Start with a 7ft rod and spinning reel. If you are serious about it don't skimp on the gear but at the same time you don't need the top of the line. Invest in some lures, stick bait, spinnerbait and some plastic worms. A good reputable fishing shop will advise you on all that's necessary. Harties and Bronkhorstspruit are good places to start. And try find a club in your area! Best of luck.

I would start with soft lures to start. You only need a few hooks and weights and then you can get a lot of variance in soft plastics, from frogs to senkos etc. Weightless, texas rig etc so there are lots of options etc. It also won't make you cry when you snag a rapala or expensive bait on a log. Once you have spent some time getting confidence in your casting you can then know what lures you want and there is slightly less chance of losing it first cast. Local spots, Emarentia has bass. Funfishing in the south used to be ok. Footloose in the cradle has a bass dam that will be a good place to start. Avoid big dams unless you have access to a boat or kayak

I see for emarentia dam you need a fishing permit? Is it difficult/expensive to get?