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Expat Exchange | South Africa Index
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South Africa

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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. It is marked by several distinct ecosystems and is known for its cultural diversity and rich history. The country is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (Swaziland), and it entirely surrounds Lesotho. South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative). Johannesburg is the largest city in terms of population and economic activity. The landscape of South Africa is varied and includes the Kalahari Desert, the flat and arid Karoo, fertile coastal plains, and the mountainous escarpments of the Drakensberg range. The country is renowned for its wildlife and conservation areas, such as the Kruger National Park, which is one of the world's most famous safari destinations. South Africa's history is deeply affected by the apartheid regime, which was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that existed from 1948 until the early 1990s. The struggle against apartheid saw global attention and the eventual release of Nelson Mandela, who became the country's first black president in 1994, marking the beginning of a new era of democracy and reconciliation. Today, South Africa is a parliamentary republic with a mixed economy. It is considered an emerging market with a well-developed financial sector and is the second-largest economy in Africa. The country is a member of the United Nations, the G20, and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Despite its economic strengths, South Africa faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, economic inequality, and issues related to crime and corruption. Culturally, South Africa is known for its diverse languages, with 11 official languages recognized by the constitution. English is commonly used in public and commercial life. The country is also famous for its music and arts, which reflect its multicultural heritage. South African cuisine is a fusion of indigenous African, European, and Asian influences, offering a rich gastronomic experience. Sports are a significant part of South African culture, with rugby, cricket, and soccer being the most popular. The country successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was the first to be held on the African continent. South Africa's climate ranges from desert and semi-arid in the northwest to subtropical along the eastern coastline. The country's biodiversity is among the richest in the world, with numerous species of plants and animals unique to the region. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this natural heritage, including the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is one of the world's six floral kingdoms and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in South Africa is considered moderate when compared to other countries. While some cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town can be more expensive, overall, the country offers a reasonable cost of living with affordable housing, food, and transportation.

Weather

South Africa has a varied climate that ranges from desert and semi-arid in the northwest to subtropical along the eastern coastline. The interior of the country has a temperate climate. The weather is generally mild and sunny throughout the year, with regional variations where some areas experience distinct seasons, including cold winters and hot summers.

Educational System South Africa

The educational system in South Africa is structured to provide learning opportunities from early childhood development to tertiary education. The system is divided into three levels: General Education and Training (GET), Further Education and Training (FET), and Higher Education and Training (HET). Children typically start school at age 5 or 6 with Grade R, which is the reception year before Grade 1. Primary school runs from Grade 1 to Grade 7, and secondary school from Grade 8 to Grade 12. The school year in South Africa runs from January to December, with public schools following a four-term calendar. Students complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of Grade 12, which is required for entrance into tertiary education. The quality of education can vary significantly between public schools, with those in affluent areas generally offering a higher standard of education compared to under-resourced schools in less affluent areas. There are also many private schools that offer different curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the British GCSE and A-levels. South Africa also has a number of special needs schools catering to children with disabilities. The government has been working to improve the educational system, but challenges such as resource allocation, teacher training, and infrastructure development remain.

Best Places to Live in South Africa
Discover the top-ranked towns in South Africa. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.
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Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency visa in South Africa involves several steps and the process can be quite bureaucratic, but it is manageable with the right preparation. The most common types of visas for expats seeking residency are the Critical Skills Visa, General Work Visa, and Intra-Company Transfer Visa. The Critical Skills Visa is aimed at individuals who possess skills or qualifications deemed critical by the South African government. Applicants must provide proof of their qualifications and an evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority. This visa can lead to permanent residency if certain conditions are met. The General Work Visa requires a job offer from a South African employer and the employer must prove that the position could not be filled by a South African citizen. The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for employees who are being transferred by their current employer to a branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in South Africa. The process for each visa involves submitting a completed application form along with various supporting documents, such as a passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended return date, a yellow fever vaccination certificate if the applicant traveled through or was in a yellow fever endemic area, proof of financial means, and a medical and radiological report. The application is submitted to a South African embassy, consulate, or Department of Home Affairs office. The processing time can vary greatly, from several weeks to several months. It is recommended to start the application process well in advance of the intended move date. The difficulty of the process can depend on the type of visa and the individual's circumstances, but generally, it is considered to have an average level of difficulty compared to other countries.

Living in South Africa

Healthcare in South Africa

South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system comprising both a public and a private sector. The public healthcare system serves the majority of the population and is funded by the government, but it often faces challenges such as underfunding, staff shortages, and long waiting times. In contrast, the private healthcare sector offers higher quality services with better facilities and shorter waiting times, but it is also much more expensive and accessible primarily to middle and upper-class citizens or those with adequate health insurance. The cost of private healthcare is high compared to public healthcare, which is subsidized and more affordable, but still may be out of reach for many South Africans. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare services, but they are typically required to have health insurance or pay out of pocket for private care to ensure a higher standard of treatment. It is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical costs in private hospitals.

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