Britannia Turnbull’s International Guide: South Africa

Living In South Africa

Thanks to Nobel Peace Prize winning former Soweto residents Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa is widely referred to as the Rainbow Nation. And it is easy to see why. The phrase was coined in the wake of Apartheid to describe South Africa’s multiculturalism. Despite inequality still apparent, South Africa is evolving as a developing, middle-income country with great potential for growth.

The diversity of South Africa extends into its wildlife, culture and scenery which ranges from desert and beaches to forest. Some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, hot weather and investment in the economy and infrastructure is seeing an increase on immigration.

Facts About South Africa

• South Africa’s drinking water is rated as the 3rd best in the world for being safe and ready to drink.
• Cape Town’s Table Mountain is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world.
• The South African brewery SABMiller ranks as the largest brewing company in the world by volume. Not only because South Africans love their beer but SABMiller also supply around half of China’s beer.
• South Africa is the only country in the world that has voluntarily dismantled its nuclear weapons.
• South Africa is rich with around 41% of the world’s Gold – the largest city Johannesburg was formed as a gold mining town.
• South Africa has three capital cities – Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative) & Bloemfontein (judicial). There are nine provinces in total each with its own government.
• There are 11 official languages in South Africa each with equal status.
• South Africa is rich with wildlife and record breaking animals including the largest land mammal, bird, fish, reptile and antelope.

Largest Metropolitan Areas in South Africa (2011 Census)

Johannesburg – 7,860,781

Cape Town – 3,740,026

Durban – 3,442,361

Germiston-Ekurhuleni – 3,178,470

Pretoria – 2,921,488

Nelspruit-Ehlanzeni – 1,688,615

Rustenburg – 1,507,505

Mthatha-OR Tambo – 1,364,943

Middelburg-Nkangala – 1,308,129

Thohoyandou-Vhembe – 1,294,722

South Africa Immigration Information

For professional advice and up-to-date information, contact a qualified specialist but meanwhile we can provide non-professional advice at the time of writing (April 2017)

Residence Permits – Applicable for foreigners who have resided in South Africa within the basis of the temporary permits for a minimum of five years. Some of the temporary Residence Permit info is as follows:

Work Permits – only issued to foreigners when South African citizens with the same skills aren’t available for the same role.

General Work Permit – valid for the duration of the contracted employment.

Company Transfer Work Permits – companies may transfer existing employees from a foreign branch to a South African branch. Valid for two years.

Study Permit – valid for the duration of the course.

Retired Person Permit – Someone who wishes to retire to South Africa can be issued a permit providing they reach the financial regulation.

Family Permit – If an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident and comply with the financial regulation, you can apply for a family permit that are valid for a minimum or two years.

Preparing For South Africa

Diversity isn’t an easy thing to plan for but should be prepared for when moving to South Africa. The quality of life in South Africa is not as high as it could be with crime rates high in certain areas and education standards also at a low level in some schools. There is a lot of effort going in to rectify this imbalance. But there is a high quality of life achievable in South Africa especially in the urban centres such as Cape Town and Durban where high quality food, education and employment can be found easily. But do your research on the town and local communities to which you are planning to move.

On arrival in South Africa, there are strict restrictions on what you can take into the country and you have to plan financially for some permits. The climate is different across the country but is largely warm. There is also a well-established transport system to get around and see South Africa’s world famous sights.

Moving to South Africa

Britannia are ideal for your move to South Africa with our very own presence in Cape Town and elsewhere. This presence allows us to run a smooth and stress free move from the UK to South Africa with an international removal company that you can trust.

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