Social Profile
Food & Drink: A thriving agricultural sector yields excellent fresh produce, meat, fruit and wines and the long coastline produces very fresh and cheap seafood. Oysters and linefish (examples of which are Kingklip, Kabbeljou, Cob and Red Roman) are particularly good. Typical South African dishes include sosaties (a type of kebab), bobotie (a curried mince dish, of which waterbolmmetjiebredie, made with a local water plant, is particularly good), bredies (meat, tomato and vegetable casseroles), crayfish (or rock lobster) and many other seafood dishes traditional to the Western Cape province. Curries and chutneys are excellent. Biltong (seasoned dried meat) is a savoury speciality. Potjiekos, a casserole cooked for hours in an iron pot, usually outside, is excellent. Stywepap or Poetoepap, a sort of polenta made with white maize, is widely eaten with meat. Although there is a wide choice of self-service restaurants, most have table service.
There are excellent local red and white wines, sherries, brandies and some unusual liqueurs. Beer is also very good. Shebeens offer Umqombothi, a home-brewed sorghum beer. Bars/cocktail lounges have bartender service. ‘Liquor stores’ are open weekdays 0900-1800 and close Sat 1300, although alcohol is now available in supermarkets outside these hours and under certain circumstances on a Sunday. One can generally buy alcohol at shebeens at any time.
Nightlife: Cinemas show a variety of international films. In the large cities, there are regular plays, operas and symphony concerts. The local music scene is thriving, and there is a unique South African ‘township’ jazz style, exponents of which can be seen in all large cities. There are a number of nightclubs and discos open until late. The large hotels usually have live music or cabaret.
Shopping: Upmarket boutiques and supermarkets generally coexist with a mass of street traders selling arts, crafts and anything else profitable. Stores are modern. Special purchases include Swakara hand-crafted gold, coats, gold, diamond and semi-precious stone jewellery, leather, suede and fur goods, ceramics and crafts, of which there are now a bewildering variety including many from the rest of the continent. Local wine, brandy and liqueur are cheap and usually excellent. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1700, Sat 0830-1230, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots.
Special Events: For further details, contact South African Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of events and festivals celebrated in South Africa during 2003:
Jan Cape Minstrels Street Carnival, Cape Town; Richmond Show, Richmond; Unisa International Music Competition, Pretoria. Feb Alfred Dunhill PGA Golf Tournament, Johannesburg; The Windybrow Arts Festival, Johannesburg; Up The Creek, Cape Town (Music Festival). Mar 20-30 Cape Town Festival (cultural arts festival), Cape Town. Apr The Rand Easter Show, Johannesburg (Trade and Consumer Fair); Bosveld Marathon and Land of Legend Marathon, Louis Trichardt. May Cape Gourmet Festival, Cape Town; Maria Ratchitz Music Festival, Dundee. May-Jun National Hot Air Ballooning Championship, Bethlehem. Jun Apollo Wildfees Film Festival, Victoria West. Jun 26-Jul 5 National Arts Festival, Grahamstown. Jul International Horse Endurance Race, Fauresmith; Oyster Festival, Cycle Race and Road Running Marathon, Knysna. Aug Oppikoppie, Northam (3-Day Rock Music Festival); Lowveld Agricultural Show, Nelspruit; Cape Times Waterfront Wine Festival, Cape Town; Meat Festival, Calvinia; Oppikoppie, Worcester (3-Day Rock Music Festival). Sep Formula One Powerboat Grand Prix, Hartbeespoort Dam; Cape Town International Opera Festival, Cape Town; Heritage Festival, Dundee; Harley Davidson Rally, Colesberg; Arts Alive Festival, Johannesburg. Oct Beer Fest, Hogsback; Rose Festival, Bloemfontein; Lanseria Air Show, Pretoria; Oktoberfest, Dundee; Food and Wine Festival, Stellenbosch. Oct-Nov Creations Craft Show, Dundee. Nov National Choir Festival, Johannesburg; Friedman Bowls Tournament, Dundee; Spier Arts Festival, Stellenbosch. Nov 2-23 Presidents Cup, Fancourt Golf Estate, George. Nov 4-8 Mountain Film Festival, Cape Town. Dec Million Dollar Golf Challenge, Sun City; East London Beachfront Festival; Long Street Carnival, Cape Town; Magersfontein March, Kimberley.
Social Conventions: Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be shown when visiting someone’s home. Casual wear is widely acceptable. Formal social functions often call for a dinner jacket and black tie for men and full-length dresses for women; this will be specified on the invitation. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport. Tipping: Normally ten to 15 per cent if service is not included. It is customary to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, caddies and room service. By law, hotel rates do not include a service charge.
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