Language and Ethnic Groups

South Africa is a multiethnic society with 75.2% being blacks, 13.6% white, and 2.6% Indian. Eleven languages have been designated as official/national including English, Afrikaans and Zulu. Over 57 percent of the population speaks English.

Value System and Relationships

South Africa scores average on the power distance and uncertainty avoidance indices, while scoring higher than average on individualism and masculinity indices. Individualism is encouraged, and achievement by the individual is more important than family in determining status. Each of the different cultures in South Africa has its own traditions, while hospitality is generally considered a virtue. Crime and traffic accidents are the main hazards.

Business Climate

A hierarchical structure dominates in the business world and South Africa remains a male-dominated society while this is slowly changing. White South Africans often begin talking business after a very brief social exchange, while other races will spend more time on small talk (they want more time getting to know you). White South Africans frequently entertain in their homes while others use restaurants.

The Pew Global Attitudes Project is an interactive database that allows users to explore public opinion trends in 55 countries on topics ranging from attitudes towards the U.S. to peoples assessments of their own lives to views about globalization, democratization and extremism and other important issues.

South Africa ranks as no. 54 (of 180 countries) on Transparency International’s 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index.