Strange South African Laws That Actually Exist

Like all countries, South Africa has its fair share of quirky laws. Some make sense once you know the reason behind them, while others just sound plain strange. Here are a few real ones that might surprise you.

Witchcraft Suppression Act (1957)

Yup, this one’s real. It’s actually illegal to call someone a witch or claim you can use magic to hurt others. The law was created to protect people from being accused or attacked because of witchcraft.

Cape Town’s Beach Laws

If you ever plan to visit Cape Town, keep your clothes on in public. Appearing naked or half-dressed in a way that might offend others is against the law. The only place where it’s allowed is Sandy Bay, which is a designated nudist beach.

It is also illegal to remove any sand from any of Cape Town’s beaches. So no taking a bit of sea sand home for a souvenir, you could get a ticket!

No Dyeing Animals

Thinking of giving your puppy a pink makeover? Think again. The Animals Protection Act of 1962 says you can’t dye animals for decoration. So those colourful puppies you’ve seen online? Totally illegal here.

You Can Keep a Crocodile (With a Permit)

Believe it or not, you can own a crocodile in South Africa if you have the right permits. Some provinces allow it, along with other exotic pets like big snakes. It’s not exactly your average pet, but hey, it’s legal.

Strange Traffic Rules That Are Actually True

South African traffic laws have a few weird ones:

• You can’t drive with loose furniture or anything that isn’t properly tied down.

• Letting someone ride in the boot is a big no-no.

• Sticking your elbow out of the car window can count as unsafe driving (sorry, oom Piet).

The Never-Ending TV License Rule

Yup, it’s still a thing. If you own a TV that can pick up a broadcast signal, you need a license for it. Even if you hardly ever watch live TV, the rule still applies.

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Some of these laws might seem funny or old-fashioned, but most of them were made for a reason. Whether it’s about keeping people safe or protecting animals, there’s usually some logic behind the weirdness.