Content creator Mitch Matyana highlights the humour and brilliance behind how South Africans use ‘otherwise’ in everyday conversations.
South Africa (19 March 2026) – If you’ve ever had a conversation with a South African, chances are you’ve been hit with a casual “otherwise” somewhere in the mix, and it might be confusing how it quickly switches up.
Content creator Mitch Matyana is shining a spotlight on one of Mzansi’s most confusing (and oddly brilliant) everyday phrases, breaking down the many ways locals use “otherwise” in conversation.
Because here’s the thing, in South Africa, “otherwise” doesn’t always mean otherwise.
It’s a conversation reset and topic switch.
One minute you’re deep into a story, the next, “otherwise?” and suddenly you’re talking about something completely different. Seamless transition.
And sometimes, it’s not even a switch. It’s a greeting.
Instead of the usual “how are you?”, you’ll hear: “Otherwise, you well?”
And somehow, it makes perfect sense.
Mitch compares it to how Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu style of play: unexpected, smooth, and exactly where it needs to be. It’s also a little bit like growing up in a multilingual home that sudden switch in language that tells you everything you need to know without needing an explanation.
That’s the magic of South African lingo. You might not always understand it at first, but once you get it, you get it.
Sources: Mitch Matyana
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
