South Africa
Key Facts
Official Name: Republic of South Africa
Type of Government: Republic, broadly federal comprising a central government and nine
Provincial governments
Head of State: President, Jacob Zuma
Capital Cities: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
GDP: R1 715bn
GDP per Capita: R36 557 (approx $5 000)
GDP Growth: 2.5% (Q1 2010)
Inflation Rate: 4.6% (CPIX y/y Jun 2010)
Interest Rates: Prime 10.5%
Time: GMT + 2 Hrs
Currency: South African Rand (R/ZAR), valued at approximately US$1.0 = R7.5
Exports: Gold & platinum, coal & other minerals, agricultural & forest products, metals and metal products, automobiles and components
Imports: Machinery, transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, oil
Main trading partners: Germany, USA, UK, Japan, China
Area: 1.2 million sq. km / 472,000 sq. miles
Population - Total: 47.9 Million
Weights/Measures: Metric system
Intl dialling code: + 27
South Africa at a Glance
South Africa is scenically spectacularly beautiful, has a temperate and sunny climate (between 7.5 – 9.5 hours of sunshine daily), is the world’s richest floral kingdom and has more species of wild animals than North and South America, or Europe and Asia combined.
South Africa’s GNP is the largest in Africa and has a very well developed industrial, commercial, transport, telecoms and banking infrastructure is the gateway to the relatively underdeveloped emerging market on the African continent north of its borders.
South Africa was the proud host of the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup in June & July 2010, and the infrastructural development that was required to host this event is evident throughout the country – modern stadiums, Gauteng’s rapid rail linking Johannesburg’s large international airport to the Sandton CBD, motorway upgrades and the construction of new hotels.
The country celebrated its 15th year of democracy in 2009. Notwithstanding their challenges, South Africans are generally optimistic about the future and the country has made remarkable progress in the transition from the dark days of apartheid to majority rule without serious upheaval and violence.
Politics
South African politics is nothing if not robust! The political scene is still dominated by the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC) which swept to power in 1994. The ANC won an outright majority in the April 2009 election, but opposition parties are beginning to make inroads, particularly in the Western Cape and with middle to upper income South Africans who have become somewhat disenchanted with accountability and service delivery.
The People
South Africa, home to approximately 20 ethnic groups, is both humanly diverse and culturally rich. The present day population of approximately 47 million is broadly made up of 79% African, 10% White, 9% Coloured or peoples of mixed race, and 2% Asian.
Over a third of urban South Africans (and rapidly growing) live in the four high-population areas of: Johannesburg/Pretoria, Vereeniging (both in Gauteng Province), Durban (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Cape Town (Western Cape), and the Port Elizabeth / Uitenhage region (Eastern Cape). The majority of the country’s rural people live in the eastern regions of the country where the rainfall is higher and the soil is better.
Language
There are 11 official languages in South Africa. English is the most commonly used and understood in the cities, especially for business. The other languages spoken are: Afrikaans (which derives primarily from 17th century Dutch and Flemish), Xhosa, Zulu, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, and Ndebele.
Although most South Africans speak English, it may not be their home language, and you may have initial difficulty ‘tuning-in’ to the accent and some uniquely colourful phrases and expressions! For families relocating to South Africa our comprehensive Guide to Living in South Africa provides a Colloquial Guide to commonly used words and phrases.
Religion
South Africa is a secular state, but most denominations are well represented and respected. Approximately 75% of the local population is Christian. The Afrikaner community largely belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church or its sister Protestant churches. In the Asian community Muslim and Hindu religions are equally well represented, and there is sizeable Jewish community.
Social Customs
Sport, the arts, music and literature and food are an integral and important part of the South African lifestyle.
Sport
South Africans are on the whole proud and competitive sports lovers – either as participants or vocal supporters of their favourite sport - as can be witnessed in stadiums and bars throughout the country - particularly at the many international and local rugby, soccer and cricket competitions hosted. Sport has been a great unifying factor in the post apartheid years and nothing brings South Africans together more than wining – be it the Rugby World Cup, an Australian Cricket Series.
Sport also reflects the South African society – pre and post apartheid: Soccer/Football was traditionally played and supported by the black communities, Rugby by the Afrikaans community, Cricket by the English. These divides are steadily breaking down, starting at school level as all South Africans increasingly have access to the many different sporting codes and facilities.
For the sports or outdoor enthusiast, the large open spaces, our wonderful climate and inexpensive facilities make the country an ideal sporting playground – from sedate to adventure sports. There are literally hundreds of excellent golf courses offering affordable memberships, soccer, tennis, cricket and basketball facilities, cycling and jogging clubs, sailing, fishing and white water rafting. There are some of the world’s most scenic hiking trails, as well as many opprotunities for bird watching and wildlife safaris.
Culture, Art and Music
The art, music and entertainment scene are vibrant and colourful, mirroring the country’s rich cultural heritage anddiversity together with its history past and present.
A great variety of outstanding works of art, from the sophisticated to the naïve, are produced by talented local artists. Paintings, sculptures, woodcarvings, basket and beadwork and pottery from South Africa have become increasingly popular on international markets, as well as locally. These can be purchased from exclusive art galleries or street vendors and very few tourists return home without a wooden carving of a giraffe or similar unwieldy beast!
The music and entertainment industry is eclectic and flourishing, though somewhat under-funded. The performing arts, music and dance productions, epitomized by box office hits such as The Lion King, Umoja, African Footprints, and The Soweto Gospel Choir are blazing trails locally and abroad. The domestic music scene is lively and vibrant and ranges from the distinctive kwelo (pennywhistle) and kwaito (African pop) of the townships, soul, jazz, reggae and Afrikaner’s traditional boeremusiek. Classical music and ballet draw enthusiastic audiences in the large urban areas.
Cuisine
South Africa’s cuisine is as diverse as its people. While meat and chicken form the basis of many dishes, a reasonable variety of sea-food is available. Regional specialties include Cape Malay dishes, hot spicy curries and traditional Afrikaner fare including the famous South African barbecue, called a braai (pronounced ‘brigh’).
South Africans enjoy entertaining at home and you will certainly be invited to a braai if you spend any length of time in the country. Most South Africans love their beer and wine, and alcohol is served at most social functions.
Eating Out
South Africa’s casual and open-air lifestyle influences its restaurants which offer generally excellent eating experiences, and wide range of cuisine from outstanding steak houses, Italian or Greek neighbourhood restaurants and sophistical oriental/fusion cuisine. Many of the world’s take away global brands have outlets in the country (McDonald’s, KFC) as well as local brands such as Nando’s (flame grilled spicy chicken); Steers and various Pizza outlets.
Business Customs
In general, business customs are similar to those in the West but with an African influence. For example, in African culture it is customary to spend some time before starting business discussions in enquiring about one’s family, health etc. (establishing trust) and there is a strong emphasis placed on relationships with rather less emphasis on time.
Prior appointments are mandatory for business and government meetings. At the beginning and end of any encounter, it is customary to shake hands. Black South Africans tend to give a soft, warm handshake and it is appropriate to reciprocate accordingly. White South Africans on the other hand are prone to deliver a more firm brief handshake and sometimes a “bone cruncher” so be prepared for any version of a South African handshake!
Introductions tend to be made in order of seniority and business colleagues addressed as Mr, Ms or until invited to do otherwise. At the first meeting it is customary to distribute business cards to each person.
Negotiations and Decisions
As for most interactions, social or business, in South Africa the background, culture and race of the business person you are engaging with influences negotiations and business decisions. For example in negotiations with a black business leader personal relationships and quality issues tend to be as or more important than price and for white businessman or woman, price and delivery will be a more important aspect of any decision. Be prepared for bureaucratic delays and red tape.
Attitude towards women
In the majority of SA’s ethnic groups, women do not have the same status as men, although under SA’s new government, great strides have been made. Women are now well represented in leadership positions in business, and especially government. Women form a significant part of the workforce, no longer limited to unskilled jobs and many women own businesses or occupy positions in middle and senior management.
Work Ethic
On the whole, South Africans are known for their work ethic, resourcefulness and entrepreneurship (strongly influenced by their Calvinistic Dutch origins) and especially evident among its managers, business owners and skilled professionals.
Typical business working hours are from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
The Trade Union movements in the country are powerful and its labour laws somewhat protective, restricting working hours, providing for a minimum of 3 weeks paid leave per annum and making it difficult to dismiss ineffectual workers.
Clothing & Dress
South Africans are generally fairly conservative in their dress, though this is changing and dress reflects the cultural diversity of the country, especially at more formal functions. The social dress code in South Africa is usually casual and similar to that of Southern California or Southern France. Evening wear is a little more formal and dinner jackets (tuxedos) and long dresses or traditional African attire are preferred for formal functions.
Business dress also tends to be conservative. For men, lightweight suits or sports jackets are the norm, especially in the more formal businesses such as financial institutions. For women, a skirt and jacket/dress and jacket ensemble is appropriate, as are smart slack suits. Many companies have become less formal though, and on Fridays in particular dress is often casual unless meetings with clients are scheduled.
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Useful Websites: www.southafrica.co.za www.southafricaataglance.co.za
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