South Africa is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. Thanks to Hollywood, outdated media portrayals, and plain misinformation, many foreigners hold some wild myths about life in the Rainbow Nation.
So if you’re a visitor, an expat, or just curious about what South Africa is really like, this post is here to set the record straight.
Table of Contents
1. “Do People Ride Lions or Elephants to School?” 🤣
ANSWER: NO! We drive cars, take taxis (minibus taxis, actually), buses, or Uber. Wildlife belongs in game reserves, not in rush-hour traffic.
2.“Africa Is One Big Country, Right?” 🤯
ANSWER: Africa is a continent made up of 54 diverse countries. South Africa is just one of them, with its own cultures, laws, and 11 official languages.
3. “Everyone lives in Huts or Rural Villages.” 😅
ANSWER: South Africa, amongst others, has major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, filled with skyscrapers, suburbs, luxury apartments, and estates. Yes, rural communities still exist, but they’re not the whole story.
4. “There’s No Internet or Modern Technology.” 🤪
ANSWER: South Africans use smartphones, fibre internet, online banking, food delivery apps, and TikTok every single day. Most areas have 5G!
5. “Wild Animals Roam the Streets.” 😂
ANSWER: Unless you’re in a safari lodge, the only animals you’ll likely see in cities are dogs, cats, and maybe a hadeda bird at 5 am.
6. “Everyone Speaks African.” 🤯
ANSWER: There’s no language called “African.” South Africa has 11 official languages, including Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English.
7. “South Africa Is All Desert and Dry Bush.” 🤣
ANSWER: From tropical beaches to mountains, forests, and wine farms, South Africa has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world.
8. “There’s No Clean Water or Electricity.” 😡
ANSWER: South Africa has a fully developed infrastructure. There is clean, drinkable running water in all the areas, as well as naturally occurring water sources.
9. “It’s Always Hot.” 😫
ANSWER: South Africa Has Winter Too. In cities like Johannesburg and Parts of the Drakensberg, It Even Snows!
10. “People Don’t Wear ‘Normal’ Clothes.” 😶
ANSWER: South Africans wear what people wear globally: jeans, dresses, suits, sneakers, etc. Traditional attire is worn for cultural celebrations, not every day.
11. “All South Africans Are Black.” 🙆🏾♂️
ANSWER: South Africa is a multicultural society. The population includes black, white, coloured, indian, asian, and mixed-race individuals.
12. “There’s No Proper Education System.” 🫢
ANSWER: South Africa has top-tier universities such as UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, and Unisa. Thousands of International Students Come Here to Study Every Year.
13. “A Lion Could Attack You in Your Backyard.” 🤣
ANSWER: Only if you’re camping in a game reserve with no fences. In the city? Absolutely not.
14. “Everyone is Poor and Hungry.” 🤦🏽♀️
ANSWER: While inequality exists, South Africa has a growing middle class, a booming digital economy, and a strong entrepreneurial scene.
15. “South Africans Don’t Use Social Media.” 🫡
ANSWER: South Africans also use TikTok, WhatsApp, Twitter (x), Instagram and other apps. Participate in many viral trends, especially in music like amapiano, start here!
16. “African Time Means People Don’t Care About Punctuality.” 😱
ANSWER: “African time” may be joked about culturally, but people are punctual, especially in business and education.
17. “There’s No Fashion or Creative Industry.” 😵
ANSWER: South Africa’s fashion, music, film, and art scenes are thriving. Look out for names like Rich Mnisi, Sho Madjozi, and the Global Rise of Amapiano Music.
18. “South Africans Live in Fear Every Day.” 😦
ANSWER: While safety is a concern (like in many countries), life here goes on, people go to work, school, parties, beaches, and concerts just like anywhere else.
19. “Everyone Clicks when They Talk.” 😅
ANSWER: Only some languages (like Xhosa and Zulu) include click sounds. Not all South Africans speak them, and no, it’s not weird.
20. “South Africa Is Still Stuck in The Apartheid Era.” 🙅🏾
ANSWER: While apartheid’s effects still linger, South Africa has been a democracy since 1994. A new generation is shaping the country with resilience, creativity, and activism.
South Africa is layered, complex, and full of contradictions. But also full of warmth, humour, and spirit. So if you’re coming to visit, study, or stay, leave the myths behind and come with an open mind.
Because Mzansi will surprise you, in the best way.
- READ ALSO – Is South Africa Safe to Travel?