Successful Entertaining in South Africa

Many business travellers say that South Africa is one of the best places in the world to eat out and your South African contacts will probably be eager to help you sample the delights of the many excellent restaurants on offer.

You are as likely to be asked out for lunch as dinner and may even be invited back to somebody’s home for a meal in the evening.

South African food is extremely varied and has its origins in the many cultures and peoples, which populate this cosmopolitan country. European, Indian, Malay, African and French cuisine are very common – with other influences coming from almost everywhere in the world.

Large amounts of meat are consumed in South Africa and vegetarians are often tolerated with wry amusement.

The tap water is safe in almost all areas as it is chemically treated. However, if you are unsure, bottled mineral water is widely available. Locally brewed beer and wines are of very high quality. You can find that normally conservative, serious business contacts become far less formal after a few beers over dinner.

Tipping for service is usual practice (rather than compulsory) in South Africa and usually ranges between 10% and 15% in restaurants

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in South Africa only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.