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.
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Sources: Mitch Matyana
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