Proudly South African

One of the major marketing campaigns in South Africa is the "Proudly South African" campaign. Like any newly democratic country (only a democracy since 1994), SA is in the process of major nationbuilding efforts. My toothpaste is stamped as "Proudly South African" as is my bank, etc., etc. So, in honour of this movement, I would like to share a few things which I feel are "Proudly South African" in my mind.

• Boys ages 5 and up playing soccer barefoot
• Pausing after each half to dance to the music on the radio (this is the grown boys, as well)
• Replying "sharp" or "sharp, sharp" (pronounced shop) after almost every conversation
• "YO, Yo, yo..." in response to anything surprising or concerning. For example, "And then he hit the car." "YO, Yo, yo..."
• Having someone assume, due to the way you look, that you not only are "one of the gang," but can speak their language fluently (there are 11 national languages in SA)
• Including emigration in family member losses
• When asked where you're going on holiday, replying that you're going to "Africa"
• A different sensational headline posted every 10 meters (that's 30 feet)
• Calling a buddy "bru"
• Referring to "sport," "the rugby," or "the cricket." I suppose it's a bit like saying "The WalMart" or adding an S to Kroger
• Not being able to sing at least 1/4 of the SA National Anthem
• Land Rovers and VW Golfs
• Minibus taxis
• Wearing sweaters until it's 30 degrees C (about 85 F)
• Answering the phone "Yebo" and hanging up by saying "Cheers, hey"
• Virgin anything--Richard Branson owns this place!
• Saying "sorry" instead of "oops"
• Referring to your teacher as "Miss" or "Ma'am" with no surname attached. That one gets me--because my teachers all yell "Miss!" in classic Mr. Cotter style
• Going to the "cinema"
• Driving down the "motorway"
• Durbs, CT, Jozi, PE, Alex, Bloem used as code for Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Alexandria, and Bloemfontein
• KFC a.k.a. Kentucky
• Dancing and singing for every occasion
• A Toast to South Africa at every Rotary function
• Braaing boerwors rolls at every opportunity
• Colourful clothing and headwear
• Kwaito
• Referring to oneself as "European" after never having actually lived in Europe and distinguishing others as "African" after having lived in Africa one's whole life
• Lekker=cool
• 11 official ways to say "God Bless South Africa" included in the Constitution

Hope you've enjoyed!