Information for delegates

Transport 

 Available transport during the conference  

  • Workshops presented at Stellenbosch University Library on 12 June: Transport is offered from the Lord Charles Hotel to Stellenbosch University for all delegates attending the Master the Figshare API and Upgrade to DSpace7 workshops. This includes delegates who are staying at the Lord Charles Hotel and in other accommodation in Somerset West and the Strand. Please be ready to depart from the Lord Charles Hotel at 08:30. The Co-chairs for Workshops will be in touch to arrange this. 
  • Welcome reception: Transport will be provided from the Lord Charles Hotel to Stellenbosch University’s Endler Hall. The buses will depart at 17:30/17:40, just after the end of the last session of the day. You have already indicated whether you need transport during the registration process. 
  • Conference Gala Dinner at Neethlingshof Wine Farm: Transport will be provided from the Lord Charles Hotel and from central Stellenbosch. The buses from the Lord Charles Hotel will depart at about 18:30. The buses which will leave from central Stellenbosch will also depart at 18:30. The exact point of departure will be communicated before the time. You have already indicated whether you need transport during the registration process. You will receive communication to indicate your preferred departure location.

Airport transfers   

Transfers from Cape Town International Airport to the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West or to Stellenbosch or any other lodging. Please note that your guesthouse or hotel will be able to assist with advice on transport options in the specific area.  

Herewith are a few recommendations: 

Transport to the Conference venue  

If you do not stay at the Lord Charles Hotel, you will need to use your own transport to the conference venue. Please note that your guesthouse or hotel will be able to assist with advice on transport options in the specific area.  

Herewith are a few recommendations: 

  • Uber (Approximately ZAR 150 from Stellenbosch to the Lord Charles Hotel) 
  • Shuttles: 
    See the above list of shuttles

Social events 

Welcome Reception
13 June, 18:00 for 18:30 until 20:30/09:00
Dress code: Smart Casual
Endler Hall, Conservatorium, Stellenbosch University
c/o Victoria St & Neethling Street, Stellenbosch
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/aQ7ZyiZiJPomvMaL8?coh=178572&entry=tt
(Transport will be offered from the Lord Charles Hotel for those who have indicated that they need transport)
The South African National Youth Choir will perform during the event.

Conference Gala Dinner
14 June, 19:00 until 22:00
Dress code: Smart Casual
Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/DRJ2UNWW83P43gKy9?coh=178572&entry=tt 
(Transport will be offered from the Lord Charles Hotel and central Stellenbosch, for those who have indicated that they need transport)
The dinner will be in the form of a traditional South African barbeque (braai).

Conference Venue:  

Please refer to the Venue and Accommodation page. Safe parking is available at the venue. 
Dedicated Wi-Fi will be available for conference delegates. 
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/HXPHCuNgCvrMJ9mP6?coh=178572&entry=tt  

Charging stations will be available in the conference venue for the duration of the conference. Please remember to bring your own charging device converter (in South Africa the power plug sockets are of type D, M and N). You will also need these charging device converters at your hotel or guesthouse.
Most plug sockets in the walls look like this: 

South Africa: Currency, Time Zone 

Currency: The South African rand (ZAR) is the national currency of the country of South Africa, with the symbol ZAR being the currency abbreviation for the rand in foreign exchange markets. The South African rand is made up of 100 cents and is often presented with the symbol R.  

The exchange rate on 25 May:  

1 USD = 19.67 ZAR
1 EUR = 21.10 ZAR 

Time zone:  South African Standard Time (SAST) = GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +2 

Weather 

The temperatures in Stellenbosch and Somerset West area are typically low in June and can range between 10°C and 22°C. Unfortunately, the weather looks particularly rainy and cold for this week. See more here.

 Twitter hashtag 

Use the Twitter hashtag, #openrepos2023, before and during the conference. 

 Stellenbosch and Winelands 

Read more about tourism and what to do in the Stellenbosch and Somerset West areas: 

https://www.visitstellenbosch.org/
https://www.capetown.travel/travel-like-a-local-your-neighbourhood-guide-to-somerset-west/  

Covid-19

All regulations in South Africa regarding Covid-19 were lifted in June 2022. Therefore it is currently not mandated to wear masks, there are no limitations on gatherings and it is not needed to have proof of vaccination or PCR negative tests at Ports of Entry.