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We will try, through these columns, to keep you updated with news about what are arguably the most important global sporting events coming to South Africa. Bookmark us for regular news, updates and ticket information.
2010 FIFA World Cup
 President Kgalema Motlanthe recently acknowledged the World Cup affords South Africa - and the rest of the continent - the best possible chance of countering international perceptions. These, as we all know, are not particularly rosy.
After stating that virtually all the 2010-related projects are nearing completion and saluting the national squad (which is finally showing signs of promise), Motlanthe said the true legacy of the event will be in Africa's ability to showcase South African and African hospitality and humanity. This would, he claimed, change perceptions of this complex land. 'That depends on all of us; and to that we can attach no price,' he added. Enough said.
 With less than 16 months remaining before it hosts the world's biggest single-code sporting event, South Africa has some formidable challenges ahead. These include the looming elections, the crisis in Zimbabwe and crime levels which remain unacceptably high. At the same time, however, the country has been afforded the best possible opportunity to deal with its challenges. If it succeeds, the 2010 World Cup may well be remembered as a catalyst for positive change. As Motlanthe noted, 'the length of time towards attaining a higher trajectory may have been stretched somewhat, but we are not in doubt that that moment will yet come sooner rather than later.' Motlanthe who once famously said he would rather manage Bafana Bafana than serve as President, has recognised the enormity of this event. Every other South African needs to do the same.
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British Lions Tour of South Africa
Given South Africans' legendary hospitality and their propensity to party with a ferocity that is only matched by their rugby forwards, the British and Irish Lions imminent tour should be a memorable occasion for all travellers involved.
The Tests are being played in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg but a large number of Lions' supporters will also be spending some time in the Cape. So, with this in mind, here is a guide to the best pre- and post-Test activities in these four cities:
Cape Town
This is widely regarded as the gastronomic and viticultural centre of the country. So wine tours of neighbouring Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are a compulsory part of any Cape trip.
Recommended tours
The Waterford Estate just outside Stellenbosch town, where you can partake of winemaker Kevin Arnold's chocolate and wine tastings, Gyles Webb's Thelema vineyard at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, and the Welbedacht Estate in Wellington, where the great Springbok flanker Schalk Burger's family runs a lovely estate that has guest accommodation, a cricket pitch and a mountain biking trail.
Recommended Eateries
There are hundreds of excellent restaurants in the Cape area but these are outstanding.
Le Quartier Francais (021 876 2151) has been voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. The Rust en Vrede restaurant (021 881 3881) set in the 300-year-old wine estate of the same name which now produces, exclusively, terrific big reds.
La Colombe (021 794 2390), the award-winning restaurant at Constantia Uitsig, is worthy of a special treat, while the shabby-chic Grand (021 438 4253) in Camps Bay offers a great atmosphere. Two bars to be recommend are The Whisky Bar at The Cape Grace Hotel on the Waterfront and the Planet Bar at the Mount Nelson Hotel on a Friday night.
Activities
Away from food and drink, there is a great deal to do in the Cape. Try a trip by helicopter around the Cape Peninsula - this is a truly magnificent natural landscape and although a coastal road trip is a treat, it is far better viewed by helicopter. Also, a trip to Robben Island should not be missed and a trip up the cable car to the top of Table Mountain won't disappoint. And for adrenalin junkies there is nothing that gets the pulse racing like cage diving with sharks.
Durban (First Test)
A night out in Durban would not be complete without a couple of cold Castle Lagers at Billy the Bum's bar (504 Windermere Road; 031 303 1988). This bustling drinking hole attracts a great mix of Durban's most enthusiastic socialites and is just a stone's throw from the Kings Park Stadium. Its menu includes great steaks, hamburgers and chicken.
For seafood try the Bel Punto Restaurant (Umdloti Centre, South Beach Road, Umdloti Beach; 031 303 1988), situated some 25 minutes up the north coast. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it serves the best seafood in town - fresh prawns, langoustines, crayfish, and line fish. There is also Butcher Boys Grill (031 303 7242) in Morningside, where you can get a superb 12oz rump steak for R95 (£7).
Umhlanga is surely Durban's most scenic area. Situated on the waterfront, this area has undergone massive development, boasting many top-end apartment blocks and is the playground for Durban's bright young things. One bar that is strongly recommended is Cotton Fields (031 561 2744), in the heart of the Umhlanga Village on Lagoon Drive. This bar is a rugby shrine and the place to be the evening before the first Test.
Durban's Point Waterfront area, which once consisted of neglected old fishing stations and warehouse buildings, has been renovated and brought back to its former splendour. Here, the uShaka Marine World aquarium extends into the Cargo Hold restaurant, where you can sit at your table while ragged tooth sharks circle you.
Pretoria (Second Test)
The city is teeming with bars and restaurants. LM in the East (012 348 3359), in Lynnwood, is a great Portuguese restaurant and bar, specialising in seafood and steaks. Crawdaddy's (012 993 1333), part-owned by South African international Victor Matfield, is another good option, serving up similar fare.
For pre- and post-match drinks near the famous Loftus rugby ground, head to the giant Trademarx bar (012 344 5000) complete with 50 screens. During great sporting events the atmosphere is charged and the bars are crowded.
For something other than steak, steak and more steak, try JD Wokit (426 Rodericks Road, St George's Court; 012 365 1318) - its motto "You create, we cook" sums up its wok-inspired menu.
And if you are looking for a wildlife experience on the days before or after the match, head to iZapa, an hour by road from central Pretoria, where an afternoon game drive and a braai (barbecue) is the order of the day.
Johannesburg (Third Test)
Africa's biggest and most prosperous city has plenty of good restaurants and bars, but remains essentially a business city and consequently is not nearly as much fun as Durban or Cape Town. If you are at a loose end you could visit the Apartheid Museum, opposite Gold Reef City, or the moving Hector Pieterson Museum in Soweto. The best theatre and music can be found at the Market Theatre complex, which has four theatre venues, and Kippies, a popular jazz venue.
When in South Africa you have to do as the South Africans do - that is, eat incredible steak - and two Johannesburg restaurants serve the best steaks on the continent.
The Butcher Shop in Mandela Square has a terrific atmosphere but closes relatively early (about 10.45pm). The Local Grill in Parktown North is renowned for serving the finest grain-fed and free-range beef. And for those looking for a lively round of drinks and a bit of food on the side, The Baron Bryanston (011 706 0632) and Bellini's (011 880 9168) in Chaplin Road, Illovo, are favourites of the rugby crowd.
England Test Cricket Tour
 England v South Africa tour itinerary revealed.
Cricket South Africa has announced the schedule for England's tour this winter, which will start on November 7. The tour will open with the two Twenty20 internationals in Johannesburg and Centurion and will be followed by five ODIs in Johannesburg, Centurion, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban - with three under floodlights.
 The four Test matches will begin on December 16 in Centurion followed by the Boxing Day Test in Durban, the New Year Test in Cape Town, with the series concluding with the fourth Test in Johannesburg. The team will return to the UK on January 19.
Hugh Morris, England Cricket managing director, said: "We are grateful to colleagues and friends in South Africa who have worked with us to provide what we believe is an exciting and well balanced tour. "It makes good sense to start with the ODIs given the schedule of cricket that we have in September, October and November 2009."
"The four Test matches are scheduled for iconic grounds of South Africa and I am sure that thousands of England supporters will be looking forward to spending their Christmas and New Year holidays following the team."
 Itinerary for England's tour of South Africa:
- Nov 7: England squad arrives in South Africa
- Nov 10: South Africa A, 20-over tour match, OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein (d/n)
- Nov 13: 1st Standard Bank Pro20 international, Wanderers, Johannesburg (d/n)
- Nov 15: 2nd Standard Bank Pro20 international, SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Nov 17: South Africa A, 50-over tour match, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom (d/n)
- Nov 20: 1st MTN one-day international, Wanderers, Johannesburg (d/n)
- Nov 22: 2nd MTN one-day international, SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Nov 27: 3rd MTN one-day international, Sahara Park, Newlands, Cape Town (d/n)
- Nov 29: 4th MTN one-day international, Sahara Oval, St. George's, Port Elizabeth
- Dec 4: 5th MTN one-day international, Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban (d/n)
- Dec 9-10: SA Airways XI, tour match, Buffalo Park, East London
- Dec 11-12: SA Airways XI, tour match, Buffalo Park, East London
- Dec 16-20: 1st Castle Test, SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Dec 26-30: 2nd Castle Test, Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban
- Jan 3-7: 3rd Castle Test, Sahara Park, Newlands, Cape Town
- Jan 14-18: 4th Castle Test, Wanderers, Johannesburg
- Jan 19: England squad departs
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