Eswatini

In passing, Swazis raise both hands in front of their chests palms towards the person to greet. They say “Sawubona” (saw-oo-bo-na) if greeting one person and “Sanibonani” (sonn-ee-bo-na-nee) if greeting more than one person. Those receiving the greeting respond with “Yebo” (yay-bo).

When meeting someone, Swazis use the same verbal greetings as described above. They ALWAYS shake with the right hand. It is unacceptable to shake hands with someone with the left hand.

When younger persons greet their elders, they slightly bow or squat down to a position lower than the elder. This is more common with children in rural areas.

Swazis tend to be very indirect when communicating. This is common in both rural and urban areas.

A few notes for women: it is very common for other women to make comments about your body figure. Older women will say you look “fat” but it is meant as a comment; it means you are looking well-taken care of and healthy.

When talking to someone, you may find that Swazis stand very closely. In public transport and in situations where individuals are seated, you will find that Swazis tend to sit together with little to no space (even if other seats are available).

In traditional Swazi families, hugging is uncommon and only something that the children do. It’s more common for the female elders to hold on to their children’s hands.

In the urban areas, hugs are more common among women. When hugging someone, you must keep space between yourself and the other and move towards the right meeting his/her cheek and using just the right arm to embrace.

Direct eye contact is usually acceptable unless meeting an elderly man in a rural area with traditional political power such as chiefs and their inner councils (or the King).

In the urban areas, direct eye contact is encouraged and accepted among men, women, and children.

If you have traveled to Africa before, the term “African time” is well-known in Eswatini. Meetings, appointments, events, and transport are almost always late. It is not uncommon for a meeting to start 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours late. With Westerners, however, Swazis in the urban areas try to be more punctual because they realize this difference in cultures.

With public events, always expect a delay. In the business environment, meetings still run late and sometimes businesses will open late. They do, however, always close on time.

Transportation rarely runs on a schedule. Khombis (15 passenger vans) and buses usually leave when they are full of passengers.

In social settings, people also tend to run late for dinner dates or meeting for drinks. If you are running very late (more than 45 minutes), it is best to call or send a text message to notify the person you are meeting.

Drinking alcohol in both rural and urban areas is less common for women than men. But in the urban areas foreign women should not be concerned with breaking any drinking taboos. They will likely find other women drinking.

The single most important obscenity occurs when a woman dresses so as to show her thighs. This should never be done. It is interpreted as a sexual invitation and, at best, encourages harassment. At worst, women dressed this way have been publicly assaulted and raped, and the action excused by some as a proper lesson in discipline. This taboo does not extend to members of the royal family; princesses can dress however they please with no fear of repercussion.

When receiving things (food, change from cashiers, papers, etc), you should extend either both hands or one hand. When handing something over to another person, you should use your right hand. It’s rude to use your left hand in these situations.

It’s very rude to ignore someone trying to greet you.

The legal age for drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco is 18. It is lightly enforced but easy to get away with.

Fashion and dressing nicely is very important.

For Men- button-down shirt or African shirt, long pants of black or neutral color. Suits and ties are common in some industries. Shoes should be clean and polished.

People will typically introduce themselves by the name they would like to be called. To show extra respect, you may go by the surnames with Mr., Ms., Mrs. or Madame. You can also use SiSwati terms: “Make” (maa-gay) meaning “mother” for older women or women in higher positions, “Babe” (baa-bay) meaning “father” for older men or men in higher positions, “Sisi” (see-see) meaning “sister” for women close to your age, and “Bhuti” (boo-tee) meaning brother for men close to your age.

It is appropriate to call someone Doctor, if the person holds that title.

When you give or accept something, do so with your right hand while touching the right wrist or forearm with your left hand.

It is best to ask a trusted friend if the company starts meetings punctually. Most likely, they start 15-30 minutes late.

Greet everyone upon entrance to the meeting venue then greet individuals with hand shakes. If you know the person in charge of the meeting, you may greet them first if he/she is available.

Meetings are usually conducted by an individual or committee. They will know the protocol and structure to begin and end the meeting.

If you have called the meeting, prepare an agenda prior to the meeting and direct the discussions.

In shops and food markets, prices are set and non-negotiable (unless buying in large bulk quantity).

In craft markets, prices can be negotiated, especially if buying more than one item. Foreigners are always quoted higher prices. The advantage is that many merchants are selling the same items. If one merchant acts like they don’t want to negotiate, move on and find a merchant willing to lower the price. It’s best to remain calm but if they are going to lower the price, it shouldn’t take long to deliberate.

Gifts are not common in the work place unless a close friend is getting married, having a baby, or leaving work.

Wait to open the gift in private unless the giver tells you to open it publicly. Gifts can be wrapped or not.

Common gifts include planner books, local handicrafts like candles or scarves, and kitchenware like coffee cups, plates, platters, or nice glasses.

University students wear clean and neat attire but are more relaxed than the business environment. They can wear jeans with blouses, t-shirts, or sweaters. Women often wear low-cut shirts and both men and women wear fitted tops and trousers. Women’s shorts and skirts must be to the knees or just below. Men can wear shorts, though no Swazi men usually do.

The term “marks” is used in place of “grades.” The most common form of marks is the letter scale, A-F.

Lectures are the most common form of teaching but also used are laboratories, discussions, and group or individual research projects.