Cape Town City Guide - Business Etiquette

Business practices in Cape Town and South Africa are very similar to those in the UK and USA. Despite the fact that Cape Town is more informal than Johannesburg, most industries do expect a suit and tie. The more modern or artistic industries, such as IT and the media, tend to display a more informal attitude to dress - particularly in the summer months. However, it is advisable for foreign business visitors to maintain formality and only resort to the casual uniform of shorts, T-shirts and sandals when the after-hours entertainment begins.

Business hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700, although many companies finish earlier on a Friday. The exchanging of business cards is an important ritual in Cape Town and a firm handshake between both men and women is common. In some instances, the African triple handshake will be used: this is a normal handshake, then a tilt to the hand is executed to clasp the fingers at a 90-degree angle (but without letting go) and then a return to a normal handshake.

Socialising is a big part of the business scene in Cape Town and much business is conducted over lunch. Wine will more than likely be included and visitors should note that South African wines often have a slightly stronger alcohol content than the majority of European wines (usually nearer 13%). Admiration of the local wine will be appreciated, although over-indulgence is certainly not recommended. Capetonians pride themselves on being hospitable to foreign visitors and an invitation to a business contact's home is not unusual. These will, more than likely, take the form of a braai (barbecue), which tend to last throughout the entire afternoon and often into the night. Alcohol flows freely here and a gift of a bottle of wine is always appreciated, unless the host is Muslim, in which instance alcohol is strictly forbidden. In this case, a gift of chocolates, flowers or a speciality gift from the guest's home country is more suitable.