In South Africa, guests are more often invited to someone's house personally than in writing. For example, married tourists may hear a phrase like "My wife invites your wife". Those invited to South Africans are advised to bring some sweets or a bottle of wine as a symbolic gift.
When entering the house, shoes must be removed immediately.
It wouldn't be superfluous to offer the owners help with serving food, washing dishes and so on - this is always appreciated.
Leaving the dining table before others is not accepted. Hosts should invite guests, for example, to another room. Be sure to give way to all who are much older.
It should be remembered that Muslims don't eat pork and don't drink alcohol, and Hindus are mostly vegetarians. Although there are not so many representatives of these faiths as Christians in South Africa, they still can be met. Therefore, if the tourist knows that new friends are Muslims and Hindus, it is important to avoid eating and drinking something they do not accept in front of them. It is also worth remembering about the month of Ramadan (May-June) when Muslims keep the fast during the daytime and eat food only at night, so avoid eating in their presence during the day. Tourists invited to Muslims' houses should expect women and men to eat separately.
While talking with South Africans, it is important to be face to face and maintain eye contact, as well as to show interest in the conversation. If the interlocutor notices indifference to the topic of conversation, this may cause offense. If the interlocutor approaches or moves closer, this shouldn't be perceived as a threat. In South Africa, people usually stand close to each other during the conversation, and trying to avoid this proximity can offend a person.
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