We’re the Friendliest Country in the World – Because, Of Course We Are! 

It’s official. Stamped. Certified. Printed in bold somewhere on the internet. South Africa has just been named the friendliest country in the world – and honestly, we’re not even surprised. Delighted? Yes. Emotional? A bit. Surprised? Never.

This news was received with ululations, celebratory “Whoop-whoops,” and at least one person starting a spontaneous gumboot dance in a Woollies queue (we see you, Sizwe).

Here, being friendly isn’t something we try to do. It’s just who we are.

From the Mountains to the Malls, It’s All Love

In South Africa, greetings aren’t optional. Whether you’re passing someone in the bushveld or squeezing past them in the aisle at Pick n Pay, a “Hello, how are you?” is practically a handshake for the soul.

It’s not weird to start chatting to a stranger. In fact, it’s rude not to. And somewhere between, “Eish, the weather’s wild, hey?” and “Ja, I also just came for bread and left with R600 of nonsense,” a bond is formed.

We’re not just friendly. We’re warm. Like “let me tell you my life story while we wait for the robots to work again” warm.

Because We’ve Been Through Stuff – Together

Let’s be real. This country hasn’t had it easy. But still, kindness flows like Mrs Mthembu’s famous gravy – rich, comforting, and everywhere.

When the lights go out? Jokes fly. When the water’s off? Neighbours offer buckets. When is the queue long? Aunty next to you will offer advice on your love life.

That’s the thing. Our friendliness isn’t fluffy. It’s gritty. It’s real. It was forged in shared struggles and shaped by joy that refuses to be dimmed – even when the power is.

A Melting Pot – With Extra Spice

With 11 official languages, hundreds of cultures, and more public holidays than we know what to do with, friendliness here comes in every shape, size, and dialect.

A Xhosa mama will call you “mntwan’am” like you’ve been hers since birth. A coloured tannie might give you a nickname within five minutes. An Afrikaans oom will offer biltong as if it’s a peace treaty.

People will greet you in English, smile at you in Zulu, and give you directions in enthusiastic hand gestures. And somehow, you’ll understand them all.

We Don’t Just Welcome You. We Adopt You.

Tourists often arrive cautious and curious. They leave crying and clutching recipe books and beaded keyrings.

Here, guests aren’t just welcomed. They’re adopted. Fed. Teased lovingly. Given a crash course in bunny chow etiquette and taught how to say “bru” correctly.

It’s why visitors come back. Not just for the Big Five, but for the big hearts.

Braais, Banter, and Bakkies Full of Joy

Our social currency? Braais. Our secret weapon? Banter. Our love language? Offering you tea and a biscuit and leftovers for the road.

Even the guy fixing your tyre might ask how your mom’s doing. The lady at the till might throw in a “Stay warm, hey.” A child you’ve never met might wave and call you “uncle.”

There is no performative. Not fake. It’s just… us.

So, Yes – We’re Proud. Like, Vuvuzela-Level Proud.

It’s important to note, this is not just a title. Not just a feather in our cap.

Uniquely, Southern Africans wear a fully beaded headdress, worn with pride and a little swagger.

Being named the friendliest country in the world just confirms what we already knew. South Africans are built differently. Warmer. Kinder. More likely to offer you a plate of food even if they only have one chicken wing left.

So come visit, if you haven’t. Or stay longer, if you have. You’ll leave with a full heart, a fuller belly, and at least four new WhatsApp groups.

We’re South Africa. And we’ve got love to give. Always.