South Africa

Exploring South African Cultures

South Africa includes many ethnic groups, each proud of its language, traditions, and religious beliefs. It is approximately twice the size of the state of Texas, and its landscape primarily savannah and semidesert. Diversity among plants and wildlife contributes to the country’s natural beauty.

Eighty percent of South Africa’s population is comprised of black Africans, mostly from nine ethnic groups. The Zulus are the largest, followed by the Xhosas. Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first post-apartheid president, was a firm believer in the Bantu word ubuntu, which can be defined as “humanity,” and derives from the Zulu phrase Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, literally meaning “A person is a person through other people.”

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Family Dynamic

South African families are generally affectionate, protective, and expressive. Politeness is an important aspect of South African culture. Religion plays a significant role in most South African families and attendance at some form of religious gathering is very common on a weekly basis. South African families tend to be small and close-knit, though some may live with extended family members. Extended family members are expected to help and support each other in times of crisis. In urban areas, both women and men work outside the home, but women are often responsible for household duties and raising their children.

Teenage Life in South Africa

Teens in South Africa mostly socialize in school and spend a lot of energy studying and reading. Free time is often spent with family and hanging out with friends talking about movies and sports. Popular sports in South Africa include soccer, rugby, cricket, and netball. South African teenagers also enjoy going to the beach, parks, movie theatres, and swimming. Dancing, playing music, attending festivals, and enjoying cultural events are also common. South African teenagers usually socialize in organized group events, such as birthday parties or school dances.

Holidays

Official Language

There are 11 official languages in South Africa and some people speak all 11 fluently: Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, and Afrikaans are the four most common home languages.

Communication Styles

Most South Africans have a direct style of communication, though this can vary among ethnic groups. Generally, South Africans speak confidently, honestly, and clearly. It is easy to discern their meaning and their bluntness is generally appreciated. Prolonged periods of silence are uncommon and may make South Africans uncomfortable, so it’s common for them to start chatting to fill the silence. Physical affection and contact are common during conversation and are interpreted as signs of friendliness, warmth, and trustworthiness.

The South African Diet

Meat is a staple of the South African diet, although cuisine varies widely according to ethnicity. South Africans love to barbecue, or braais, slowly grilling steaks, chops and spicy sausages (boerewors) over hot charcoal. Wild game meats are also commonly eaten among many South Africans. Many also enjoy a dried meat snack called bilton or a corn porridge (pap) with meat or vegetables. The milk tart, a custard-like pie, is a favorite dessert among South Africans.

Additional Resources

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