South Africa Culture Tips
+ Known as the “Rainbow Nation,” South Africa’s government officially recognizes 11 languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Shangaan, Sotho, Tsona, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. English is widely used for business purposes.
+ The concept of “African time” intimates flexibility and a relaxed approach to getting things done.
+ Two phrases frequently used in South Africa are “I will do it now now” and “I will do it just now.” Although they sound very similar, they are quite different. “I will do it now now” indicates that the task has a high priority, while “I will do it just now” means that the task has a lower priority and will be postponed.
+ South Africa is a high-context communication culture, which means people use non-verbal body language to enhance their spoken words. Be aware of this when understanding the messages your colleagues send you.
+ Greetings: shake hands with everyone upon arriving and upon leaving. Maintain eye contact while shaking hands and wait for a woman to extend her hand.
+ Because the country was closed to outside influences for many years, older Afrikaners who speak Afrikaans remain suspicious of anyone who might dilute their culture, including foreigners.
+ South Africa has a medium tolerance for change and risk. Changes are made, albeit slowly, and require considerable amount of thought, planning and evaluation. Be sure to factor this into your work and prepare thoughts to address any possible resistance.
+ In conversation, avoid making comparisons between South African cities. Most people are proud of their hometowns and may find your observations as a foreigner inappropriate.
+ Do not raise controversial subjects such as race relations or local politics. Also, Capetonians have a strong sense of proper decorum and view off-color humor as distasteful. Discretion is advised.
- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles
