This study examines the reasons given for the lack of interracial contact among 188 (142 Black, 25 White and 19 Coloured) university students. The most pervasive factor influencing such contact for the whole group (79.1 percent) was language differences. The statements endorsed by most black participants were; differences in behaviour (62.9 percent), socio-economic status (56.0 percent) and culture (52.5 percent). The coloured participants endorsed statements concerning socio-economic status (61.1 percent), culture (42.1 percent) and dissociation (42.1 percent). The white participants endorsed statements regarding race issues (64.0 percent), differences in behaviour (60.0 percent) and cultural differences (44.0 percent). This study found that metastereotypes social distance and contact correlate with prejudice. Metastereotypes and social distance positively influence prejudice in that an increase in these factors is associated with heightened levels of prejudice. The amount of contact between groups has a negative relationship with prejudice, indicating that increased levels of contact are associated with a decrease in prejudice.