South Africa has many great sons and daughters who have made invaluable contributions to world culture.

Albert Lutuli was the first black and indeed the first African Nobel Prize winner in 1960. He was the leader of the African National Congress his house arrest prevented him from continuing his duties.

Desmond Tutu is known for his role in the international arena as a staunch opponent of apartheid, using his position as the South African Council of Churches to argue against the segregation. He won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his endeavours.

Nelson Mandela and FW De Klerk were instrumental in negotiating an end apartheid in South Africa. They were both nominated for Nobel Peace Prizes in 1993 and continue their humanitarian work. Together, they ushered in a new democracy for South Africa.

Tutu, Mandela and De Klerk were present for the announcement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making it the first time three Nobel Laureates were present for a FIFA World Cup host country announcement.

Other great South Africans include Christiaan Barnard, who performed the world's first successful heart transplant, and Nobel Prize winner Max Theiler, who produced the vaccine to fight Yellow Fever. In sport, Gary Player is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time.