If you are thinking of starting to get into cichlids the best advice that I can give you is to research ALOT here is a start if you havent found it yet
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/
Most Africans like a higher PH,GH,KH Alkaline for one and the SA like it Acidic and soft. You dont want to mix them for sure. Most cichlids are very aggressive and will kill each other. They are for the most part expensive and not something that you will enjoy. Do you research on the species before you do anything