Beginner Bonsai

I would like to make either a cherry tree or a type of pine tree into a bonsai.
Which would be easier for a beginner?

Thanks!

In SA, I'd suggest you look into a Casuarina sp. They can look like pines and are probably better adapted to your climate.

Jim gave you the scientific name of a plant family that might do well in your area. The problem with terms like "cherry" or "pine" is that many species are referred to with common, regional names that frequently do not indicate their true species. We have the Pinus family which are "pines" and we have many Australian Pines, Norfolk Island Pines, etc. that are not true pines. The true pines will not like your climate, neither will the true cherries, (Prunus) but we have a lot of plants named cherry that are not.
What I am trying to say is that you may be looking at plants in South Africa called Pines and Cherries, but are really something else.

Well, unfortunately (for the local ecological balance), Monterey Pines and Loblolly pines (and perhaps others) have been widely imported into "suitable habitats" in the Southern Hemisphere, so while Mother Nature in her wisdom put none of the Genus Pinus into the southern hemisphere, man in his arrogance, has put them there. In monocultural abundance.

But Billy is right. Just about any of your native species will do better in a pot in your area than these exotics (to you). I still recommend Casuarina. Here's a picture of a nice Casuarina bonsai from Google images:

Jim

That is NOT a nice tree! It is an AMAZING/BEAUTIFUL tree

Mike

Isn't that tree by Robert Steven?