South
Africa has a population of approximately 40 million
people. Three-quarters of its population is black
(African) and approximately 15% is white (European).
The rest is a mixture of white, Malayan and blacks
whose ancestors were of Asian descent. There are
six major ethnic groups in South Africa: Afrikaner,
Coloured/Cape Malay, Bantu, English, Chinese and
Indian. There
are 11 official languages in South Africa. Most
South Africans speak English and Afrikaans, which
is derived from their Dutch heritage.
South
Africa is considered the industrial giant of Africa.
It is a substantial resource for minerals including
gold, silver, copper and diamonds.
South
Africa Fun Fact
South
Africans love success stories and many admire Americans
because they believe in what is known as the "American
Dream."
Geert
Hofstede Analysis for South Africa
The Geert Hofstede analysis for
South Africa illustrates their emphasis on Individualism.
South Africans ranked extremely
high in all categories of the Hofstede model. However, there
is no ranking for Long-term Orientation. Being the Individualist
that the South Africans are, they may shy away from Long-term
relationships. More Details
We
have defined a predominantly Christian country
as over 50% of the population practicing some form
of Christianity, other than Catholicism. In this
group, the primary correlation between religion
and the Geert Hofstede Dimensions is a high Individualism
(IDV) ranking. (See the accompanying article)
South Africa Appearance
South
Africans of Urban cultures generally wear western
dress.
Dress
well in public, it will be expected by your South
African host.
African
women wear a sari.
South Africa
Behavior & Manners
Gift
giving is not the norm in business.
Do
not present gifts with the left hand.
Use
either both hands or the right hand when giving
and presenting gifts.
Gifts
will be opened upon receipt.
Business
meetings can be held over lunch or dinner in a
good restaurant.
Meals
at the home of a white South African will include
a barbecue by the pool--called a braaivleis (Afrikaans
for roasted meat) or braai.
South
Africans of Urban cultures generally wear western
dress.
