In South Africa, Santa is most commonly called Father Christmas or just “Santa,” and in Afrikaans he’s also known as Kersvader (Father Christmas) and Sinterklaas (St Nicholas).

Quick Scoop: Names for Santa

  • English speakers in South Africa usually say “Father Christmas” or simply “Santa,” much like in the UK.
  • Afrikaans speakers often use Kersvader (literally “Christmas Father”), which is their traditional name for Santa.
  • Because of South Africa’s Dutch heritage, the name Sinterklaas is also known and sometimes used, especially in cultural or historical contexts.

So if you’re wondering what do they call Santa in South Africa , the main answers are: Father Christmas, Santa, Kersvader, and Sinterklaas.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.