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South Africa

National traditions of South Africa. Habits, mentality and the way of living

South Africa is a country amazing in many ways. It has 11 official languages, including English, so most locals are fluent in it. The culture of the country is very diverse: cultures of many African peoples such as the Zulu, Swazi, Tsonga, and others, as well as peoples with mixed African, Asian and European blood, are intertwined here. In South Africa, you can also meet many ethnic Indians. White South Africans are either Afrikaners who speak Afrikaans or Anglo-South Africans who speak English. Their ancestors were originally from France, Holland, and England respectively.
1. The Republic of South Africa is a developing country, and the quality of the water is far from ideal here. Tourists in South Africa must avoid …
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Due to a large number of mixed cultures, traditions vary depending on the region, but in general South Africans are quite similar. South African people are kind, polite, easy-going, and always ready to help. They are very respectful towards the elderly. Older men are often respectfully addressed as "fathers", "misters", and women as "mothers" and "ladies". In South African society, the family comes first. This applies to both close and distant relatives, especially in the more traditional culture of black South Africans. White South Africans consider close relatives more important. Many South Africans who move to big cities continue to maintain contact with their relatives in the countryside and are trying to provide them with financial assistance.
The main differences can be observed between urban and rural populations. The Urban residents' rhythm of life is much faster. People in large cities are more interested in material values and may look down on residents of towns and villages. People from Cape Town consider their city to be the best in the country and sometimes treat residents of other cities with some superiority. They judge people by social status but set a high value on friendly relations and family ties at the same time. Black villagers often keep ancient traditions of their tribes, while the urban black population is mostly influenced by Western culture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Traveling to the Republic of South Africa with children can be an impressive experience for the whole family. Where else could you see such a cultural …
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Most South Africans are Christians, Muslims make up about 1.5%, 15% are not religious. Black South Africans make up the majority of the republic's population. They are mostly friendly, calm, and open. Afrikaners are honest and straightforward. The descendants of the British are more private and polite. Asians making up a minority of the local population still observe ancient traditions of their ancestors. However, they are mostly materialists. Asians who have reached any career heights like to demonstrate their expensive things, clothes, and cars.
Newtown, Johannesburg South African society can be called liberal. The Constitution protects human rights, while same-sex marriages were legalized in 2006, but people in rural areas can be much more conservative. Some residents of South Africa prefer to be called "South Africans", considering other titles offensive. Most women are employed. Polygamous marriages are permitted for men in some parts of South Africa. Gender roles are still widespread, as well as physical and sexual abuse of women.
Before traveling to the Republic of South Africa, it is important to find out where to buy food, souvenirs, clothes, and stuff at favorable prices. …
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Labor and teamwork are highly valued here. South Africans are mostly quite pragmatic and can be called realists. South Africans like to communicate, with foreigners as well. People in South Africa openly slap friends on the back, hug them, shake hands. A handshake should be accompanied by eye contact as a sign of openness and honesty. It is considered very polite to ask about someone's health - this shows respect and attention. Compliments are also appreciated. If a South African disagree with something or someone, he will directly tell about it. Many locals speak much louder than Europeans and Americans. During the conversation, South Africans stand very close to each other. In public transport, distances between people are also quite small. During a conversation, it is important to maintain eye contact, but many locals look away when talking to someone older or higher in social status as a sign of respect.
South Africa guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in South Africa

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas in South Africa
♥   Cathedral of St. Augustine, Port Elizabeth. On the map   Photos
♥   Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flight into Egypt, Cape Town. On the map   Photos
♥   St. Saviour’s Cathedral, Oudtshoorn. On the map   Photos
♥   Cathedral of Christ the King, Queenstown. On the map   Photos
♥   Sacred Heart Cathedral, Aliwal North. On the map   Photos
♥   St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Kokstad. On the map   Photos
♥   Emmanuel Cathedral, Durban. On the map   Photos
Map of all castles
Castles of South Africa
♥   Castle 'Erasmus Castle' . On the map   Photos
♥   Castle 'Knoetzie Castles' . On the map   Photos
Country maps Maps of South Africa
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Car rental in South Africa
Map of cities Cities map of South Africa

Expo 2020 in Dubai Was Visited by More Than 7 Million Visitors

If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December. Read this

28.03.2024

Famous sites of South Africa in pictures

Unique traditions in cities of South Africa

Cape Town
The main theme of these street performances was the same - local artists tried to portray the customs and way of life of black people, often showing them as stupid and clumsy people. In order to look like Afro Americans, artists covered their faces with a thick layer of make-up. This tradition has steadily moved to the modern carnival. The artists, who are involved into these street processions and performances, are so skilled in the art of make-up that sometimes it is very difficult to … Read more
Johannesburg
When communicating with the local residents tourists should not be aggressive. They need to be friendly and quite restrained. It also is not recommended to photograph the local people without their permission, as well as to try to enter someone’s home without invitation. If the local people do not feel any threat or aggression from the side of foreigners, they will behave in a very friendly and open manner. When it comes to clothes, there are no strict rules here. Classic and casual styles … Read more
Pretoria
When people talk with European habitants it is not necessary to look point-blank at them, it can seem to be the sign of aggression. As for South Africans it is opposite situation again – wandering look is sign of unrespect, so it is necessary to look straight to eyes talking. Some gestures have their own meaning. It is not recommended to pass money or other things with left hand – it is the sign of unrespect. This feature appeared owing to religious rules, in accordance with them left hand … Read more
Stellenbosch
The Wine Festival is one of the biggest cultural events. It runs from July 31 to August 3 annually. Residents and visitors of the city can not only taste more than five hundred varieties of wine but also take part in a dozen folk amusements at this time. This is a festive time for all citizens. Fairs and attractions for both adults and children start their work right on the streets. Anyone can visit one of the many local wine farms and see with their own eyes how their favorite drink is poured … Read more

Map of South Africa regions with authentic traditions

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