South Africa South Africa is the most economically developed state in Africa. The population is three quarters black Africans, 13% white, 9% mixed race, and 2.5% Asian. Inland from its almost 3,000 kilometre long coastline, the country rises high above sea level. Towards the northwest it plateaus and forms the Kalahari basin, whereas in the east it rises in the Drakensberg Highlands to 3,000 metres. In the coastal areas of the east and south, great grassy plains cover the plateau. On South Africa’s west coast there are gorse-like shrubs, which the bushmen have used for centuries to brew a kind of tea. Rooibos (red bush in Afrikaans) is what the native people call this shrub, which stands upright and has shoots up to 10mm long. When the shrub dies it turns a fiery red colour – hence the name. It has been cultivated since 1954 and has become increasingly popular in Europe, too. In the mountainous areas in the south of the country, it is possible to find a yellowish green bush in shady locations, which immerses the whole of the surroundings in a subtle aroma of honey. In late summer, a delicious drink is made from the leaves, flowers, and stems. This is the well-known Honeybush tea. Both varieties, Rooibos and Honeybush, contain a whole number of important ingredients as well as being caffeine free. Orthodox and CTC teas are also made for local consumption in South Africa, but these are of no significance here.