Visiting Etiquette
You will be required to accept food and beverages if you have been asked to someone's home, and they are offered. Refusing to enter someone's home without their permission might be seen as being impolite. Wait for your host to lead you into a new room.
South Africans might be too courteous. Feel free to appreciate someone's home and possessions if you are in their residence, but avoid doing it frequently. It's possible that a South African will give it to you out of courtesy. When this occurs, make it clear that while you appreciate the gesture, you do not wish to accept it. When the moment comes, do not be shocked if your South African guests accompany you to the gate, car, or street.
When it's time to depart, don't be shocked if your South African hosts accompany you to the gate, car, or street. They might even wave you away. This is normal. You may be welcomed to remain for as long as you choose by your South African hosts. They are courtesy-bound. Do not linger past your time limit. Spitting in public is considered impolite; it is proper to cover your mouth when you yawn, cough, etc. Receiving something with both hands cupped together is considered polite, especially in the black culture; Some ethnic groups could view gestures made with the left hand as unfriendly. It's customary in some South African homes to remove your shoes before entering;
Home visits are typically scheduled in advance; Unexpected visits are typically made by family members or long-time friends; When you arrive as the guest, you will be required to treat everyone with respect; if you have been invited, you might not be expected to provide a present. Nevertheless, it would be considerate to bring some drinks or wine. The South African society is, for the most part, fairly liberal. For instance, homosexual marriage was made legal across the country in 2006; regardless of sexual orientation, everyone's rights are guaranteed by the constitution. Having said that, some rural communities continue to be strongly influenced by conservative ideals.
