I know it is still an impoverished country but compared to other african countries it seems much more civilized and developed.
But even more than that it seems like it is much more culturally prominent than other african countries. I never hear about Ghana in casual conversation but I feel like I hear about South Africa more regularly. It has had major historical figures, movies have been set there, people want to travel there. It just seems like it is more out there than the rest of Africa.
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I think there are a few factors.
Historically, the Cape of Good Hope was a vital stop on shipping routes. The Dutch East India Company had a major presence at the Cape for that purpose. The Cape has always been a key strategic stop for shipping.
Because of the influence of colonialism, South Africans participate in many sports that are popular worldwode and have, to varying degrees, made a big impact internationally. So that may draw spotlight to the country from those activities.
Also, the impact of Apartheid is major. Apartheid drew massive amounts of negative attention (rightly so) and put the human rights abuses perpetrated by the National Party government in the world spotlight. The world had an interest in the abolition of Apartheid and, I think, continues to have an interest in the socio-economic progress South Africa has made / is still trying to make because of the international knowlefge of Apartheid.
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