South Africa has been described as “A World in One Country” and a “Rainbow Nation.” Its landscape ranges from miles of glorious beaches to the inland desert of the Karoo, the sweeping grasslands of the Highveld plateau, and the subtropical bush of the Lowveld. Its ethnic makeup is equally varied. There are eleven official languages, nine major black African tribes, two major white tribes, as well as a representation of all the world’s major religions. It has a free market economy while communists share in government; one of the world’s most liberal constitutions and a deeply patriarchal society; and very rich and very poor people coexisting. South Africa has come through fire, and although there is still considerable heat, it is doing pretty well. This insiders’ guide will introduce you to the universal warmth and cultural diversity of its people, explain the backdrop of their troubled past, and familiarize you with their everyday life so that you’ll feel comfortable whether you’re invited to a shack in the townships, a mansion in the suburbs, or a braai on the beach. You’ll learn how to stay safe in potentially dangerous areas, and you’ll know where to go if you want to feel like the only person on the planet.
Author(s): Isabella Morris
Series: Culture Smart!
Edition: 2
Publisher: Kuperard
Year: 2018
Language: English
Pages: 169
Front Cover......Page 1
Title Page......Page 2
Copyright......Page 3
About the Author......Page 4
Contents......Page 5
Map of South Africa......Page 8
Introduction......Page 9
Key Facts......Page 11
• Geographical Overview......Page 13
• Climate......Page 14
• Ethnic Groups......Page 15
• A Brief History......Page 16
• Government......Page 35
• Transitions......Page 38
• South African Cities......Page 39
• Issues......Page 41
• The New South Africa......Page 45
• South African Society......Page 48
• Family Ties......Page 50
• Party Allegiance......Page 52
• Work Ethic and a Spirit of Enterprise......Page 53
• Attitudes Toward Time......Page 54
• Respect For Elders......Page 55
• Tribalism......Page 56
• The Urban–Rural Divide......Page 57
• Gender Roles......Page 58
• The Role of Women......Page 59
• Children......Page 62
• The Generation Gap......Page 63
• Sexual Attitudes......Page 65
• Attitudes Toward Sexual Minorities......Page 66
• Social Mobility......Page 68
• Attitudes Toward Foreigners......Page 70
• Religious Diversity......Page 71
• Traditional African Beliefs......Page 75
• Coming-of-Age Ceremonies......Page 77
• Marriage......Page 79
• Death......Page 81
• Feast Days and Festivals......Page 82
• Public Holidays......Page 87
• The Holiday Calendar......Page 89
• Meeting South Africans......Page 91
• Greetings......Page 92
• Dress Code......Page 93
• Expression......Page 94
• Hospitality......Page 95
• Gifts......Page 97
• Dating......Page 98
• Sexual Favors......Page 100
• Housing......Page 101
• Daily Life......Page 104
• Weekends......Page 106
• Shopping......Page 107
• Growing up in South Africa......Page 108
• Education......Page 110
• South African Cuisine......Page 113
• And To Wash It Down......Page 116
• Eating Out......Page 118
• Smoking......Page 120
• Gambling......Page 121
• Live Entertainment......Page 122
• Literature......Page 124
• Museums and Galleries......Page 125
• Money......Page 126
• Shopping for Pleasure......Page 127
• Sports and Fitness......Page 130
• Out and About......Page 131
• Wildlife......Page 132
• Organized Tours......Page 133
• Rail......Page 135
• Road......Page 136
• In Town......Page 137
• Driving......Page 138
• Health......Page 141
• Hazards......Page 142
• Safety......Page 143
Chapter 8: Business Briefing......Page 147
• How Business is Done in South Africa......Page 148
• Affirmative Action......Page 149
• Business Etiquette......Page 151
• Meetings......Page 152
• Negotiations and Contracts......Page 153
• Managing Disagreement......Page 154
• Trade Unions and Bargaining Councils......Page 155
• Women In Business......Page 156
• Language......Page 157
• Body Language......Page 158
• Conversation......Page 160
• Humor......Page 161
• The Media......Page 162
• Mail......Page 164
• Conclusion......Page 165
Useful Web Sites......Page 166
Index......Page 167
Acknowledgments......Page 169
