South African business people tend to dress conservatively. Loud sports jackets and slacks are rarely seen at work. South African businesswomen tend to wear woolen or woven cotton blend suits in the cooler months April through August. In the warmer months cotton or linen suits are appropriate.
Men tend to favor medium or heavy woolen suits for year-round wear.
During the warmer months of October through March, darker lightweight fabrics such as tropical worsted are appropriate and a lightweight raincoat is recommended. A medium-weight overcoat is recommended for the colder months of April through August. Business cards are usually simple, including only the basics such as company logo, name, business title, address, telephone number and fax number. South Africans are very punctual, and South African business people make every effort to be on time for appointments. Appointments should be made in advance of a business call.