Managing in South Africa

Doing Business in a Changing Culture

Thrive working and managing in South Africa.

© iStockphoto/scibak

When you think of South Africa, a flood of images will probably come to mind. The country's struggle to dismantle apartheid was extensively covered in the international media, and most of us know the inspiring story of Nelson Mandela's rise to the presidency.

However, South Africa is like a complex, beautiful tapestry: the more you look at it, the more unique and varied it is. With an incredibly diverse population, vibrant cities, beautiful scenery, and wildlife including lions, elephants, and giraffes, South Africa is a country with a lot to offer.

South Africa has gone through dramatic changes in the past 20 years. The country is still learning a new way of living and working, and this will affect your experience of it. It also means that, whether you're moving to the country full-time to work, visiting a South African office temporarily, or managing a South African team from abroad, you should find out as much as you can about the cultures of your co-workers before you begin.

This article will give you a start. We'll look at language and politics, employment law, business etiquette, and much more besides. However, make sure that you get good local advice on the detail of these things when you arrive.

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