Local culture in South Africa

Adjusting to the local culture in South Africa will take expats some time, given the country’s complex society and eclectic nature. With many different landscapes, 11 official languages, and a mix of cultures living together, South Africa – often called the Rainbow Nation – can be welcoming but also comes with challenges.

Some expats may have heard scary stories, but they will be relieved to know that there are no wild animals roaming the streets. While crime exists, the media frequently exaggerates it. Overall, public infrastructure is generally good.

Inequality in South Africa

You may be taken aback by the country’s glaring wealth disparity when you initially move to South Africa. It’s not uncommon to see the newest Mercedes-Benz model parked next to someone rummaging through a rubbish bin.

Guilt can overwhelm new arrivals, but you should be careful about indulging beggars or opening your home to those in need. The best way to make a positive difference is to donate to registered charities.

Safety in South Africa

Expats moving to Johannesburg will quickly notice that safety is a big concern. Many homes have high walls, electric fences, and private security guards. Walking alone at night is not advised. For newcomers, the high focus on crime may feel unsettling.

That said, efforts to improve the city are underway, with a stronger focus on reducing crime. More people are now enjoying Johannesburg’s outdoor areas and trendy inner-city spots. In Cape Town, daytime walks on the streets, beaches, and parks are more common, but it’s still important to stay aware and keep valuables hidden.

Time in South Africa

The concept of time in South Africa takes some getting used to for expats settling into their new life. South Africans often measure moments in ‘now’, ‘just now’ and ‘now now’. If you’re struggling to grasp the difference, you needn’t be concerned – even among South Africans, the relative lengths of time that these phrases indicate are debated. The point remains that, for many South Africans, there is no rush if it can be done later.

Conversely, this is not true in the South African business world, which upholds Western standards of punctuality and decorum. It functions relatively efficiently, although social engagements and government enterprises typically function with a lot more flexibility. Expats should not take problems with punctuality or light-hearted rescheduling personally – this is a cultural norm.

Doing Business in South Africa

Social life in South Africa

South Africans of all cultures enjoy a braai, a kind of barbecue which entails cooking meat over hot coals, often accompanied by various salads and sides. Because the hot coals need to cool to the right temperature before the food can be cooked, braais are typically all-day events with attendees relaxing and chatting over a few beers.

Braais frequently happen around sporting events – the country is passionate about rugby, cricket, and soccer (football). While support for local rugby and cricket teams is high, especially at the national level, soccer can probably be considered the favourite national pastime, even if the national team hardly ever performs well on the international stage.