“Each of us is as intimately attached to the soil of this beautiful country as are the famous jacaranda trees of Pretoria and the mimosa trees of the bushveld – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.” – Nelson Mandela
With over 60 million South Africans spread across 9 provinces, there are all sorts of cultures, races, and religions that exist in unity. The South African Constitution – established in 1994 – makes sure that each and every South African can enjoy the freedom and protection of their rights.
Meet the People
South Africa has 11 official languages showcasing the diversity of the South African people. These languages include Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans. English is widely spoken across the country as it is the primary language used in the media and South African government.
As a nation “South Africanisms” have surfaced that are unique to South Africa. This includes “just now” meaning sometime soon, and “now now,” which is a bit sooner than “just now”. However, most South Africans speak at least two of the official languages that are protected in the constitution.
Often words or phrases from some of the official languages creep into everyday use across the country such as “yebo” meaning yes in Zulu and “enkosi” meaning thank you in Xhosa.
South African Living
South Africa is a beautiful country with a range of natural settings from the arid karoo to the thicker fynbos. Across the country South Africans live in various housing setups in both urban and rural areas.
Large cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are a bustling hub of activity broken up into suburbs. Further outside of the cities are smaller towns and farmlands as South Africa has a diverse agricultural sector.
Informal settlements are common in South Africa due to the displacement that occurred as a result of apartheid. This means that unfortunately not all South Africans are able to live in houses or flats that are safely built.
A Melting Pot of Culture
As a multicultural country, South Africa has different customs relating to a range of activities from friendly greetings to the treatment of guests. “Howzit” is another South Africanism that can act as a greeting among fellow South Africans.
At the core of South African culture is the philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu focuses on showing compassion and humanity for those around us and caring for the community as a whole. This takes us back to South Africa being known as the Rainbow Nation and how the South African people come together as one.
Although many different South African cultures have their own traditions and customs, Western influences have made themselves known in South African art, music, and food.
Passions, Hobbies, and Entertainment
There are 8 World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and its beautiful landscape makes way for hobbies like hiking, cycling, and surfing.
Sport is a particular passion for South Africans as the cricket, soccer and rugby teams compete internationally. These events offer a reason to come together and cheer on local teams – often in the form of a braai.
South Africans love to entertain friends and family and a braai – more commonly known as a barbeque – is the perfect way to do that. An assortment of meat and boerewors as well as classic South African side dishes like chakalaka are cooked up at a braai for all to enjoy. Whether that’s over the shared interest of a soccer game or a weekend party.
South Africa is a multicultural and diverse country that inspires new ways of living in unity and acceptance of one another. There is still a lot to be done to work towards true equality but if each South African lives according to the philosophy of Ubuntu, there is hope for the rainbow nation yet.
