Protocol in South Africa

sOuth africa

SEATING ETIQUETTE

TABLE MANNERS

GIFTS AND DRESS CODE

STEPS TO FOLLOW

BUSINESS PROTOCOL

SOUTH AFRICA

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

INTRODUCTION

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

South Africa has a great diversity of cultures. It has been influenced by Western culture. Most of the population is black, a third white and the rest muslim.You must be prepared in business dealings facing with this wide racial and cultural variety.

The way people act in any situation is determined by each culture.They consider more important the mood of the conversational partner than his or her words. Negotations are more personal.

HIGH CONTEXT CULTURE

social behaviour

• When they say they will do something or meet you ‘NOW NOW’, don’t think it will be immediately. This could mean 15 minutes to one hour, or whenever they finish what they are currently doing.

• If they say they will do something ‘JUST NOW’, it means it will get done, probably in the next few hours, i.e., it will get done after they complete some other things that are more important.

• If they say they will meet you NOW– DOES NOT mean it will get done soon, if ever. It depends on how important that request is to you, not how soon the person will respond or act. Now could mean sometime or maybe.

RELAX & Take it easy!

BUSINESS PROTOCOL

GIFTS

A small gift will be highly appreciated, like for, instance, flowers, chocolate or a bottle of wine. All these presents would be an excellent option, as well as, a typical item of your home country (keepsake). It is recommended to be as simple as possible.

• Be sure to make eye contact and nod often to show you agree.
• Be patient, their lifestyle is relaxed and they don’t care about punctuality.
• Do not forget to give tips, because they give usually about 10%. It is considered a sign of good manners.

ACCEPTABLE

STEPS TO FOLLOW

• It is considered rude to point your index finger at anyone.
• The "V" for victory sign is considered lewd.
• Never have a conversation while keeping your hands in your pockets.
• Do not show your luxuries, they have a high level of poverty and it could be misunderstood.

UNACCEPTABLE

VS

Eat only from that part of the bowls that is directly in front of you.

Small compliment at the end of the meal.

Do not smoke in the same area where the food is served.

No utensils used, instead they use the right hand.

Conversation while eating is minimal and avoid eye contact.

The main meal of the day is dinner and the typical dish is mielie meal.

TABLE MANNERS

1. The honored guest is served first.
2. The oldest male.
3. The rest of the men.
4. Children.
5. Women

The most honored position is next to the host.

SEATING ETIQUETTE

Usually the one who does the invitation, pays the bill.

Do not begin to eat or drink anything until the oldest man at the table has been served.

Call staff by raising your hand or by making eye contact; waving or calling their names is very impolite.

It is a mildly offensive to leave food on your plate uneaten.

Invitations are always verbal, not written.

Men and women eat separately.

seating etiquette

Women wear knee-length skirt, and on cooler days a jacket.

South Africa is known for the Madiba shirt.

DRESS CODE

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION!