Emergency contraceptive pills (i.e., Plan B) are available behind the counter and able to purchase without a prescription. The easiest locations include large pharmacies such as Dis-Chem and Clicks. The costs ranges and you may be asked to provide identification, depending on the pharmacy.
• If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”) 

• ·       South Africa is often described as the “Rainbow Nation” because of its racial, cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. Cape Town is also a racially and culturally diverse city rather than a mono-racial society. According to Statistics South Africa’s 2022 Census profile for the Western Cape, the City of Cape Town’s population was identified as approximately 45.7% Black African, 35.0% Coloured, 16.2% white, 1.6% Indian or Asian, and 1.5% other. The census also found that approximately 5.7% of Cape Town residents were born outside South Africa, reflecting the presence of immigrant and diaspora communities.
• Students should be aware that the racial terminology used in South Africa may differ from terminology used in Canada. For example, “Coloured” is an official population-group category used by Statistics South Africa and by some South Africans to describe a specific and diverse community with its own histories and identities. However, the term can be considered outdated or offensive in Canada and other countries. Students should listen to how individuals describe themselves and avoid assigning racial labels to others.
• However, Cape Town remains one of the most unequal and racially segregated cities, due to its colonial and apartheid history. Although apartheid policies were abolished in 1994, the effects of apartheid-era spatial planning remain visible. The City of Cape Town’s Municipal Spatial Development Framework recognizes that historic and apartheid-era development continues to shape the city’s urban form. Race can therefore remain closely connected to differences in income, housing, transportation, neighbourhood infrastructure, and access to employment and other opportunities. Students may observe significant differences between the neighbourhoods and communities they visit during the program. These differences should be understood within their historical and structural context rather than attributed to assumptions about the people who live there.
• Racialized students’ experiences may vary depending on their skin colour, name, accent, nationality, cultural background, and how others perceive them. Some students may encounter curiosity, unfamiliar questions, racial assumptions, stereotyping, or terminology that differs from what they use in Canada. An uncomfortable interaction is not necessarily representative of the attitudes of an entire community, but students should seek support if they experience discrimination or feel unsafe.
• The Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory for South Africa also advises that xenophobic attacks have primarily targeted refugees and immigrants from other African countries and may be accompanied by demonstrations, looting, or violence. Students who may be perceived as immigrants from elsewhere in Africa should be aware of this context, although a short-term Canadian student’s experience may differ from that of a migrant or refugee living in South Africa. Avoid demonstrations and areas affected by unrest, follow the directions of program staff and local authorities, and contact the Summer Abroad Office if you experience or witness a concerning incident. 
• ·       If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO).

• The dominant religion in South Africa is Christianity, however there are other religious communities including Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish populations, encompassing the religious diversity of Cape Town. According to Statistics South Africa’s Cultural Dynamics in South Africa report, 84.5% of the national population identified as Christian in the 2022 Census. Cape Town’s religious landscape reflects the city’s broader cultural diversity, although the size and visibility of particular communities vary by neighbourhood.
• The South African Constitution protects freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, and opinion, and prohibits unfair discrimination on grounds that include religion, conscience, and belief. Multi-faith students can generally practise their religion and access places of worship in Cape Town. However, access may depend on the location of the program hotel, transportation arrangements, service schedules, and the requirements of the individual congregation.
• Cape Town has churches, mosques, synagogues, Hindu temples, Buddhist centres, and other places of worship. The City of Cape Town maintains an open-data map of places of worship, although students should confirm current addresses and service times directly with the relevant congregation. 
• There are several mosques in Cape Town that play an important role in the social and cultural life of its Muslim residents, including Auwal Mosque in the historical Bo-Kaap district, and Masjidul Quds in the suburb of Gatesville. 
• Synagogues include Gardens Shul, home to the first Jewish congregation established in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Students seeking Hindu or Buddhist services can consult organizations such as the Cape Town Hindu Seva Samaj, ISKCON Cape Town, and the Kagyu Samye Dzong Cape Town Tibetan Buddhist Centre. These examples are provided as planning resources and do not represent an endorsement by the University. Students should contact the organization directly to confirm visitor policies, accessibility, service languages, appropriate dress, and current schedules.
• ·       If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience. 

• Cape Town offers a wide selection of halal-certified and halal-friendly dining options that cater to dietary requirements of Muslim residents and visitors. Students can search the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust directory for certified establishments. The South African National Halaal Authority and National Independent Halaal Trust also provide certification information, while Cape Town Tourism’s halal dining guide distinguishes between halal-certified and halal-friendly restaurants. Students who require formally certified food should not assume that “halal-friendly,” “Muslim-friendly,” or a pork-free menu means that the entire kitchen is halal certified. Confirm the restaurant’s certification and food-preparation practices directly.
• For kosher food options in Cape Town, students can use Kosher SA’s searchable directory to locate certified restaurants, caterers, grocery stores, and other food services. Kosher SA is the South African certification organization responsible for supervising kosher products and food services and maintains an office in Cape Town. Kosher dining options are available, but they may be more limited than general, vegetarian, or halal options, and opening hours or services may change around Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Students should verify current certification, hours, and advance-order requirements directly with the establishment.
• Cape Town also has vegetarian- and vegan-friendly food options, with grocery stores often having vegetarian and vegan products. The official Cape Town Tourism Vegetarian Food Guide identifies plant-based restaurants and menu options across the city. HappyCow can also be used as a supplementary, community-generated resource, but students should confirm that listings and operating hours remain current.
• Students with halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, allergy-related, or other dietary requirements should disclose them through the appropriate Summer Abroad process before departure. The program and local partner can share these requirements with the hotel and planned meal providers, but students may still need to ask questions about ingredients, certification, shared kitchens, utensils, and cross-contact. The availability of a suitable menu item does not necessarily mean that a kitchen can safely accommodate a severe food allergy or strict religious preparation requirement.