Greetings

• South Africa has many ethnic groups, each with its own traditions: the six major ones are: Bantu, English, Afrikaner, Coloured/Cape Malay, Indian and Chinese.
• With most South Africans, a handshake is the most common form of greeting.

• Most people should be addressed with a title and their surname, (i.e. President, Engineer, Doctor, etc.), or in lieu of a title, use Mr. or Mrs./Miss.
• The major ethnic groups in South Africa have different naming patterns.

• Due to hot temperatures, the South African morning is the most comfortable part of the day, and appointments often begin by 9 a.m.

• High pressure and emotion have little place in dealings with white South Africans. Most would rather let a deal fall through than be rushed.

• Business meetings can be held over lunch or dinner in a good restaurant.
• Invitations to white South African homes often include a barbecue by the pool--called a braaivleis (Afrikaans for roasted meat) or braai.