South African Business Etiquette

In South Africa business people sometimes shy away from dealings with others they've never met. Making arrangements to be introduced by a mutual business associate is your best way in to the South African business world. Be prepared to outline the exact nature of your business, qualifications of yourself and your company, and list any references the South African business partner may recognize.

If your company has done business with some of the same people as the South African company, letters of introduction could be extremely helpful. Make your first meeting about getting to know one another rather than strictly business. South Africans are more likely to do business with you after they've decided whether or not they like and trust you.

From mid-December to mid-January is a bad time to schedule a business meeting since virtually everything shuts down during this period. Avoid the week of Easter and most Jewish holidays as well. Addresses are difficult to find because of the addressing system so allow extra time to get to your destination. Try to have very accurate directions to the location. Locating safe parking in big cities can be very challenging so consider taking a cab rather than driving yourself.

Office hours are comparable to American business hours but most South African business people do not work on weekends. Some banks and government offices are open for half a day on Saturday.

Suits and ties are appropriate business wear with shirts being light in color. When going without a jacket wear a long sleeve shirt. When invited to a home for dinner jackets are usually required. For women dresses and skirts are preferable to pantsuits. Dresses should not be sleeveless, too tight or really short. Winter is between June and August so pack accordingly.

English is a second language to most South Africans. There's no need to translate business cards and materials to African languages. Business cards should state your position in the company and important credentials of the company.