I found a South African Minecraft server that people say is the number 1 voted.
It supports both Java and Bedrock so you can join on either version and still be part of the same community.
If you want a local server vibe and an easy place to jump in and play this one looks like it is made for that.
South Africas Top Voted Minecraft Server
builders welcome herecasual multiplayer hangoutcrossplay java bedrockpvp optional funsouth africa ping
GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPGoblin SMP Straightforward Vanilla Survival
I found Goblin SMP and it is a simple survival server that is made for long term play. It feels like a place where people actually build and stick around.
The world is huge with a 500000 by 500000 border and it expands every month so new land keeps showing up over time. That makes exploring feel worth it and you can still claim a good spot early.
The gameplay stays clean and focused. It is player driven survival with building exploration and community stuff.
They are strict about playing fair. No xray or esp or hacked clients and no exploiting or trying to lag the server. You are supposed to respect other players and not ruin the experience.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP