TOURISM TRAINING INSTITUTE

Department Of Tourism Management

Course Title: Tourist behavior

Individual Assignment

Prepared by: Arsema Biniyam

Id: uge/00888l12

Submitted to MR, Abiy Nigussie

About South Africa
South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, bordering Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. The land was originally home to a
broad diversity of African tribes and peoples with varying languages and customs. The period of
the 17th century onwards introduced a sizeable European population of Dutch, English, French
and German settlers (among others). There were many social consequences of , including clear
demarcations of inequality throughout society. For example, the white Afrikaner and English
minorities were politically, socially and economically privileged over the black, mixed- and
Asian populations for years as part of the apartheid system. Today, the nation is endeavoring to
overcome these divides; recognition of legal equality and fair distribution of resources is pushed
to encourage unification. However, resentment and underlying post colonials- attitudes have
been hard to shake. South Africa remains socially divided across racial lines in many ways.

As South African society is deeply stratified, it is hard to describe cultural concepts from a
national perspective. Instead, values and behaviours of the population differ strongly among the
cultural groups to which people belong. To understand them, one must first look at these
populations individually.

Greetings
 It is important to greet everyone respectfully and immediately upon seeing them. This is
 The most common greeting is a handshake accompanied with eye contact and a smile.
This is appropriate among most South Africans.
 Handshakes may be light or firm depending on the person you are greeting. 
 When shaking hands with a person of the opposite gender, men usually wait for women
to extend their hand first.
 have signalled that it is appropriate to move on to a first-name basis.
 Elders are often addressed in local language with titles for father, uncle, mother or aunt,
such as Tata (Xhosa for father) or Mama (Xhosa for mother).
 South Africans usually like to take the time to exchange pleasantries and engage in social
discussion after greetings. It is appreciated to ask about someone’s health.

Religion
South Africa has never had an official state religion. The country’s constitution explicitly states
everyone’s right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. However, the
government actively promoted Christianity throughout much of the 20th century and it remains
the most widely followed faith today. While the 2011 South African census did not include a
question of religious affiliation, the majority of South Africans (84.2%) identified as Christian in
a 2013 General Household Survey. This represented an increased from 79.8% reported in the
2001 census. Of the remaining population, 5% identified with ancestral or traditional African
religions, 2% identified as Muslim, 1% identified as Hindu, and 0.2% identified as Jewish. 

Naming
  Many South Africans of European ancestry name their children according to European
tradition. The general structure of the name is the same as Australia, with the first and
middle name preceding the surname (e.g. Sarah Amy CLOETE).
 Those affiliated with the Zulu tribal group may have a patronymic in their name. For
example, a son may have the prefix ‘ka’ attached to the father’s first name (e.g. ‘Shaka
kaSenzangakhona’ would mean ‘Shaka [son of] Senzangakhona).

Dates of Significance
 16 December
The Day of Reconciliation is a public holiday in South Africa held annually on 16 December.
The holiday came into effect in 1995 after the end of apartheid, with the intention of fostering
reconciliation and national unity for the country
 27 April
Freedom Day on 27 April is an annual celebration of South Africa's first non-racial democratic
elections of 1994.

Etiquette
 It is important to be aware of the diversity of traditions and practices regarding etiquette
in South Africa. Norms and etiquette can vary between different ethnicities, linguistic
groups and religions
 It is polite to receive items with both hands together, held out as a cup. 

 Some South African groups may find it impolite to make gestures with the left hand.
 White and Asian South Africans tend to value punctuality more highly than black and
mixed-South Africans, who are more likely to follow ‘African time’. South Africans often use
the phrases ‘now-now’ or ‘just now’. To do something ‘now-now’ is to do something shortly,
whereas ‘just now’ means to do something in the near future, but not immediately.
 it is polite to cover your mouth when you yawn.
 It is rude to spit in public.
 Show heightened respect to anyone older than you in all situations. 

Eating
 While seated, do not point your feet towards others or the food.
 White South Africans usually eat using a fork and knife (continental style). However,
black and Indian South Africans often eat with spoons or fingers.
 There is a common hierarchical sequence in the order of people served: guests first, the
eldest male first, remaining men, children and, lastly, women. In some cases, other guests
may be expected to wait until the eldest male has begun eating before starting their meal.
 It is impolite to use your cutlery to point or gesture during a meal.
  Dinner is the main meal of the day, and on weekends braai (barbeque) is often featured
Braai vleis’ (literally cooked meat, but meaning barbeque) is a cultural institution and common
weekend ritual for most South Africans. This form of backyard cookout is an important time for
South Africans to chat, laugh, discuss everything (including politics) and, eventually, eat. Prepare
a braai session so they feel at home.
 Adults generally do not eat on the streets/standing up unless it is ice cream or from a
street-food stand.

Do’s

 Offer sympathy if there is mention of the difficult situation in South Africa. People are
likely to respond well to warmth and deeply appreciate the gesture.
 Expect South Africans to be hospitable, and make an effort to respond to and return their
warmth.
 Show respect and interest in what people have to say whenever they are talking. If a
South African may quickly disregard you as a disrespectful person if they feel you are not
listening to them.
 Communicate face-to-face when possible.

Don'ts

 Do not openly criticize the South African country, its politics or point blame. Even if you
are educated in your opinion, a South African is likely to assure you that you do not know
or understand the situation there if you haven’t lived there.
 Be aware that politics, racism, the apartheid, violence and inequality are sensitive issues
in South Africa. If the conversation is raised, do not presume the person's position and
recognize that many South Africans are aware of the affluence and power (or lack of) that
they hold within their population.

 Avoid openly expressing anger or losing control of your emotions.

Communication
Verbal

 Direct Communication: Though mannerisms in communication vary among

groups, most South Africans have a

 style of communication. They generally speak confidently and straight to the point. Their
intention and meaning is generally very self-evident. For example, a South African is
likely to openly point out when you are wrong or disagree with you on the spot. This can
come across as overly assertive or blunt. However, keep in mind that this is not generally
the intention. Moreover, they are likely to appreciate similar honesty and not take offence
to it as such.
  Raised Voices: Afrikaners and black South Africans (particularly females) naturally tend
to speak at a louder volume than those from the English-speaking West. It is also normal
for black South Africans to continue conversations by shouting when situated at a
distance from one another (e.g. standing across the road or a room).
 Silence: Silence can be interpreted as a sign that the conversation is not engaging or that
something is wrong. South Africans can grow uncomfortable with prolonged periods of
silence and may naturally speak to fill it.
 Location and Formality: Communication may vary depending on the location, with
more traditional approaches being used in rural areas and people adopting more
cosmopolitan approaches in urban areas. For example, Afrikaans people might find it
very rude to refer to elders without using the prefix "Oom" (uncle) or "Tannie" (auntie)
while in a small town. However, in an urban environment they might simply use the
formal "Meneer", "Mevrou" or "Juffrou" (Mr, Mrs or Miss) when talking about older
people.

Non-Verbal

 Physical Contact: South Africans are generally comfortable with physical affection and
like to express warmth through actions such as hugging and patting each other on the
back. A lack of physical contact can be interpreted as aloofness, unfriendliness or a lack
of trust.
 Hands: Some groups may find it impolite to make gestures with the left hand. Black
South Africans generally favour the right hand. White South Africans are generally
comfortable with using both left and right hands. Putting your hands in your pockets can
be misinterpreted as disrespectful.

 Expression and Body Language: Black South Africans are very animated and communicate
heavily through their facial expressions when speaking. White South Africans generally make
less use of hand gestures in conversation.
 Eye Contact: South Africans tend to maintain steady eye contact throughout the duration of a
conversation. However, older South Africans may avert their eyes to show respect to authority.
 Personal Space: Black South Africans often sit and stand very close to each other. Therefore,
some may stand at proximities that a Westerner may consider to be uncomfortably close. It is
likely they have not been made aware of the discomfort some people may feel with this.
 Gestures: Making a ‘V’ with the index finger and middle finger in the shape of the peace
sign is very rude if your palm is facing towards yourself. Youth in South Africa sometime use
the sign known to the West as the ‘shaka’ or ‘hang loose’ sign (thumb and little finger extended
and other fingers against the palm, rocked side to side) to express ‘hello’ or ‘good-bye’.

 Pointing: It considered rude to use your index finger to point at so

 South Africans like to feel respected by the person with whom they are interacting. It is
important to show instant respect by greeting them immediately. 
 Complimenting South Africa and inquiring about their wellbeing can make them warm to
you quickly. If you do not show adequate respect, they will be very unappreciative and
possibly cold to you.
 South Africans love their sport. If you are ever at a loss for what to say, it never fails to
ask about their favourite sporting team.
 Violence has become a central influence on South African culture and behaviour. Crime,
both anarchic and organised, is rampant throughout communities and many daily
activities and behaviour must be planned around avoiding crimes of opportunity.