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How to Interact with South Africans A Quick Guide

How to Interact with South Africans: A Quick Guide

South Africans are known to be respectful and friendly, so it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward to leave a good impression. 

If you’re visiting the country soon and have no idea how to “do as South Africans do,” here’s a quick rundown of common etiquette to keep in mind!

1. Always compliment a person’s cooking.

1. Always compliment a person’s cooking.

Before finishing up a meal, it’s customary and respectful to extend a small compliment to the host for their cooking and hospitality. Offering praise to the cook or chef not only conveys gratitude but also acknowledges the host’s generosity.

By complimenting the host, you affirm their skills and hospitality, emphasising the significant value placed on respect in South African culture. This gesture also shows an understanding of social etiquette and gratitude for the shared experience.

2. Show increased respect to anyone older than you.

2. Show increased respect to anyone older than you.

In South African culture, there is a significant emphasis on demonstrating heightened respect for those older than oneself. This principle is deeply woven into the SA’s culture and stands as a cornerstone of their cultural norms.

Respecting elders goes beyond etiquette, as it mirrors wider cultural values centred on respect and honour. Elders frequently act as guardians of tradition, knowledge, and wisdom, earning them profound respect within South African communities.

3. Always express your condolences when applicable.

3. Always express your condolences when applicable.

In numerous cultures, offering condolences is essential for demonstrating empathy, support, and respect in moments of grief and loss. Similarly, in South Africa, it’s customary to express sympathy when someone experiences the loss of a loved one.

A typical gesture involves presenting a bouquet along with a sincere and heartfelt message on a card. If you share a closer relationship with the person grieving, a personal phone call or heartfelt email are meaningful ways to convey condolences. 

4. Never spit in public. 

4. Never spit in public.

Spitting in public is commonly regarded as disrespectful in South African society, seen not only as distasteful but also unhygienic. This perspective is rooted in cultural norms, social standards, and hygiene concerns.

Additionally, many South Africans equate spitting in public to littering and compromising the cleanliness of communal areas. Individuals who engage in this behaviour often face criticism, particularly from groups that attribute symbolic significance to public spitting.

5. Cover your mouth when yawning.  

5. Cover your mouth when yawning.

In South Africa, failing to cover your mouth when yawning can convey a sense of boredom or disinterest to those around you. Conversely, covering your mouth while yawning is seen as a polite and considerate gesture, indicating respect.

By covering your mouth when yawning, you display an understanding of social etiquette and show consideration for others in your vicinity.

6. Always bring an offering to a Braai.  

6. Always bring an offering to a Braai.

When attending a braai, it’s crucial to discuss expectations with your host in advance regarding any contributions they might expect. It’s normal for hosts to ask guests to bring their own meat and drinks to share with everyone.

Moreover, showing gratitude for your host’s hospitality is a customary and appreciated gesture. A common way to express this appreciation is by bringing a bottle of wine or liquor as a token of thanks for the host’s efforts.

7. Never leave leftovers on your plate.  

7. Never leave leftovers on your plate.

A significant aspect of dining etiquette in South Africa emphasises not leaving leftovers on your plate. Doing so can be interpreted as casting a negative light on either the food itself or the hospitality of the host.

Such behaviour might indicate displeasure with the meal’s quality or suggest that you didn’t appreciate the dishes served to you. As a result, this can be viewed as ungrateful, which can offend the host or the individual who prepared the meal.

8. Never point your feet towards others while eating.  

8. Never point your feet towards others while eating.

In South Africa, pointing your feet towards others or food when seated is typically viewed as inappropriate and disrespectful. Such a gesture can be offensive, as it may convey disrespect towards individuals or the food itself.

South Africans place significant importance on the proper positioning of one’s feet while seated during social dining occasions. Failing to observe this cultural norm can be disrespectful within the context of South African customs and traditions.

9. Don’t forget to tip.

9. Don’t forget to tip.

In South Africa, much like in numerous regions around the world, tipping is a traditional way to recognize excellent service and show appreciation. When dining at restaurants or using taxis, it’s typical to leave a tip amounting to about 10 percent of the total bill.

Tipping in South Africa not only provides additional support to diligent workers but also conveys appreciation and acknowledgment for their efforts. Furthermore, this practice boosts staff morale, motivating them to maintain their high standards of service.

10. Always say “Thank you”. 

10. Always say “Thank you”.

In South African culture, similar to many cultures globally, showing gratitude upon receiving a gift is seen as a fundamental and crucial etiquette practice. Offering genuine thanks goes beyond mere politeness, as it conveys respect and appreciation.

Various methods exist to convey your appreciation, from verbally expressing gratitude to sending a considerate thank-you note or message. Such practices enhance positive social interactions and foster a sense of unity and appreciation among people.

11. Respect “South African” time. 

11. Respect “South African” time.

In South Africa, people have a more laid-back approach to time, compared to cultures that prioritise punctuality. Although appointments are scheduled and honoured, the approach to timing is flexible, allowing for unforeseen delays or adjustments.

For example, it’s common to find restaurants opening a few minutes after their advertised time. Likewise, social events or meetings may start later than originally intended, with attendees arriving progressively over time.

12. Avoid pointing with your fingers.

12. Avoid pointing with your fingers.

In South African culture, using the index finger to point at someone or something is often considered disrespectful or offensive. Such a gesture can be seen as confrontational or impolite in various South African communities.

Instead of pointing with the index finger, South Africans commonly indicate a person or object by lifting their chin towards the point of interest. This is considered a respectful and understated way to draw attention to something without appearing aggressive.

13. Offer your guests some tea.

13. Offer your guests some tea.

In South African traditions of hospitality and social etiquette, offering refreshments, notably tea, holds significant importance and represents a warm welcome. When you invite guests to your home, it’s customary and polite to serve them a cup of tea.

This gesture goes beyond simply satisfying thirst, as it’s a sincere expression of hospitality, ensuring guests feel appreciated. Essentially, offering tea encapsulates the essence of South African hospitality and fosters a sense of unity and connection.

14. Bring a gift when visiting a person’s house. 

14. Bring a gift when visiting a person’s house.

In South African culture, the norms regarding gift-giving can differ based on the specific context and the relationship between people. Typically, most South Africans do not expect guests to come bearing gifts.

Yet, when you’re invited to the homes of white South Africans, it’s often seen as courteous to bring a small gift as a gesture of appreciation.  It’s ideal to bring a bottle of wine, a refreshing juice, or something that can be enjoyed together during your visit.

15. Avoid over-admiring people’s items.

15. Avoid over-admiring people's items.

While it’s nice to compliment someone’s furniture, be cautious about excessively praising any items in the home of your South African host. Continuously admiring an item might make them feel obligated to give it to you.

South Africans often offer objects as a gesture of politeness, even if they do not feel like giving an item away. If they attempt to gift you an item from their home, politely decline, while expressing gratitude for their kindness and indicating you prefer not to accept it.

16. Use both hands to accept an item.

16. Use both hands to accept an item.

In South African customs, how you accept an item carries meaning,  respect, and cultural sensitivity. When you are presented with something or another person offers an item to you, it’s often seen as courteous to receive it using both hands.

Receiving the item with both hands conveys acknowledgment, appreciation, and respect for the individual providing the item. This action reflects a sense of respect towards the gift or object and also acknowledges the kind intention accompanying it.

17. Avoid making gestures with your left hand.

17. Avoid making gestures with your left hand.

Within certain South African ethnic groups, gestures made by the left hand are often viewed as impolite. This practice derives from historical and cultural beliefs that attribute distinct significance to the left and right hands.

For example, among the Zulu, Xhosa, and Swazi communities, specific cultural beliefs associate acting with your left hand with disrespect. That said, if you’re unfamiliar with other customs, avoid using your left hand for gestures to avoid unintended offence.


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