In a global survey measuring everyday courtesy, South Africans have made their mark in a way that feels deeply familiar… and proudly local.
Global (23 March 2026) – South Africans are lekker… and we’re pretty polite too!
A new global survey has named South Africa as one of the most polite countries on the planet, placing us in the top 10 alongside nations like Japan, Canada and the UK. It’s recognition that comes from the everyday interactions we sometimes take for granted… saying “howzit”, the extra patience in a queue or the willingness to help a stranger without expecting anything in return. It’s Ubuntu in action.
The study, conducted by global financial services provider Remitly, surveyed more than 4,600 people across 26 countries to understand how politeness is perceived worldwide. Participants were asked to name the nations they believe are home to the most polite people, based on their own experiences and interactions.
While Japan claimed the top spot, earning over 35% of the votes, South Africa secured its place with 1.82% of respondents recognising the country for its courteous and considerate people. It may sound like a small percentage, but in a global ranking like this, it’s a significant nod to the way South Africans show up in everyday life. What makes this even more interesting is how closely our self-perception aligns with how the world sees us. South Africans ranked 8th when rating our own politeness, scoring an impressive 9.33 out of 10. That suggests something quite special… we don’t just believe we’re kind and respectful, it’s something others genuinely experience too.
The research also highlights something many of us already know deep down… that politeness isn’t just about saying “please” and “thank you”. It’s about how we make people feel. It’s about patience when someone is struggling, offering a seat, holding a door or simply acknowledging another human being with a smile.
“Moving to a new country is made a lot easier by positive everyday interactions that share whether someone feels welcome or not. Small acts of courtesy, whether that’s patience over a language barrier, or giving up a seat on public transport, can have a real impact on someone who is starting over thousands of miles from their home,” Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing at Remitly, explain
And maybe that’s where South Africa shines the most. Despite everything we navigate as a country, there’s still this underlying thread of humanity… this ability to see each other, to connect, to care. We may not always recognise it ourselves, but it’s there, woven into our culture, our communities and the way we move through the world.
So yes, Japan may lead the global ranking, and Canada may be famous for its apologies but South Africa has earned its place on that list in a way that feels deeply authentic.
by 