GREETINGS AND HANDSHAKES:
* Greetings and meetings
* Since South Africa has a diverse population comprising the whites, Africans and the Muslims, it is necessary to know the etiquettes followed while interacting with each of these. There are several greeting styles in South Africa depending upon the ethnic heritage of the person you are meeting.
* White culture is often referred to as a Western culture and is often characterised by people with English as their mother tongue in both South Africa and internationally. Western culture is often defined by peoples’ need to be recognised as individuals and not as part of a group. Greetings between strangers are polite but restrained and reserved. Strangers often don’t greet. There is not much small talk in business and it is not acceptable if people are too loud. Punctuality is very important and completing a task is often considered more important than social niceties.
* In the African culture meetings and greetings are very sociable and friendly. You will be expected to greet everyone at the meeting and respect those in authority. African men traditionally remain seated when being introduced. You can expect a traditional African person not to look you in the eye when having a conversation. This must be seen as sign of respect and not that of arrogance. In traditional societies time keeping is not as important as socialising. Arriving late is not considered bad manners but leaving early might be. These cultures usually speak very loud as a sign that there are no secrets between themselves.
* The Muslim cultures have much in common with the Western and Communal cultures. Do not schedule meetings with this culture in their prayer time and also don’t interrupt prayer times. A conversation between Muslim people is generally quieter and physical contact is frowned upon in public. South African Muslims are regarded as punctual but traditionally events and time are regarded as being controlled...
