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The Rainbow Nation
South Africa is fondly known as the Rainbow Country because of its diversity of people, cultures and natural scenery. The South African nation comprises people of San (or Bushman), Nguni, Sotho-Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Indian, Afrikaner and mixed origin, as well as immigrant communities from all corners of the world. Officially the population consists of more than 40 million people. Although the Government does not recruit immigrants yet, it acknowledges the fact that the immigration of highly skilled manpower and entrepreneurs is a necessity for the country's financial growth.
South Africa's peaceful transition to a democracy in 1994 is regarded as a miracle in world history. The country's third democratic election successfully took place on 14 April 2004 and on 27 April 2004, Mr. Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated for his second term as State President, succeeding President Nelson Mandela. Although the democracy is now firmly established, South Africa is still a country in transition. A weak economy and unacceptable crime rate are some of the issues which President Mbeki undertook to eradicate. Together with other African leaders, he envisages an African Renaissance. South Africa has the people, expertise and resources to make this vision a reality. People who intend to settle permanently in South Africa have to understand the country's unique problems, but also to appreciate the unique opportunities which it offers. It is a country where a bright future awaits anyone who is skilled and committed to hard work. For older people it is also an ideal place to retire. The favourable exchange rate, good weather and excellent medical facilities will ensure their care-free future.
Assistance for Prospective Immigrants
On 31 May 2002 a new Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002) was passed by Parliament. Together with new regulations, it was implemented on 7 April 2003. The Act makes provision for more categories of immigration than the previous legislation of 1995. With this in mind, we recommend that individuals who intend to immigrate, should consult their nearest representative of the South African Department of Home Affairs, the head office of the Department (Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001, Republic of South Africa), or the Company for Immigration (admin@cfi.org.za or P.O. Box 1283, Pretoria, 0001, RSA) for further details.
Please note that you do not need an agent or lawyer when submitting any of the above applications, or when dealing with any government department. The officials are obliged to give you whatever information you require. Should you feel that you need professional advice, you are welcome to contact the Company for Immigration. It is the only organization of its kind in South Africa. You can read about its history below. It is important to note that the Company has been acting as facilitator between prospective immigrants, immigrants and the State for more than 54 years. In keeping with current trends, the officials of the Company are also registered with the Department of Home Affairs as immigration practitioners. This helps to ensure that you will receive an excellent, professional service.
It is important to remember that the onus rests on an immigrant to keep all permits valid at all times. Once a permit has expired, the Department of Home Affairs is not obliged to accept applications to renew it. To avoid becoming an illegal alien in South Africa, always renew permits before they expire.
Basic Statistics of the Nine Provinces
Geography and Climate:
Area of each provice in square kilometres
| Eastern Cape | 169 580 | | Free State | 129 480 | | Gauteng | 17 010 | | KwaZulu-Natal | 92 100 | | Limpopo | 123 910 | | Mpumalanga | 79 490 | | Northern Cape | 361 830 | | North West | 116 320 | | Western Cape | 129 370 | | South Africa | 1219 090 |
Northern Cape, the largest province, covers 29.7% of the total land area of South Africa, while Gauteng, the smallest province, comprises only 1.4% of the total area.
Bringing pets to South Africa
For all application forms for animal importation permits and information about costs and quarantine requirements, visit the South African State Veterinary Services’ web site at: www.nda.agric.za/vetweb. Click on “Import” buttons. Alternatively contact the Company for Immigration for such information and details of pet transport companies.
South Africa Online also personally recommends Global Paws www.globalpaws.co.za
Citizenship
Immigrants may become citizens after living in South Africa as permanent residents for a minimum of five years. Ask the Company for Immigration for advice and assistance. South African citizens are allowed to have dual citizenship and may make use of passports of more than one country, providing that they apply for the Department of Home Affairs' written permission to do so. Children born in South Africa do not automatically become citizens of this country. Parents-to-be have to take note of this fact, please.
Communications
In South Africa the telephone dialing code is a monotonous purr-sound. A beep-tone of a half second repeated every half second signals number engaged. A very long beep-tone of 2,5 seconds repeated at half second intervals signals that the number you have dialed no longer exists. Only one company provides land-line telephone services in South Africa, namely Telkom SA (Ltd). They have offices all over the country. Public telephones use either coins or phone-cards, which may be purchased from post-offices, stationery shops or cafés. Three cellular telephone companies (Vodacom, MTN and Cell C) are also represented in South Africa and offer various contracts to suit individuals.
Air mail postage rates to countries outside Southern Africa are:
Aerograms R 2-60
Postcards R 3-45
Small letters (50g or less) R 4-00
Medium letters (250g or less) R13-25
Large letters (300g or less) R22-50
Small parcels (2kg or less) R17-10 per 100 grams
Stamps can be bought from post offices or most stationers such as CNA. An independent postage service is offered by a group of stores known as Postnet. They have slightly cheaper rates for overseas mail.
Within South Africa a postcard or DL-sized letter will cost R1-70, a B5-envelope R3-45 and a B4-envelope R4-35. For general postal information, call the Post Office Customer Care Line toll-free at 0800-111-502.
Culture
Owing to the disparate cultural backgrounds of the various peoples of the country, there is no uniform or coherent South African culture as such. South African artists of all population groups are active locally as well as overseas in all fields: painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, music, opera, ballet and literature (poetry, drama and prose). The differences in cultural background between black and white are most marked in the artistic expressions of the various groups. The styles and traditions of whites are generally European in origin and those of the blacks, African. In music, literature, architecture, drama, fine and graphic arts many South Africans achieve success with the symbioses of European and African elements. Interesting web sites to visit are those of the Department of Arts and Culture [http://www.dac.gov.za] and Science and Technology [http://www.dst.gov.za] and the South African National Gallery [http://www.iziko.org.za/sang]. There are numerous clubs for different nationalities and interest groups in most of South Africa's cities and larger towns. Immigrants are advised to contact the nearest office of the Company for Immigration for particulars about such cultural associations.
South Africa has 12 public holidays: New Year's Day [1 January], Human Rights Day [21 March], Good Friday [9 April], Family Day [12 April], Freedom Day [27 April], Worker's Day [1 May], Youth Day [16 June], National Women's Day [9 August], Heritage Day [24 September], Day of Reconciliation [16 December], Christmas [25 December] & Day of Goodwill [26 December].
Customs and Excise
Immigrants are allowed to bring household goods and used equipment necessary for the practicing of their professions into South Africa duty-free. Any South African Embassy or Mission will be able to supply you with the required application forms. When asking transport firms for a quote for these goods, please ensure that all costs (also wharfage in South Africa) are included. The importation of a vehicle is subject to more conditions, taxes and provisions. Here it is strongly recommended that you make use of a customs clearing agent's services. To import a foreign vehicle into South Africa, you will also need permission from the South African Bureau of Standards. Contact Mr. Alan Cohen at 0027-12-4287911 (telephone), or cohenag@sabs.co.za for information about such clearance.
Economy
The South African economy is relatively sound and every attempt is being made to extend economic opportunities for all citizens. A VPIX average inflation rate of 4,5% is forecasted for the first quarter of 2004. The nominal mortgage rate currently is 12,5%, over a repayment period of 20 years. A great concern for the Government is the high rate of unemployment. To combat this trend entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest in South Africa. Immigrants with the necessary skills are also most welcome. It is a well-known fact that every skilled labourer creates jobs for up to ten unskilled workers. During 2003/2004 income tax on private income will be calculated as follows:
Education
April 1994 saw South Africa gaining a democratic government, elected by all the people under a Constitution which guarantees equality and non-discrimination, cultural freedom and diversity, the right to basic education for all and equal access to educational institutions. The majority of pupils in South Africa attend government assisted schools, under a single national system which is organized and managed on the basis of nine provincial sub-systems. However, private schools run by church denominations or private enterprises are an important feature of the educational system. Private school pupils generally follow the same syllabuses as their fellow pupils in government schools. The school year commences in January and ends in December.
During his school career, the minor will probably attend the following schools:
- Pre-primary: To become compulsory between 6 and 7 in the near future.
- Primary: It is compulsory for children to start in the year they turn seven. Primary education usually takes seven years to complete.
- Secondary: This usually takes five years and most subjects can be taken on the higher or standard level (grade). Education authorities will gladly assist parents and pupils seeking sound advice on entrance requirements laid down by universities, technical colleges and teachers' colleges in this regard.
- Post-school and tertiary training are provided countrywide by numerous universities, technical colleges, numerous teacher training colleges and a number of other institutions. The University of South Africa offers correspondence courses world-wide.
Immigrants who experience trouble finding suitable educational facilities for their children, are welcome to contact the Company for Immigration for free guidance and advice. Parents are advised to bring detailled reports of their children's school careers with them to South Africa, including lists of the subjects the children studied. If these reports are not in English, they have to be translated into English by a certified translator for evaluation in South Africa.
Emergencies
Should you have any emergency in South Africa, the numbers to call to reach ambulance, fire, electricity or similar services can be found on the second or third page of the local telephone directory. The police's rapid response emergency number is 10111.
Employment
South Africa has very strict labour legislation and most kinds of employment are subject to minimum wage requirements. This even applies to domestic workers. Useful information and samples of contracts can be found at www.labour.gov.za.
If you are interested in owning/managing your own business in South Africa, several practical, affordable and highly professional courses are available from SBDC Training Services. There are one day courses on “Business Plans”, as well as a longer course entitled “Running your own Small Business”. In Pretoria a free seminar takes place at least once a week, dealing with information relevant to running your own enterprise. For details, Debbie Bonner can be contacted at email mwsbdc2@mweb.co.za.
General advice
People are sometimes weary of foreigners, including legal immigrants. An arrogant attitude on the immigrant's side will not improve this situation. Immigrants have to respect South African traditions, customs and laws, even though some of it may seem strange to them. In general, the society is still conservative. Formal clothing is an unwritten requirement at job-interviews.
South Africa is a land of opportunity, not of milk and honey. Immigrants often fall prey to "get rich soon" schemes. Be careful of such projects and contact a reputable person such as a bank manager for advice before investing in any scheme. The same advice goes when purchasing property or a business. All employees are protected by the South African labour law. Please ensure that you have a written contract with your employer if coming to South Africa to work here. The Department of Labour can be contacted for further information about legal protection.
Remember, South Africa is a drought-stricken country. Always close taps/faucets after use.
Health Care
South Africa officers excellent health care facilities. In 1999, 29 180 medical practitioners, 4 435 dentists, 10 205 pharmacists and 173 961 nurses were registered in South Africa. Please note that no special medical services exist for immigrants. Good medical care is very expensive and a patient generally has to prove that he will be able to pay for treatment before it is administered. A simple operation, such as an appendectomy, may cost approximately R15 000. It is recommended that immigrants take out medical/life insurance upon arrival in the country. Several excellent schemes are available. Contributions are calculated according to the ages, number and medical histories of applicants. The Company of Immigration offers free advice in this regard.
Malaria and bilharzia are diseases endemic to certain parts of South Africa. Before visiting the country, foreigners are advised to take precautions in this regard. According to the United Nations AIDS Report, released in June 1998, South Africa is the country with the fastest growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. Approximately 8,6% of the total population is estimated to be HIV positive, with more than 1 500 new infections occurring daily. An aggressive media campaign educates society about the disease and all blood products are screened by health services to prevent accidental infection of patients. A toll-free HIV/AIDS helpline exists at 0800-012-322.
Languages
According to the national census of October 1996, the five most commonly-spoken home languages are IsiZulu (22,9%), IsiXhosa (17,9%), Afrikaans (14,4%), Sepedi (9,2%) and English (8,6%). The Constitution recognises 11 languages as official languages at national level, namely the 5 above, as well as IsiNdebele, Sesotho, SiSwati, Xitsonga, Tshivenda en Setswana.
English and Afrikaans are the most commonly used languages in official circles and the business world. Immigrants should have a good knowledge of at least one of the two in order to cope with life in South Africa. All relevant documentation should be translated into English/Afrikaans by an officially registered translator before submitting it to authorities (for example when applying for residence permits or business registration). Once in South Africa, the Company for Immigration will help immigrants to find professional self-study, individual or group language courses to improve their language proficiency. Please note that South Africa does not offer compulsory/sponsored/intensive language courses for immigrants. It is up to individuals to study the languages of their choice and they have to pay for tuition themselves.
Physical Features of South Africa
The Republic of South Africa forms the southernmost part of the African continent, stretching latitudinally from 22o to 35o S and longitudinally from 17o to 33o E. Its surface area is 1 223 201 km2. It has common boundaries with Namibia, the Republics of Botswana and Zimbabwe, while the Republic of Mozambique and the Kingdom of Swaziland lie to its north-east. The Kingdom of Lesotho is completely enclosed by South African territory. To the west, south and east, South Africa borders on the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans respectively. Prince Edward Island and Marion Island lie approximately 1 920 km to the south-east of Cape Town in the South Atlantic Ocean. They were taken into possession by South Africa in 1947.
Prices of some Commodities
All prices are subject to change and may differ from store to store. It should give the reader a good idea of the cost of living in South Africa. The quoted prices include VAT (value added tax) of 14%, which is payable on all commodities and services, with the exception of basic foodstuffs.
Religion
More than 75% of the South African population belong to Christian churches. Other major religious groups are the Hindus, Muslims and Jews. A sizable minority of South Africa's population has no religious affiliation. It can safely be said that most South Africans are religiously orientated and that religious beliefs play an important role in public affairs. Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution and the official policy is one of non-interference in religious practices. Church attendance in South Africa is favourable in both rural and urban areas.
Newcomers to South Africa have to take note of the religious diversity and bear in mind that religion is taken very seriously by the inhabitants. Disrespect on the side of a foreigner will not endear him/her to the community. Almost all church denominations have direct or indirect representation in South Africa. The Company for Immigration will gladly put you in contact with the religious group of your choice.
Social Welfare
Social welfare includes the right to basic needs such as shelter, food, health care, work opportunities, security of income and all those aspects that promote the physical, social and emotional well-being of a society. In general, no provision is made for non-citizens. Immigrants who lose their income, may find themselves destitute. Before coming to South Africa please ensure that you have sufficient funds and security to provide for yourself and dependents in case of an emergency. In dire circumstances, repatriations or deportations are organized, but these are very unpleasant procedures which should never be regarded as an option when people plan to immigrate.
There are a variety of registered fund-raising organizations with welfare objectives, some of which operate nationally. They provide social care, welfare and treatment for the aged, the disabled, children, families, drug dependents, alcoholics, offenders and others in need of care and treatment. Some of these organizations also cater for the needs of immigrants. The Company for Immigration will put you in touch with such bodies where necessary.
It is imperative that people should provide for their old age. Some employers include membership to a reputable pension scheme with an offer of employment. If this does not pertain to you, it is your own responsibility to make provision for your future. South African citizens with an income below subsistence level, may apply for a State pension. This however amounts to very little money which barely makes survival possible.
Sport and Recreation
The fact that South Africa was one of the main contenders to host the 2004 Olympic Games, proves that excellent facilities for most kinds of sport are to be found in the country. The climate makes year-round outdoor sport and recreation possible throughout South Africa. The country's unique and abundant fauna and flora offers many recreational activities for lovers of outdoor life. Apart from game parks and nature reserves, the main tourist attractions are the country's healthy climate, the variety of scenic attractions (ranging from desert plains carpeted with blooms in spring, to towering mountains soaring above valleys and vineyards); the hustle and bustle of modern cities and a coastline 3 000 km in length which includes some of the world's best bathing and surfing beaches. Tourist facilities match world standards. Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to modest inns and bed and breakfast housing. Hikers and campers will find many affordable destinations all over South Africa. All cities and towns have information centres where tourists and newcomers can obtain maps, as well as information about local places of interest.
Transport
Major South African centra are linked by reliable air, rail and road transport services. Public transport services within towns and cities are irregular though. Taxis are extremely expensive and most South Africans therefore have to depend on their own means of transport. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. Drivers' licenses fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transport, but local governments (municipalities) do the evaluation and exchange of foreign licenses for South African equivalents. Please note that your license must be translated into one of the official languages of South Africa and that you must have a permanent residence permit to qualify for a South African driver's license. This license has to be carried on the person of drivers at all times. Local authorities cannot re-instate your original license, should you decide to return to the country you emigrated from. This will have to be finalized abroad. Generally the speed limits range from 60km/h in residential areas to a maximum of 120km/h on national highways. Pay attention to the signs in this regard.
Rental vehicles are available in all major South African centra. This includes well-known international companies such as Hertz (tel: 0861600136) and Avis (tel: 0861021111).
The Company for Immigration
This non-profit company is a private auxiliary service which assists immigrants on a non-profit basis. It was founded by certain churches and cultural organizations. We advise immigrants on:
- applications for visas, residence permits and citizenship
- accommodation
- educational opportunities
- religious matters
- insurance and financial matters
- medical services
- translation services
- employment
- sport and cultural associations or clubs
- any other problems or questions
- assistance to returning South African “expats” or emigrants. This is a new service, offered in cooperation with the trade union Solidarity.
All immigrants or prospective immigrants are welcome to contact the Company at:
Physical address: Care of Solidarity, 1 Eendracht Street, Kloofsig, Centurion.
Tel: 012-6444300 (switchboard) or 012-6444332 (direct).
Fax: 012-6641281.
Email: Alana@solidariteit.co.za
Postal address: P O Box 17216, Lyttelton, 0140, RSA.
The Media
The South African Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom is actively promoted by both the Government and the private sector. More than 80 community radio stations broadcast in South Africa and the programmes of 3 national and 1 independent television channel, plus some pay and satellite channels can be enjoyed. The country has 17 daily and 8 major weekly newspapers, as well as more than 200 regional papers. Some English South African papers are The Star, Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times and The Sunday Independent. They all provide web-site facilities. Approximately 300 consumer magazines and more than 500 trade, technical and professional magazines are registered in South Africa. The latest South African news is available from www.news24.co.za.
Coming home...
Growing number of South Africans are Coming Home from abroad
_thumbnail.jpg "Sand dune outside Port Elizabeth") On 6 March 2003 the Come Home Campaign was launched to assist South African emigrants to return to the country of their birth. It is the joint project of the trade union Solidarity and the Company for Immigration (CFI). During the first two years of its existence, this Campaign provided free advice to more than a thousand South African individuals and families who made enquiries regarding the return process from abroad. Of these people, more than five hundred have already come back to South Africa and it is expected that many more will follow suit. The majority of remigrants and prospective remigrants are not adventurous young globetrotters, but rather adults with extensive experience and established professional careers.
_thumbnail.jpg "Baby elephant in the Kruger Park") Even more South Africans would be prepared to return to the country if solutions were to be found for factors which discourage them from remigrating. These factors include the high unemployment and crime rates, as well as the increasing amount of bureaucratic red-tape required to re-establish oneself in the country. While a person still has to wait up to six months to get a birth certificate or identity document, no-one can be expected to relocate business interests from abroad to South Africa.
Their homesickness cannot be denied though. Their poignant e-mails tell how much they miss their African home languages, friends and family, “my sister’s coffee and Margate”, “the sounds of Africa after sunset”, “the Southern Cross in the night sky”, “krummelpap & potjiekos” ...
_thumbnail.jpg "Beautiful South African sunrise") The objective of the Come Home Campaign is not to convince people to return. A person who needs persuasion is not yet ready to take this huge step. Only prospective remigrants who contact the Campaign of their own accord are therefore advised about all aspects of settling down in South Africa again. These people do not ask for special treatment and the local community therefore need not perceive them to be a threat. Each remigrant has the potential to create a minimum of ten direct or indirect employment opportunities. A returning South African ultimately is an ideal citizen, as his presence in the country is the result of a resolute, informed choice and not just the outcome of a concurrence of events or emotional considerations.
For more information, you are welcome to contact us at admin@cfi.org.za or Alana@solidariteit.co.za.
The Come Home Campaign assists potential South African remigrants to return to and settle in South Africa.
When returning, one should definitely have sufficient funds to sustain yourself and if still in the age bracket where you wish to work, try your best to secure employment before returning. Netmark, Solidarity's labour consultancy, is a trusted partner of the Come Home Campaign. All CVs (a.k.a. resumés) received from potential remigrants are forwarded to Netmark to be marketed by them for an unlimited period. This is a free service. Sadly, with unemployment being a national problem, it is neither an easy, nor a fast process to find a lucretive offer of employment. A lot of patience is required and remigrants should be clear about their requirements of a position. It helps us if the following information is to be found in a CV:
- The person's South African ID-number.
- As much technical details about his/her current experience as possible – such as the machines, programmes, or kind of cases that he/she is familiar with.
- Geographical preferences, in other words would he/she prefer to work in a specific town, city of province?
- Profile of company he/she would like to work for - in other words, a multi-national corporation, a small boutique-type outfit, or what?
- Scope of salary he/she would be prepared to work for (minimum to maximum).
- Does he/she have dependents that will accompany him/her?
- How much time would he/she need to relocate or wrap things up, if an offer of employment is made?
Realism is advised - a salary received in the UK in British Pounds cannot simply be converted to Rand to establish the salary requirement in South Africa, as different costs of living will apply. A good idea is to surf the Internet and have a look at similar positions on offer on South African employment sites. That will help you to establish a realistic salary.
Any CVs will be welcome and can be sent to us at admin@cfi.org.za. We hope you will be back in a good position in South Africa soon!
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