This article highlights the cultural diversity issues confronted by managers in transforming societies such as in South Africa. It asserts that the significance and importance of cultural diversity in the workplace should be appropriately recognised and respected. For this reason, it argues that knowledge about a culture is the essence of a fundamental building block in an organisation. However, for knowledge to translate into appropriate behaviour, mindfulness is a key element. The article suggests that managing cultures requires a manager to build culturally appropriate relationships across the cultural divide - a skill which can be developed.