This chapter examines the globalization forces at play in South Africa and their interactions with local culture. It begins by studying the country's historical exposure to global culture – Western colonialism, Christian evangelism, and the impact of commerce. It then assesses the extent to which there has been a contest between Western influence and indigenous culture, and whether the future is likely to produce a South African renaissance, as proclaimed by President Mbeki, or an increasing degree of ‘ghetto culture’ dependent on Western cultural imports. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the extent to which each of the ‘four channels’ of globalization culture has permeated South Africa, and of the implications for ‘renaissance’ prospects.