The hype about South Africa turned me off. Then I went there myself

A first time visit to South Africa dispelled preconceptions for our writer (Picture: Robertson Buckhaven)

South Africa, it turns out, is the Taylor Swift of countries. It transforms people into hardcore, chanting superfans. Have you noticed?

I’ve witnessed many rational people losing the plot over Cape Town.

Their eyes glaze over, they mutter about Table Mountain, its cable car, to-die-for views, killer beaches, legendary surfing and the sacrosanct ritual of the braai (traditional barbecue).

Frankly, that level of unbridled hype doesn’t just turn me o...