Airports
Previously known as the Johannesburg International Airport, the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) of today is a modern complex with some 60 different airlines and a total of six terminals. OR Tambo is currently the busiest airport in the whole of Africa and lies roughly 22 km / 14 miles east of central Johannesburg and next to Alberton, Brakpan, Germiston and Kempton Park.
Coach Transfers and Transport
For those qualifying for levels 2,3 and Profit Sharing, Forever will provide buses for the transfer from the airports to the hotels on Thursday, transfers to the venue for the Rally on Friday and Saturday (return trip) and the return to the airport on Sunday.
Those qualified for level 1 and non-qualifiers will have to make their own transfer arrangements.
Getting Around Johannesburg
Bus
Public transport in Johannesburg is provided by city buses and informal minibus services. Bus (other than the feeder buses attached to the Gautrain system) is not a viable option if you are a foreign tourist/business visitor unfamiliar with South Africa. Large blue city buses run up and down the main roads and mini buses can be flagged down on the side of the street although they are not the best mode of transport as they are unreliable and often associated with crime. These should not be used unless you are very familiar with the way of life in South Africa and the basic geography of Johannesburg.
Taxi
Foreigners should use only normal sedan taxis (metered or fixed-price taxes that transport only you and your travel partners) and not shared minibus taxis. Taxis are very rare in Johannesburg and available only at the airport and some areas of Sandton and the city centre. Unless you are visiting for a very short time, it would be worth your while to rent a car.
In general all the taxi operators collude with one another and fix prices so taxis are not cheap or metered. Haggling is usual so it is best to agree a price when you phone. Do not rely on taxi ranks in shopping malls as often there are none. Always have a few taxi telephone numbers and cash with you so you avoid being stranded anywhere.
Food at the Rally Venue
There will be catering points at Sun City, which will be selling sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea etc.
Rally Tickets
Tickets to the Rally are for two days, the Friday and Saturday during the Rally weekend. Without the appropriate ticket you will not be allowed into the Rally venue.
Onstage Recognitions
To help ensure that Rally timings go as smoothly as possible, it is requested that country office staff and Managing Directors help to ensure that the onstage recognitions are attended by the correct qualifiers and move-ups. A list will be provided in advance of these names and it is kindly requested that this list is respected. Additionally, each move-up will be issued with a ‘Recognition Wristband’ that will allow him/her to get backstage at the correct time.
Level 1 Qualifiers Registration
Level 1 Qualifiers should enter the Rally venue with the corresponding ticket and register to pick up the goody bag and accreditations in the appropriate place. This registration point will be clearly signposted at the venue.
Level 2, 3 and Profit Share Qualifier Registration
At the hotels there will be a Forever help-desk set up, where attendees can register and pick up their goody bag and accreditations.
Upon checking-in at any of the qualifier hotels, you must provide a credit card or pay cash to cover any extra charges that maybe generated throughout your stay at the hotels. There will be no exception to this and qualifiers should be prepared.
Climate
Johannesburg features a Subtropical highland climate. The city enjoys a dry, sunny climate with late afternoon thundershowers in the summer months of October to April. Temperatures in Johannesburg are usually fairly mild due to the city's high altitude, with the average maximum daytime temperature in January of 25.6 °C (78.1 °F), dropping to an average maximum of around 16 °C (61 °F) in June. Winter is the sunniest time of the year, with mild days and cool nights, dropping to 4.1 °C (39.4 °F) in June and July. The temperature occasionally drops to below freezing at night, causing frost. Snow is a rare occurrence, with snowfall having been experienced in May 1956, August 1962, June 1964, September 1981 and August 2006 (light). Snow fell again on 27 June 2007, accumulating up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in the southern suburbs. Regular cold fronts pass over in winter bringing very cold southerly winds but usually clear skies. The annual average rainfall is 713 millimetres (28.1 in), which is mostly concentrated in the summer months. Infrequent showers occur through the course of the winter months.
Translation at the Rally
The rally will be presented mainly in English. Anyone requiring simultaneous translation into French can use the headsets that will be provided. To use the headsets, you will need to leave a deposit, which will be given back to you when you return the headsets at the end of each day. It is most important that they are returned at the end of each day for cleaning and recharging.
Travel Visas
Countries requiring visas to enter South Africa should send lists with their qualifiers details as soon as possible, with the requirements for each country.
Applications for invitation letters from the Forever South Africa office are dealt with at the main Forever office in each country, they should not be applied for individually.
Children at the Rally
It is not recommended that children accompany Distributors to the rally as the environment and noise levels are not appropriate. However, any children who do come into the rally venue will require their own ticket. Companions to qualifying single distributors must be 18 or older.