sign in sign up
<<
Home , Boers, Cape Colony, Sotho language, Venda, White South Africans

CultureGramsTM Republic of World Edition 2011

(farmers). They clashed at times with indigenous groups but BACKGROUND stayed mainly in coastal areas. Britain gained formal possession of the Cape in 1814. Dissatisfaction with Land and Climate British rule led many to migrate to the interior between Covering 470,693 square miles (1,219,090 square 1835 and 1848. Their migration, which they call the Great kilometers), South Africa is slightly larger than , New Trek, led to war with the indigenous Zulu, Xhosas, and other , and Oklahoma combined. The country's large Africans. The Boers won most of the battles and took control interior plateau averages about 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) of large tracts of land. above sea level. Primarily savanna and semidesert, the plateau After the discovery of and in these Boer is rimmed by a narrow coastal belt, which is subtropical along territories in the late 19th century, Britain annexed parts of the east coast and has a Mediterranean climate along the the area. Tension erupted into the Boer War (1899–1902, also southwestern cape. South Africa's most important rivers are called the South African War), in which the Boers were the , Vaal, and . defeated. In 1910, Britain combined its Cape and Snow is confined to the and Maluti with the of Orange and mountains in the east. Seasons run opposite those in the to create the . Northern Hemisphere. Humidity is generally low, except in Following its election to power in 1948, South Africa's the KwaZulu/Natal Province along the east coast. The country National Party (NP) devised the system that is noted for its long beaches, green forests, and rugged separated the country's population into racial groups: whites, mountains. Diversity among plants and wildlife adds to its blacks, (people of mixed race), and Indians. In stunning scenic beauty. The Kingdom of , surrounded 1961, the country gained independence from Britain and by South Africa, sits on a high plateau. South Africa also subsequently withdrew from the British Commonwealth over nearly engulfs the Kingdom of Swaziland. criticism of its racial policies. For the next three decades, South Africa was the scene of History turmoil and violence. The African National Congress (ANC), The Khoikhoi, San, and other indigenous Africans lived in first organized in 1912, was banned in 1960 for its communist for thousands of years, although little is views and antiapartheid activities. The ANC then launched, known of their history. In 1652, the Dutch established a with other groups, an armed struggle against the . provisions station at . It supplied ships with fresh Many ANC leaders, including , were jailed. foods as they sailed around the tip of the continent. French In the 1970s and 1980s, international sanctions damaged the Huguenot refugees joined the Dutch colony in 1688 and economy and isolated the country. came later. The colonists became known as Boers Frederik Willem (F. W.) de Klerk took office in 1989 and

1 TM CultureGrams South Africa began to reform the government. He freed Mandela and other Language political prisoners, desegregated public facilities, and gave the Sixty percent of all whites and most mixed-race people speak ANC legal status. Mandela later suspended the ANC's armed (a Dutch derivation). Other whites and Indians struggle and dropped its socialist ideology. Violent clashes speak English. English is commonly used in business, between rival African groups, among other factors, threatened between some ethnic groups, and as the primary language of progress toward greater political change. However, most instruction in secondary schools. The vocabulary and apartheid provisions were abolished in 1991, and negotiations pronunciation of reflects a unique for a new constitution began in 1992. Mandela and de Klerk relationship between English and other languages spoken in shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. South Africa. English and Afrikaans are more common in Despite sporadic violence, multiracial and multiparty urban areas than rural regions. elections were held peacefully in April 1994. Mandela was African languages are roughly divided into four families: elected president and launched a Masakhane (Nguni for “Let Nguni; Sotho; Tsonga, or Shangana; and . Most us build together”) campaign. In 1996, a new constitution was Africans speak a Nguni language: Zulu and Xhosa are most ratified. It has an extensive bill of rights guaranteeing equality prominent, followed by Ndebele and Swazi. Sotho languages for all who live in South Africa. In 1999 national elections, (South Sotho, North Sotho, and Setswana) dominate the the ANC won all but one seat needed for a two-thirds central part of the country. Also, a few mixed languages have (constitutional) majority, allowing to assume developed to facilitate communication between groups. the presidency as Mandela retired. Mbeki won reelection in Typical is a mixture of Zulu and Xhosa or Zulu and Sotho. 2004 but was forced to resign in September 2008 after losing People speak their original languages at home or within their the support of the ANC. His detractors alleged he had own groups. Some whites are now learning a major African interfered in a corruption case against ANC leader Jacob language to help them become more aware of their diverse Zuma. After the ANC won elections in April 2009, Zuma was culture. inaugurated as president. South Africa is the recipient of an increasing flow of Religion immigrants from the rest of southern Africa (particularly More than half of Africans, most whites, and most mixed-race ) in search of better economic opportunities. people are Christians. Some mixed-race people are Muslims. However, unemployment rates are high, and in 2008, violence Afrikaans speakers belong primarily to the Dutch Reformed towards foreigners swept the country, causing thousands of Church. English-speaking whites belong to Anglican, immigrants to flee to their home countries. In 2010, South Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and other Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup. congregations. Africans typically belong to African Independent churches, the largest of which is the Zion Christian Church, that combine Christian and traditional THE PEOPLE African beliefs in their worship patterns. As many as 20 percent of Africans adhere solely to indigenous belief Population systems. Most Indians are Hindus, though about 20 percent South Africa's population of 49.1 million is shrinking at an are Muslims and 10 percent are Christians. The Jewish annual rate of 0.05 percent. The majority of the population community is small but has had a significant impact on the (79 percent) is comprised of Africans, mostly from nine country's development. ethnic groups. The Zulus are the largest group (23 percent), followed by the Xhosas (18 percent), North Sothos, South General Attitudes Sothos, Tswanas, Shangaan-Tsongas, Swazis, Ndebeles, and South Africa faces a formidable set of challenges, including Vendas. Each ethnic group has its own cultural heritage, insufficient housing, high unemployment, violent crime, huge language, and national identity. Before migration patterns led wealth inequality, and a high rate of HIV infection. Many groups to mix with one another, most lived in distinct areas of people have been frustrated by the slow pace of change in southern Africa. This division inspired the apartheid concept these and other areas since the transition to majority rule. of “homelands,” which was abolished in 1992. Some Africans complain of job discrimination, while many People of mixed race (9 percent) are most often whites disagree with attempts to require companies to hire descendants of early white settlers, native Khoikhoi, and more Africans. Mixed-race people often express a feeling of slaves imported from the during South being left behind or marginalized in new planning. And, even Africa's colonial period. Indians (2 percent) are generally as some whites are reaching out to others by improving access descendants of indentured laborers brought from during to job training or land, integrating neighborhoods, or learning the 19th century or of Indian immigrants who came between about indigenous cultures, others continue to fear majority 1860 and 1911. Whites (10 percent) include English-speaking rule and oppose reform efforts. At the same time, many descendants of English, Irish, and Scottish settlers and Africans are angry that whites are not giving up more of their Afrikaans-speaking descendants of Dutch, French, and wealth or moving faster to integrate society. German colonials. It is estimated that between two and four Despite these frustrations, the majority of South Africans million illegal immigrants from neighboring African states accept coexistence in their multiracial, democratic society and also reside in South Africa. want to contribute their efforts to building it. Most people value their new economic opportunities and agree that South

2 TM CultureGrams South Africa Africans must work together to achieve the goals set forth in Gestures the constitution and to allow South Africa to capitalize on its Africans and mixed-race people frequently use hand gestures natural wealth, strong economy, and diverse peoples. in conversation. It is impolite to point at someone with the index finger, stand too close during conversation, or talk with Personal Appearance one's hands in the pockets. Africans use the right hand for Some rural Africans wear traditional clothing for special handshakes, to pass objects, or to gesture. Receiving an object purposes or everyday attire. This may include a variety of with cupped hands is polite. Some young people express headdresses and colorful outfits. They usually wear “hello” or “good-bye” by extending the thumb and little Western-style clothing on a daily basis. Rural women wear a finger up (folding all other fingers against the palm) and scarf or other headdress with either a dress or a blouse and rocking the hand from side-to-side. Whites tend to use skirt. Urban African men wear pants, shirts, and sometimes minimal hand gestures and are comfortable passing items suits, but rarely shorts. Urban African women wear both with either hand. African and European fashions. wear Western-style clothing, usually Visiting made from lightweight cotton. They tend to be well dressed in Visiting is an important social activity for most of South public. Men wear suits or shirts and trousers. In rural areas, Africa's groups. When possible, visits are arranged in they may prefer shorts and kneesocks. Women generally wear advance, but unannounced visits among good friends or comfortable dresses or modest pants. Many Muslim women relatives are common, especially in areas where telephones wear head coverings and other traditional Muslim attire. are not accessible. South Africans are gregarious, hospitable, Indian women often wear a sari, a wraparound-type dress. polite, and personally self-effacing. They enjoy conversing and socializing. Gender, ethnic, and age groups tend to socialize among themselves; association between such groups CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES is typically more formal. Etiquette varies widely between ethnic groups. Guests Greetings usually are served refreshments. In Indian homes, it is Of the many greetings used in South Africa, the English impolite to refuse these, and it is polite to accept second phrasesHello and Good morning are understood by most helpings if eating a meal. Among Africans, dinner guests are people. Afrikaans speakers sayGoeie môre (Good morning). not expected to bring a gift. Whites will often bring Young English speakers say Howzit (slang for “How are something to drink (juice, wine, etc.). When guests leave, you?”) to friends. A more formalGood morningor Good they usually are accompanied by their host to the gate, car, or afternoon is common among adults. The Zulu and Swazis street. greet each other with Sawubona (literally, “I see you,” meaning “Hello”) orKunjani (How are you?). An acceptable Eating response to either is Yebo (Yes). The Xhosa greeting,Molo , Whites generally observe the continental style of eating; the and the Sotho phrase Dumela have similar meanings to fork is in the left hand and the knife remains in the right. Sawubona. Africans more often eat meals with spoons or their fingers On parting, most South Africans use a phrase that assumes (depending on the food). It generally is not appropriate for a future meeting. In other words, people rarely say good-bye. adults to eat on the street unless eating ice cream or standing Rather, one says See youin English, Tot siens (Till we see at a vendor's stand. Eating alone is also rare. Dinner, usually each other again) in Afrikaans, or something like the Sotho eaten after 6 p.m., is the main meal. All South Africans enjoy Sala gashi (Go well in peace). abraai (barbecue), especially on the weekend. Beef and South Africans shake hands when they greet, but the type boerewors (spiced sausage) are usually featured at a of handshake differs between groups. Some use firmer, others barbecue. lighter, shakes with one hand; many rural people use both hands. Close friends and relatives may hug. Sometimes African friends greet with an intricate triple handshake that LIFESTYLE involves interlocking the smallest fingers, clasping fists, and interlocking fingers again. African men may also hold hands Family when walking or conversing. South Africa's white families are small, live as a nuclear unit, Although friends use first names and nicknames, South generally are close-knit, and enjoy a good standard of living. Africans generally do not address strangers or older people by Africans have strong extended family ties, even if nuclear their first name. Professional titles or the equivalents to units are not always able to live in the same household “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Miss” are preferred. It is polite to call an because of employment or education. Children are taught to older African “father” (Tata in Xhosa, Ntate in SeSotho, or respect their elders and obey their parents. Relatives play an Baba in Zulu) or “mother” (Mama in Xhosa and Zulu or Mme important role in caring for children and providing aid to in Sesotho). Afrikaans-speaking people, both white and of those in need. mixed race, refer to older males as “uncle” (oom) and older females as “auntie” (tannie). Housing Housing varies widely by socioeconomic level. Whites

3 TM CultureGrams South Africa usually have the largest and most expensive houses, made of South Africans enjoy a wide variety of foods, including roast brick with tiled roofs and comprising a living room, dining beef or roast lamb and potatoes, curries, boerewors and room, kitchen, one or more bathrooms, two or more pickled fish, grilled meats, stewed tomatoes, cabbage, bedrooms, and an enclosed garage. These homes have pumpkin, and spinach. Wild game meats are also popular electricity and running water and are furnished similarly to with many people. Corn, rice, beans, and potatoes are the houses in and North America. A wall or fence, often staples for the rural majority. Africans eat mealie meal electrified or topped with razor wire, surrounds the property. (cornmeal porridge, sometimes cooked with vegetables and At the other end of the socioeconomic spectrum, many meat) on a regular basis. Cooked in a three-legged cast-iron urban blacks live in informal settlements called shantytowns. pot over a fire, potjiekos (pot food) is a popular meal among These homes are made of corrugated iron, wood, and/or Afrikaans speakers for weekend social functions, festivals, cardboard and usually consist of a single room. There is no and holidays. Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant and electricity, and an outside water tap is shared by an entire often sold by farmers from roadside stands. is a community. Cooking is done inside on a paraffin stove or jerky-like snack made from various types of meat. The milk outside on a coal fire. Furnishings are sparse, typically only a tart, a custard-like pie, is a favorite desert. Wine, tea, coffee, wooden table, some chairs, and perhaps a mattress. An beer, andcool-drink (any soft drink or juice) are common extended family of three generations often occupies the room. beverages. In rural areas, extended families live in a kraal (compound) consisting of several circular huts with thatched roofs and Recreation walls made of clay or wood. They contain no furniture except Soccer, rugby, and cricket are the most important sports in sleeping mats. South Africa. Whites prefer rugby and cricket, while Africans mostly follow soccer. However, South Africans of all Dating and Marriage backgrounds cheer when fellow citizens win at international Dating habits vary between ethnic groups, but most South events. Many people enjoy tennis and swimming. Indeed, all Africans plan on marrying and having children. For many ethnic groups value competitive sports, which are ethnic groups, the groom must pay lobola (bride-price) in the increasingly open to a broader population. Those who can form of cattle or money to the bride's parents before a afford equipment or club memberships participate in squash, wedding can take place. However, paying lobola can take lawn bowling, golf, field hockey, and sailing. Horse and car years; a couple might have several children before it is paid. racing draw crowds. Traditional wedding celebrations involve much dancing South Africans appreciate their many beaches and and feasting. The law recognizes tribal weddings. Polygamy recreational facilities, including swimming pools, parks, is more common in rural areas. Most white and mixed-race libraries, and movie theaters. Dancing, playing music, South Africans marry in a church or marry civilly. Indians attending festivals, and enjoying cultural events are other have their own wedding traditions. popular activities.

Life Cycle The Arts Among African groups, a coming-of-age ceremony is one of South Africa boasts a diversity of musical styles. Choirs are the most important events in a person's life. Sometime common, and traditional folk songs have been integrated into between the ages of 10 and 18, young people take part in an choral music. The popularmbaqanga dance music originated initiation process, in which elders teach them how to prepare in apartheid-era townships. music, a favorite of young for adult status. For boys, the final stage is a circumcision South Africans, mixes African melodies and lyrics with ceremony. A boy is then regarded as an adult and has the hip-hop and reggae. Kwela incorporates the distinctive right to marry. Girls go through similar initiation schools. whistle. When a child is born to white and mixed-race South South Africans are also devoted to the fine arts, and major Africans, the infant is usually christened in a church. cities host performances of the symphony, ballet, and opera. Twenty-one is regarded as the age a person enters adulthood, Each ethnic group produces its own style of folk art, and a special party may be held. At death, a person is including basketry, beadwork, and soapstone carvings. South typically given a Christian funeral, and the body is buried in a African authors of all races have dealt with controversial cemetery or cremated. political and social themes, often writing in exile during the In most Indian families, a Hindu ceremony is held six days apartheid years. , André Brink, and Es'kia after a child's birth. Prayers are offered, and the child's hair is Mphahlele are some of the most respected. shaved so evil spirits may not attach themselves to the child. At death, Hindus cremate the body within 24 hours and Holidays spread the ashes into a sea, lake, or river. The family observes South Africa's official holidays are New Year's Day, Easter a period of mourning for 10 days. No food is cooked in the (including Good Friday and Family Day on Monday), Human home, so friends and relatives provide the family with meals. Rights Day (21 Mar.), Freedom Day (27 Apr.), Workers' Day The family observes three further periods of mourning, at 13 (1 May), Youth Day (16 June), National Women's Day (9 days, 6 months, and 12 months after the person's death. Aug.), Heritage Day (24 Sept.), Reconciliation Day (16 Dec.), Christmas, and Day of Goodwill (26 Dec.). Each religion also Diet observes other important holidays.

4 TM CultureGrams South Africa language of instruction. In urban areas, an increasing number of primary schools teach in English. There are 19 universities SOCIETY in South Africa.

Government Health South Africa's president (currently ) is chief of Medical services are socialized, but some private sector state and head of government. The president is chosen by an participation is also incorporated. Public hospitals and clinics elected parliament on the basis of the majority party's are open to all citizens. Free care is given to all pregnant recommendation. Parliament has two houses: a 90-member women and to children younger than age six. Disease and Council of Provinces and a 400-seat National Assembly. All malnutrition are more common among blacks. South Africa is members of Parliament are elected to five-year terms. experiencing a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic; about 18 Members of the National Assembly are elected directly by percent of adults aged 15 to 49 are infected. Tuberculosis, popular vote, while Council members are chosen by the nine malaria, and cholera are also serious problems. About half of provincial parliaments. The president serves a maximum of South Africa's population lacks basic sanitation; almost two five-year terms. Citizens are eligible to vote at age 18. one-third lacks access to adequate supplies of potable water.

Economy South Africa is the richest country in Africa, and whites AT A GLANCE generally enjoy a high standard of living. The relatively high per capita gross domestic product (GDP) reflects a wide gap Contact Information between whites and others in terms of income because whites Embassy of South Africa, 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, usually earn far more than Africans. Mixed-race people earn Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 232-4400; web site closer to the average national GDP. www.saembassy.org. South Africa Tourism, 500 Fifth More than half of all export earnings come from minerals Avenue, 20th Floor, Suite 2040, New York, NY 10110; and metals. South Africa is one of the world's largest phone (800) 593-1318 or (212) 730-2929; web site producers of platinum and gold. It also exports diamonds, www.southafrica.net. chrome, and coal. Low gold prices on world markets have sometimes slowed that sector's growth. The industrial base is large and diversified, and new investment is allowing for POPULATION & AREA growth. Wine and tourism are fast-growing industries. To Population 49,109,107 (rank=25) improve market conditions and raise capital, the government Area, sq. mi. 470,693 (rank=26) has privatized (in whole or in part) some of the largest state Area, sq. km. 1,219,090 enterprises. Strong growth and investment will be necessary DEVELOPMENT DATA to reduce high unemployment and poverty. The currency is Human Dev. Index* rank 110 of 182 countries the rand (ZAR). Gender inequality rank 82 of 155 countries Real GDP per capita $10,300 Adult literacy rate 87% (male); 86% (female) Transportation and Communications Infant mortality rate 44 per 1,000 births South Africa has the best-developed infrastructure in Africa. Life expectancy 50 (male); 48 (female)

Railroads carry freight and passengers throughout the *UN Development Programme, Human Development Report 2010 (New York: Palgrave country. Air routes link major cities. South Africa's road Macmillan, 2010). system is well maintained and extensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Many urban commuters take minibus combies to work. TM The nation's advanced telecommunications system is also CultureGrams considered the best on the continent. Television is widely ProQuest available, and four channels broadcast in English, Afrikaans, 789 East Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 USA and the Nguni and groups. One cable channel Toll Free: 1.800.521.3042 offers a mix of U.S. and British programming. Radio Fax: 1.800.864.0019 www.culturegrams.com broadcasts are available in all of South Africa's languages. © 2011 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law Education to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by any means without strict written permission from ProQuest. As in other areas of South African life, apartheid-era segregation in public education has been dismantled. However, it will take some time before all children receive the same opportunities within a uniform system. Many schools are without adequate texts or supplies. Schooling is compulsory to age 15. Africans receive instruction in their native language until the seventh grade, and then they usually are taught in English after that. Afrikaans is also offered as a

5

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)