The afterwork culture in South Africa

In South Africa, afterwork culture is a vibrant and integral part of professional and social life. It typically involves informal gatherings where coworkers and friends come together to unwind after a long day. Here are some key aspects of afterwork culture in South Africa:

Popular Activities: Common afterwork activities include meeting at local bars (often called “shebeens”), restaurants, or outdoor venues for drinks and food. Braais (barbecues) are also popular, especially on Fridays, where colleagues gather to grill and socialize.

When and Where: Afterwork events generally take place during weekday evenings, typically from 5 PM onwards. Popular spots include rooftop bars, local pubs, or even coworker-hosted gatherings at someone’s house. Urban centers like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have a wide variety of trendy spots for afterwork socializing.

Cultural Differences: South Africans are generally laid-back and friendly, so afterworks tend to be informal and open to socializing. One cultural difference is the emphasis on bonding over shared food and drinks, and there’s often a sense of community. South Africans also love their sports, so catching a game over a drink is common.

Professional and Social Integration: Afterwork events are great for networking and breaking the ice with colleagues, and they often lead to stronger working relationships. For expats, it provides an opportunity to better understand the local culture and make personal connections outside of the formal work setting.

This guy lives in a dream. The reality about SA is far away from this idyllic  picture. You can't go out after dark inSA.