South Africa

Description:

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.


Statistics

Capital: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)

Largest city: Johannesburg

Official languages: 11

Ethnic groups:

79.3% Black

9.1% White

9.0% Coloured

2.6% Asian

Government: Constitutional democracy

 - President: Jacob Zuma

 - Deputy President: Kgalema Motlanthe

Area: Total 1 221 037 km2, 471 443 sq mi

Population: 2009 estimate 49,320,000

Density: 41/km2, 106.2/sq mi

GDP (PPP)2008 estimate Per capita:$5,684

Currency: Rand (ZAR)

Time zone: SAST (UTC+2)

Drives on the left side

Internet: TLD.za

Calling code: +27

Province, Capital, Area (km²) and Population   

Eastern Cape, Bhisho, 169 580, 6527747

Free State, Bloemfontein, 129 480, 2773059

Gauteng, Johannesburg, 17 010, 10451713

KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 92100, 10259230

Limpopo, Polokwane, 123900, 5238286

Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, 79490, 3643435

Northern Cape, Kimberley, 361830, 1058060

North West, Mafikeng, 116320, 3271948

Western Cape, Cape Town, 129370, 5278585

Total 1219080, 48502063

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.

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 Fast Facts

Geography:

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a landmass of 1 233 404 km² edged on 3 sides by a nearly 3000km coastline washed by the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. It is bordered in the north by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and also wraps itself around two independent countries, the Lesotho and Swaziland.

Capital:

South Africa has 3 capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Administrative and Bloemfontein (Judicial).

Political system:


A well-known fact about South Africa is that since 1994 we have enjoyed democratic government, the apartheid policies of the past overthrown. Our constitution is regarded as an example to the world, and enshrines a wide scope of human rights protected by an independent judiciary. The country is headed by a State President, Jacob Zuma, of the African National Congress (ANC).

Economy:

A lesser-known fact on South Africa is that it has achieved steady economic growth in gross domestic product (GDP) since the late 90s. The country, regarded as an emerging market, has a well developed financial sector and active stock exchange. Financial policies have focused on building solid macroeconomic structures. The country's central bank is the Reserve Bank.

Tourism:

Since the demise of apartheid, international tourist arrivals have surged, making tourism one of the fastest growing sectors. The tourism industry is well-established with an exciting sector of emerging entrepreneurs. The country is strong on adventure, sport and wildlife travel.

Population:

The South African population of 47m people thereabouts is extremely diverse, as our 11 official languages will attest to. Black groups constitute the largest portion of the population at just under 80%. Whites and Coloureds (mixed race) account for roughly 9% each. Asians, of which Indians are in the majority, constitute approximately 2.5%.

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.

National Anthem

This is the official version of the national anthem, combining Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika and Die Stem / The Call of South Africa

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.