Community Engagement and Internationalisation

Pre-Arrival Information

Climate

The Eastern Cape Province, where WSU is located, lies between the subtropical conditions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Mediterranean conditions of the Western Cape.

The climate around this region varies considerably but has year-round holiday weather. The coastal region experience long, hot, balmy conditions and high rainfall, while its inland experience long hot summer months and moderate winters.

Summers are 16ºC to 31ºC of temperate and in winter, temperatures range from 12ºC to 26ºC except for Mthatha some winter days could be as cold as 5ºC.


South African Currency

The South African currency is Rand (ZAR).

When you arrive in South Africa, it is better you bring your money in a traveller’s cheque that can be cashed at most of the South African banks.

South Africa has many banks. The well-known banks used by WSU students and staff are First National Bank, Standard Bank, Nedbank and ABSA.

In South Africa, most retail outlets accept all major credit cards.


Transport

The following means of transport are commonly used by students:

Travel by bus

Translux 0861 589 282

City to City 0861 589 282

Travel by train

Shosholoza Meyl, Telephone 086 000 8888

Travel by air

Flysafair, Telephone 087 357 0030