Greetings
Greetings are essential in South African culture as they are used to show respect for one another. Greetings can range from handshakes to hugs, depending on the relationship between the two people. However, handshakes and embraces are the most commonly used forms of greeting, with the left hand being used to shake and hug.
South African etiquette also encourages people to maintain eye contact while greeting one another, which shows respect.
Handshakes
In South Africa, handshakes are the most common form of greeting between men. A handshake should be firm but not too aggressive. When shaking hands with a member of the opposite sex, it is always considered polite to wait for the other person to extend their hand first.
Upon departing, a light hug is a common way of saying goodbye between close friends.
When meeting someone for the first time, address them by their title and surname until they ask you to use their first name – usually during repeat meetings – when they will introduce themselves. It is also customary when being introduced to state your full name before shaking hands with each person present in turn. Shaking hands before meals and drinks are also expected among friends to show interest and respect in conversing together soon afterward.
Some South African communities also give greeting handshakes that are different from the average Western-style handshake, so familiarize yourself with these before traveling there if possible so as not to be caught off guard or offend someone while exchanging pleasantries.
Eye Contact
When greeting someone in South Africa, it’s important to look them in the eye and smile. Eye contact is important and conveys respect, interest, and confidence. However, it is considered rude not to look someone in the eye when speaking or being too aggressive with eye contact, so it is crucial to maintain a comfortable level. Men generally tend to give more direct eye contact than women, which should be considered. During conversations with multiple people, the speaker should alternate between looking at each person as they speak.
No standard handshake is practiced in greeting someone, so you should wait for the other person to indicate how they wish to welcome you – they may shake your hand or use both hands if they want to. A traditional African courtesy greeting that includes:
- Hugs
- Handshakes
- A kiss on the right cheek
Can also be expected when meeting family or close friends.
Language
In South Africa, 11 official languages are spoken. These include African languages like IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana, and English. English is the most widely spoken language used in business and government communication.
Knowing the language and customs of the culture is essential when visiting South Africa.
Official Languages
South Africa is a multilingual nation that recognizes 11 official languages: IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sesotho sa Leboa/Northern Sotho, Setswana/Tswana, Sesotho/Southern Sotho, Afrikaans, Venda, English, Xitsonga/Tsonga, IsiNdebele and SiSwati.
English is the most commonly spoken language and therefore serves as a common medium of understanding across South African cities. It’s estimated that 86 percent of households speak English as their home language. It’s also the preferred choice of businesses when conducting negotiations or conveying information in public documents.
The remaining key languages are known as African languages and represent the country’s cultural diversity. IsiZulu is the most widely spoken African language in South Africa; it’s been estimated that 20 percent of households speak it regularly at home. Popular African languages include Xhosa (17 percent) and Afrikaans (13 percent).
This cultural and linguistic landscape makes South Africa one of the most culturally diverse countries globally – adding even more to its unique charm!
Commonly Spoken Languages
South Africa has 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Each language is an official national language; however, English is the most commonly spoken language and the primary medium of instruction in schools.
In addition to the 11 official languages spoken around South Africa, two other main languages are used by specific communities. These two languages are Israeli Sign Language (ISL) and South African Sign Language (SASL). Both languages are officially recognized as part of South African culture by The Constitution Act.
In most parts of South Africa, English is a widely-spoken language, but many South Africans also express themselves in their native tongue due to ancestral ties or tribal pride. For example, 30% of the country’s population speaks primarily Afrikaans, the former language spoken during Apartheid rule in South Africa between 1948 and 1994.
Apart from the 11 national languages and two sign languages mentioned above, more than 70 other indigenous languages have been identified as being spoken throughout some areas of the country. However, it is worth noting that some are struggling for recognition due to a lack of resources or usage.
Dress
Appropriate dress is essential when visiting South Africa, as it signifies respect. Generally, choosing conservative and modest attire is the safest option. Business attire is expected when meeting professional contacts, while casual clothing is acceptable in more informal settings. Additionally, while shorts are acceptable, they are not typically worn on more formal occasions.
It is also important to consider the weather and the region’s customs.
Traditional Clothing
Traditional dress in South Africa varies greatly depending on the province or tribal nation. Commonly, bright colors are used in traditional dress, with men wearing trousers and shirts and women wearing long wrap-around skirts and blouses. In African cultures, there is usually a hierarchy among the women’s traditional garments based on their origin. White women wear the most ornate clothing of South African Tribes. The shoes they wear reflect the status sought by many South Africans; they are heavily adorned with beadwork or elaborately embroidered fabric.
In the summertime, many South Africans don light robes called kikois or madraskis to beat the heat; these clothes are made of colorful cotton fabric and can be decorated with intricate embroidery designs down their lengths. Traditional materials like kanga, kitenge, and Dutch wax for both genders are trendy for casual dressing throughout the country, especially among men in urban centers who opt for print shorts as socially acceptable streetwear looks alongside low-top leather sneakers like gym shoes.
In some parts of rural Africa, such as in Rwandan culture, men tend to stick to lighter shades of white clothes, which are considered more formal when dressed up for church services but also provide adequate coverage from sun exposure during agricultural work tasks outdoors. While modern styles have been intermixed into traditional looks – especially among younger generations – dressing in traditional clothing is still a popular way to express cultural pride throughout Africa.
Appropriate Dress for Different Occasions
The type of dress expected in South Africa is primarily dictated by occasion and location. Generally speaking, people in South Africa tend to dress more formally than their international counterparts. Smart casual attire is acceptable in most environments, but some restaurants and bars require more formal clothing.
It’s essential always to consider the local culture when planning what to wear. In South African cities, men typically wear trousers, smart shoes, and a collared shirt, even during relaxed social events. Men are also often expected to wear a jacket if they go to more formal occasions such as business meetings or a nice restaurant. Women may choose from blouses, slacks, or skirts with appropriate footwear for the event.
In rural areas, opting for non-provocative clothing, such as jeans paired with T-shirts or blouses and comfortable shoes suitable for walking or trekking on uneven terrain, is best. Those visiting rural parts of South Africa should also avoid wearing clothes with logos or text as these can be deemed offensive or provocative by locals. In addition, it is recommended that visitors remove their hats as a sign of respect when entering religious institutions, governmental buildings, and restaurants which may require more formal attire than elsewhere in the country.
When attending special events such as weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies, both men and women should aim for formality and respectability to avoid standing out from the crowd—darker colors like black are generally recommended for funerals. At the same time, lighter shades may be appropriate for other special activities, such as dinners or parties.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in South Africa varies depending on the region. Generally, it’s polite to arrive on time when invited to a meal and to bring a small gift such as flowers or chocolates. Table manners are quite formal in South Africa, with careful attention paid to proper etiquette and manners. It is important to remember not to start eating until the host has begun, and it is customary to thank the host after a meal before leaving.
Let’s take a deeper dive into South African dining etiquette:
Table Manners
Table manners in South Africa are pretty casual, with the primary focus being on engaging in conversation, making guests feel welcome, and enjoying the meal. It is important to remember that eating before all table members have been served is considered rude. Additionally, do not eat until the host has said a prayer or given a pre-meal blessing. Doing so is often seen as a sign of disrespect.
It is customary for people of all ages to help themselves with communal dishes with their hands, not chopsticks. During traditional meals, women should not reach across the table for food; instead, they ask someone sitting next to them for the item they want. It is also considered polite to accept food offered during a meal, even if you do not plan on eating it right away. If food has been served family style, you are expected to wait until everyone has had a chance to serve themselves before beginning your meal.
When eating on formal occasions, make sure that your napkin stays on your lap and stay aware of what utensils you should be using throughout the meal; most formal dinners in South Africa follow western rules regarding placement and use of utensils. Lastly, when all courses have been completed, place your napkin on your plate and wait until everyone else is finished eating before rising from your seat – this signals that the meal has ended.
Eating Utensils
Table manners in South Africa are similar to those in North America and Europe.
It is common practice to say minimal grace to begin a meal. The host offers a verbal prayer before beginning to eat. When hand-washing before the meal, it is considered polite to wait for everyone at the table to have finished washing their hands before sitting down. However, one does not have to wait for the host unless instructed otherwise.
Western-style utensils will be provided (i.e., fork and spoon) when dining out. However, at formal meals, utensils are laid out according to European style – from innermost (dessert) to outermost (soup). If you are still unsure whether it would be appropriate when presented with multiple sets of utensils for a particular course or dish, observe those around you at the table for guidance; if unsure, then asking politely is perfectly fine as well.
Most foods, such as grilled meats and fish, and stews, can be eaten using your right hand; something that might require cutlery, such as sticky gumbo, will usually have a knife and fork provided as well, while other things may need other specific pieces of cutlery such as:
- Seafood picking forks on either side of your plate
- Chopsticks may be present on occasions when more oriental cuisine is served
- Mussel forks can look like miniature pitchforks!
It is quite alright not to know how these items should correctly be used, so don’t be embarrassed about asking someone for guidance, but also feel free to trial and error if no one happens to offer assistance!
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is a big part of South African cultural customs and etiquette. The exchange of gifts is generally seen as a polite gesture and a way to show appreciation. Regarding gift giving, consider the occasion you’re attending and the person you’re buying the gift for. Appropriateness and thoughtfulness are crucial elements when selecting a gift for someone.
Appropriate Gifts
When visiting South Africans in their homes or giving gifts to celebrate a special occasion, it is essential to know what appropriate gifts are. Gifts should always be given publicly and with respect for local customs.
Gift-giving can range from small souvenirs such as cards, chocolates, sa’slonkraal beads, traditional artwork, or crafts like pottery to more elaborate presents such as gadgets, jewelry, and expensive items. If the gift is presented during a meal, the recipient will show appreciation by saying “Dankie” (Thank you).
A host will generally open the gift in front of guests and thank the giver with great enthusiasm. Gift givers should also remember that some items considered appropriate in other countries are considered rude or offensive in South African culture. These items include knives, umbrellas, and clocks. It is best to research specific cultural guidelines before giving a gift to show respect and gratitude for local customs.
Gift-giving Etiquette
Some social norms should be followed regarding giving and receiving gifts in South Africa. It is always polite to give a small token of appreciation when attending a dinner party or gathering, but there are some rules you should make sure to follow. A wrapped gift is always appreciated, but it’s recommended that you don’t focus too much on the cost of the gift. Instead, choose something meaningful that conveys your feelings for the recipient.
Gift Exchanges: It is important to note that there may not always be a norm for exchanging gifts within certain cultural circles in South Africa. Make sure to ask before gifting if this is expected; otherwise, you may offend someone unintentionally. Also, when exchanging gifts with family or friends, make sure it’s something unique with personal relevance and shows thoughtfulness behind it.
Reciprocity: Gift-giving should never be one-sided or act as an obligation; both parties should look forward to giving and receiving in equal measure. If you are given a gift, thank your benefactor and honor their effort by returning the favor immediately or at the next available opportunity.
Social Customs
South Africa comprises a diverse mix of cultures and customs, many of which are still practiced today. Therefore, as a visitor to the country, it is important to be aware of the social businesses expected of you.
In this section, you will learn about the common social customs across South Africa, such as greetings, body language, and more. This way, you can ensure that you show the utmost respect when interacting with the local people.
Respect for Elders
Respect for your elders is a long-standing tradition in South Africa and is still much valued. Throughout the African continent, older people are held in deep respect because of their life experiences and the fact that they are seen as wise guides to the younger generations.
In South Africa, it is customary for the younger members of a family or community to greet their elders before engaging with anyone of equal age. Therefore, when visiting relatives or friends, you are expected to permanently address your host’s parents first before talking to anyone else. Depending on which region you’re visiting in South Africa, handshakes can range from being a light gesture between individuals to both hands wrapping around one another with accompanying words—especially when greeting elders or showing respect.
It should also be noted that Africans place great importance on wearing respectful clothing when greeting family and friends (especially elders). You may want to dress formally if invited into someone’s home – at least err on the side of dressing conservatively, so you do not offend your hosts. Giving an appropriate gift makes for an ideal way of showing your respect and gratitude as well.
Respect for Personal Space
It is important to remember that South Africans value respect and lineage. Therefore, South Africans do not typically touch each other when they greet one another, except in formal introductions. Instead, when people meet, they generally shake hands with the right hand and acknowledge the other person with a smile or nod.
Additionally, people are expected to maintain a certain distance from each other in public spaces – typically one arm’s length away. It is only modified if the relationship between the two individuals is close. South African society is judged on how well its members can fit into societal norms, so it is essential to follow these expectations properly to be considered polite and respectful.