South Africa has been inhabited for more than 100,000 years and has experienced a unique national evolution brought about by two main factors: mineralogical wealth and immigration. European colonisation began in the seventeenth century when the Dutch and later the British settled in the Cape of Good Hope.
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South Africa Today
Throughout the nineteenth century, Europeans and Africans struggled over land and the racial strife between the white minority and the black majority continued until the National Party instituted Apartheid in 1948. Over the following decades, this segregation favoured the white minority at the expense of the black majority. When Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994, he layed the foundations for a new multi-racial and more equal South Africa which then became a full democracy.
The nation’s history has created an eclectic population to South Africa which is why the country is often referred to as ‘The Rainbow Nation’. Its society is of racially diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs; from the black indigenous tribes of South Africa to people from Europe, India, Malaysia and China. Today, South Africa is a forward looking and progressive nation seeking unity. In this new emerging environment, it is vital for those wishing to conduct business to acquire a sound understanding of this complex culture.
South African Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family forms the central unit of South Africa’s society. The nuclear family together with the extended family or tribe, are paramount to an individual’s existence in shaping their values and influencing their behaviour. The family or tribe also serves as a community of support both emotionally and financially. The importance of these units varies according to the background of the South African.
Time – The concept of and attitude to time differs between the white and black cultures living in South Africa. For the majority of white South Africans, time is viewed in a more linear manner. However, you can expect black South Africans to have a more flexible attitude to time.
Communication styles – Generally, there are significant differences in communication styles in South Africa depending upon the individual’s cultural ancestry. For most English-speaking South Africans, pride in their heritage tends to create a more reserved and conservative manner of communication that aims to avoid conflict. In comparison, those of an Afrikaaner background are frequently described as having a more direct and explicit approach to communication, where the goal is to be forthright and honest. It is important to be aware of the contrast in styles of communication whilst doing business in South Africa in order to effectively negotiate business deals.
Doing Business in South Africa
The industrial centre of Africa, South Africa’s abundant supply of natural resources has helped to generate the largest and best developed economy on the African continent. Along with Brazil, Russia, India and China it is one of the BRICS – the world’s powerful emerging economies. It has a well-developed financial, legal, communications and energy sector and modern infrastructure. Due to an electricity crisis and the global financial crisis, South Africa’s economy experienced a downturn in 2007. However, it recovered quickly which is partially due to great investment in preparation for the 2010 FIFA world cup. South Africa has immense potential as an investment destination, with one of the most promising and vibrant emerging market economies across the globe.
South Africa business Part 1 - Working in South Africa: Working practices in South Africa
Structure and hierarchy in South African companies
Working relationships in South Africa
South Africa business Part 2 - Doing business in South Africa: Business practices in South Africa
South African business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO include deadline dates in contracts as the South African approach to deadlines is particularly casual and firm commitments are not often made.
DO maintain eye-contact at all times, especially when shaking hands with your South African business colleagues. This is an essential part of developing trust.
DO dress conservatively, particularly for initial meetings with new business associates.
DON’T raise your voice or interrupt whilst your South African counterparts are speaking. Both actions lack the personal approach to a business relationship and therefore may be interpreted as an insult.
DON’T be surprised if your South African business colleagues ask what may seem to be personal questions about your way of life after a relatively brief period of time. Characteristically, South Africans tend to be warm and friendly people.
DON’T show impatience towards decision-making. Forcing deadlines or rushing deals may prove counterproductive since the pace of business in South Africa is reasonably slow and protracted.
South Africa Culture Quiz - true or false
1. A period of silence during a conversation symbolises a time of thought and reflection.
2. An impressive rank and title will not automatically gain business women respect as they often do for men in South Africa.
3. When invited to a South African’s home, it is good practice to take a gift of flowers, chocolates or wine for the host.
4. It is impolite to point at someone with your index finger in South Africa.
5. South Africans do not generally appreciate any form of physical contact when talking but prefer to keep a small distance between themselves and others.
South Africa Culture Quiz - Answers
1. False. It is often a sign that the situation has become uncomfortable or problematic.
2. True. In South Africa, many women have not yet attained senior level positions. Therefore, business women travelling to South Africa should be prepared to encounter some condescending behaviour in certain parts of the country.
3. True. A small token such as this is often appreciated.
4. True. This action may be interpreted as a personal challenge or threat.
5. False. South Africans are particularly friendly and physical people. You can expect to experience a lot of hanshaking and backslapping whilst in South Africa.
South Africa Today
Throughout the nineteenth century, Europeans and Africans struggled over land and the racial strife between the white minority and the black majority continued until the National Party instituted Apartheid in 1948. Over the following decades, this segregation favoured the white minority at the expense of the black majority. When Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994, he layed the foundations for a new multi-racial and more equal South Africa which then became a full democracy.
The nation’s history has created an eclectic population to South Africa which is why the country is often referred to as ‘The Rainbow Nation’. Its society is of racially diverse origins, cultures, languages and beliefs; from the black indigenous tribes of South Africa to people from Europe, India, Malaysia and China. Today, South Africa is a forward looking and progressive nation seeking unity. In this new emerging environment, it is vital for those wishing to conduct business to acquire a sound understanding of this complex culture.
South African Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Family – The family forms the central unit of South Africa’s society. The nuclear family together with the extended family or tribe, are paramount to an individual’s existence in shaping their values and influencing their behaviour. The family or tribe also serves as a community of support both emotionally and financially. The importance of these units varies according to the background of the South African.
Time – The concept of and attitude to time differs between the white and black cultures living in South Africa. For the majority of white South Africans, time is viewed in a more linear manner. However, you can expect black South Africans to have a more flexible attitude to time.
Communication styles – Generally, there are significant differences in communication styles in South Africa depending upon the individual’s cultural ancestry. For most English-speaking South Africans, pride in their heritage tends to create a more reserved and conservative manner of communication that aims to avoid conflict. In comparison, those of an Afrikaaner background are frequently described as having a more direct and explicit approach to communication, where the goal is to be forthright and honest. It is important to be aware of the contrast in styles of communication whilst doing business in South Africa in order to effectively negotiate business deals.
Doing Business in South Africa
The industrial centre of Africa, South Africa’s abundant supply of natural resources has helped to generate the largest and best developed economy on the African continent. Along with Brazil, Russia, India and China it is one of the BRICS – the world’s powerful emerging economies. It has a well-developed financial, legal, communications and energy sector and modern infrastructure. Due to an electricity crisis and the global financial crisis, South Africa’s economy experienced a downturn in 2007. However, it recovered quickly which is partially due to great investment in preparation for the 2010 FIFA world cup. South Africa has immense potential as an investment destination, with one of the most promising and vibrant emerging market economies across the globe.
South Africa business Part 1 - Working in South Africa: Working practices in South Africa
Structure and hierarchy in South African companies
Working relationships in South Africa
South Africa business Part 2 - Doing business in South Africa: Business practices in South Africa
South African business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO include deadline dates in contracts as the South African approach to deadlines is particularly casual and firm commitments are not often made.
DO maintain eye-contact at all times, especially when shaking hands with your South African business colleagues. This is an essential part of developing trust.
DO dress conservatively, particularly for initial meetings with new business associates.
DON’T raise your voice or interrupt whilst your South African counterparts are speaking. Both actions lack the personal approach to a business relationship and therefore may be interpreted as an insult.
DON’T be surprised if your South African business colleagues ask what may seem to be personal questions about your way of life after a relatively brief period of time. Characteristically, South Africans tend to be warm and friendly people.
DON’T show impatience towards decision-making. Forcing deadlines or rushing deals may prove counterproductive since the pace of business in South Africa is reasonably slow and protracted.
South Africa Culture Quiz - true or false
1. A period of silence during a conversation symbolises a time of thought and reflection.
2. An impressive rank and title will not automatically gain business women respect as they often do for men in South Africa.
3. When invited to a South African’s home, it is good practice to take a gift of flowers, chocolates or wine for the host.
4. It is impolite to point at someone with your index finger in South Africa.
5. South Africans do not generally appreciate any form of physical contact when talking but prefer to keep a small distance between themselves and others.
South Africa Culture Quiz - Answers
1. False. It is often a sign that the situation has become uncomfortable or problematic.
2. True. In South Africa, many women have not yet attained senior level positions. Therefore, business women travelling to South Africa should be prepared to encounter some condescending behaviour in certain parts of the country.
3. True. A small token such as this is often appreciated.
4. True. This action may be interpreted as a personal challenge or threat.
5. False. South Africans are particularly friendly and physical people. You can expect to experience a lot of hanshaking and backslapping whilst in South Africa.
