Gauteng is South Africa's smallest and most populous province, home to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet shopkeepers and drivers before asking for anything
South Africans value personal space and eye contact in greetings
Ask before photographing people, especially in townships
Handshakes are common; some communities use three-part handshakes
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Say 'Sawubona' (hello, Zulu) or 'Dumela' (Sotho/Tswana)
- Try local food in Soweto
- Tip 10-15% at restaurants
- Learn about apartheid history before visiting
Don't
- Do not display valuables on streets
- Do not photograph police or military
- Do not joke about race or apartheid
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake and 'How are you?' before business
- Dining
- Wait for the host to start; share plates in Soweto
- Dress
- Casual, smart-casual in Sandton restaurants
- Gifts
- Small gifts welcome when invited home
- Business
- Punctuality is valued but meetings may start late
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Sawubona (Zulu) / Dumela (Sotho)
Hello
sah-woo-BOH-nah / doo-MEH-lah
Ngiyabonga (Zulu)
Thank you
ngee-yah-BONG-gah
Dankie
Thank you (Afrikaans)
DUNK-ee
Yebo / Cha
Yes / No (Zulu)
YEH-boh / chah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Gauteng.
Main: Christianity is the majority faith, with strong Zionist and Pentecostal churches; also Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and African traditional religion
Sites: Regina Mundi Church in Soweto
Holy Days: Christmas, Easter, Eid
Conversations: Religion is discussed openly and respectfully