Pursue due diligence in negotiating with South African concerns. This isn’t to say that there are lots of traps awaiting the unwary. In fact, there are relatively few. However, there are considerable differences within the business...

Company structures vary significantly from industry to industry in South Africa and from small companies to multinationals, but roles and titles tend to be the same overall. The relationship between managers and workers tends to be...

The importance of consultation to the process of decision-making cannot be overestimated in the business world of South Africa. Not only is it part and parcel of a cautious approach to business, but it’s often required by law. Any...

Companies entering the country for the first time or those trying to expand their contacts are likely to find managers in South African companies receptive to meeting. South Africans tend to be formal at first in their meeting etiquette....

Traditionally, men have dominated in the South African workforce while women stayed home to look after the house and children. The reality is very different for many women today. More black and colored women work, mostly in part-time...

Workers in South Africa follow a very similar schedule to workers in Western Europe and North America. Employees in South Africa hold closing time dear. Unless there’s a special reason to do so, they’re not likely to work past quitting...

Generally speaking, physical greetings in South Africa are straightforward and follow Western traditions. At meetings as well as social events, it’s customary to shake hands. This applies to both men and women. Make sure you have a...

Since the end of apartheid, corporate life in South Africa has changed dramatically, and the business scene is now evolving at a fast pace. The government is committed to liberalizing the country’s economy in fundamental ways, and...

South Africa has a serious crime problem, so ensuring your safety, and that of everyone you’re traveling with, will need to be a high priority while you’re in the country. At the same time, there’s no need to be paranoid. As in most...

South Africa is facing acute, primarily financial, problems in delivering high-quality healthcare. Public-sector hospitals, subsidized by the state, serve 80 percent of the population, while the private hospitals serve only 20 percent....

South Africa offers a variety of well-stocked stores and malls in the urban centers, which are filled with a wide range of goods from around the world. South Africa has a growing mall culture including places like Sandton City outside of...

With the country’s natural beauty and temperate climate, it’s obvious why most people in South Africa enjoy the outdoors. Magnificent beaches span the entire eastern coast and the Western Cape, providing a focal point for much of the...

South Africa offers a variety of housing options that differ between the major urban centers. Explore neighborhoods and review tips on hiring an estate agent and renting a home.

Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban dominate the cultural and business life of South Africa. Explore the main cities as well as the legislative and industrial centers that make South Africa the most vibrant economy in Africa. Learn more...

A veritable fruit and vegetable basket, South Africa grows an amazing variety of produce on its farms and in its orchards. In addition, the country’s farmers raise cattle, sheep, and other livestock of excellent quality. The deep coastal...

South Africa’s liberal constitution grants all people equal status, regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. In practice, though, a large segment of the society is committed to preserving...

The complexity and diversity that characterize South Africa’s cultural and ethnic landscape translate into a wide range of customs and values. You’ll see them exposed in virtually all aspects of daily life and interpersonal...

South Africa’s diverse ethnic makeup is a defining feature of the country. Though more than three-quarters of the population are of African descent, this group is extremely varied culturally and linguistically. Zulus make up the largest...

Officially designated a middle-income country, South Africa ranks alongside Argentina, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, and Turkey in average per capita income. While the country is by far the richest in Africa, the economic statistics...

Initially a refueling station for Dutch sailors traveling to the East, South Africa gradually developed an agricultural sector, based on fruit, wine, and livestock production, along the coast of the Cape of Good Hope. All of this changed...

The Drakensberg range and the region’s ocean currents contribute to the varied climates found across South Africa. The interior is temperate, with sunny days and cool nights. A subtropical band extends along the east coast, while a much...

Along with Pretoria, Johannesburg is a commercial and financial center located in the Gauteng province. With more than 7 million people, it’s the largest city in South Africa. After gold was discovered in the area in 1886, immigrants...

Durban’s subtropical climate makes it a popular tourist center. With a population of more than 3 million, Durban is the country’s busiest port and its second-largest city. It is also home to the country’s largest concentration of...

The Western Cape is home to Cape Town, the country’s oldest and third-largest city, with a population of 2.5 million. Linked to the world by first-class transportation and communications services, the city is a favorite location for...