Excerpted from the South Africa Career Guide
Hand gestures are common in conversation in South Africa. However, pointing
a finger at someone, standing too close, or speaking to someone with hands
in pockets is considered impolite. People living in South Africa generally shake hands or make
gestures with their right hand. A handshake is a customary greeting and
ending to meetings. The force with which a handshake is returned should
be based on the force with which it was received. Men and women do not
typically shake hands as much as in the West, so unless a
woman in South Africa initiates the handshake, men should not reach out their hands. Equally,
the American woman might not have her hand taken by a South African man
when she extends it. Don't misinterpret this as discourteous.
This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete South
Africa guide.
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