Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between South Africans and Germans

South Africa is a large country with many contrasts. Because of its ethnic diversity and history, the state does not have a unified culture. Mentalities differed according to the population structure and region, which is why the country has become known as the Rainbow Nation. Different rules prevail in the tribes in the countryside than in the city. There, the traditions and behaviors have been over molded by the western immigrants. Nevertheless, there are some differences in mentality between Germans and South Africans, which are already noticeable to the traveller during the hire car process.

A friendly and distant service
The service in South Africa is usually friendly and endeavouring, while maintaining a healthy distance to the customer. This may occasionally come as a bit of a surprise, as people are very quick to be on first-name terms. Men greet each other with a handshake. This is extremely firm, so that the traveller should be prepared for it. In order not to lose respect, he should also express his strength and athleticism with a firm handshake. Women usually refrain from shaking hands. If the holidaymaker is greeted by a female service person, a friendly nod of the head is therefore sufficient. Dealing with the customer is always very polite. It should be noted that good manners also override hierarchical structures. If, for example, a female service employee at the hire car agency escorts the male customer outside to his hire car, he should hold the door open for her. Incidentally, her supervisor would also do this for her. A distant courtesy is therefore always appropriate.

Always show a good performance
The service in the hire car center will usually always try everything to accommodate the wishes and comments of the customer. Thus, the traveler can usually rely on the hire car office to open on time. In business, South Africans are over-punctual, while lateness is common in private life. This punctuality is also demanded from the traveller and especially expected from German citizens. They are welcome as customers and are famous in South Africa for their punctuality. With regard to language skills, the traveller should not rely on the German language. There are occasionally South Africans who speak German, but this should not be relied upon. Beside the mother tongue, the service staff is proficient in Afrikaans and English, whereas the business language is always English. If the own English knowledge is only mediocre, the staff will gladly take more time. Thoughtfully and patiently the conditions of the hire car are explained to the customer. This also includes the specifics on traffic, because in South Africa there are some unusual rules for travelers from Germany.

Tips on traffic in South Africa
In South Africa, due to the history of the country, the traveler drives on the left side, so that overtaking is done on the right. As in all other countries, traffic in the cities is a bit more confusing and stressful than in the countryside. In general, however, the rules are obeyed, otherwise penalties may be imposed. Furthermore, there are sometimes fixtures across the roadway, which can turn out to be dangerous obstacles when driving at excessive speed. Furthermore, some South Africans have the peculiarity to pay attention to the traffic light phases of the crossing road. As a result, drivers occasionally let their vehicles roll slowly ahead, expecting a green light soon. This in turn hinders other drivers from turning, which is why a small sign with “3F” or “4F” can now be found at traffic lights. These symbols indicate the number of phases in the traffic light, but this is not always taken into account. An independent tour into the townships should be renounced. Otherwise not only two very different mentalities meet there, but also two very different income classes. Hitchhikers should also not be picked up and car doors and windows should be closed in the city. This prevents “carjacking” at traffic lights.