Diversity. If we have to describe South Africa with one word only, that would be “diversity”. Here is a brief overview of the country according to BBC: “Diversity is a key feature of South Africa, where 11 languages are recognized as official, where community leaders include rabbis and chieftains, rugby players and returned exiles, where traditional healers ply their trade around the corner from stockbrokers and where housing ranges from mud huts to palatial homes with swimming pools.“
South Africa at a glance
Location: The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent Africa and shares a common border with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe Area: 1,219,090 sq. km. (or a little less than twice the size of Texas). Climate: Mostly semiarid and subtropical Population: Over 51 million Capitals: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial) Provinces: Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumulanga, Northern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Free State and Western Cape Official languages: English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Afrikaans, siSwati, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda and Xitsonga
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South Africa is the 25th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP size. According to the World Bank, the GDP estimated slightly over US 384 billion for 2012.
Along with, Brazil, Russia, India and China, South Africa is a member of the BRICS club of emerging global economic powerhouses.
The South African macadamia industry has become a major global player, competing with Australia in terms of being the largest producer.
According to the World Economic Forum, South Africa is the highest ranked country in sub-Saharan Africa and takes 52d place in the 2012-2013 Global Competitiveness Report.
The country performs well in terms of intellectual property protection, property rights, accountability of its private institutions, market efficiency, financial market development, business sophistication and innovation.
However, in order to enhance its competitiveness, South Africa needs to cope with some serious issues concerning its labor market efficiency. Some of its weaknesses are the rigid hiring and firing practices, the lack of flexibility in wage determination by companies and the significant tension in employer-labor relations. The country also struggles with high unemployment – in 2012, it comes at 23%.
Other areas where there is an essential demand for improvements are infrastructure, security, health care and education.
Key economic sectors are mining services, transport, energy, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.
Moving to South Africa: Visa and Permits
South Africa offers a variety of entry permits depending on your age, occupation, purpose and duration of your stay. There are permits for students, retirees, or for those who seek medical treatment.
Entrepreneurs can apply for a Business Permit. If you want to establish a business in South Africa, you need to be ready to invest more than USD 23 000 and employ at least five citizens or permanent residents. You also need to register with the respective industry board and the South African Revenue Service.
If you have a job proposal, then you may apply for General Work Permit. You actually need to have a signed contract.
If you have exceptional skills and qualifications, you may apply for Critical Skills Work Permit. You need to provide proof of your skills, letters of recommendation from previous employers or references from acknowledged South African academic or cultural organization.
South African government offers Intra-Company Transfer Permit for employees of a foreign company who are transferred to a South Africa-based affiliate company.
Healthcare
The country can offer good healthcare services, trained personnel and fine facilities, standards are higher in the big metro areas. However, since there is no national health plan, it is strongly advisable to arrange a private insurance before your relocation to South Africa. And beware of the fact that some medical costs may not be covered by your insurance company.
Transport
Travel through ones of the most spectacular South African scenes by the most luxurious Rovos Rail.
Generally, if you have your driver’s license in English, you may use it up to twelve months. You can as well transfer your license – your embassy can help.
Road network is fine in most areas, except in rural ones. Driving in South Africa can be challenging due to the poor lighting and the rude behavior of some locals. You should also pay attention that motorists drive on the left side of the road.
Crime and safety
One of the issues that still need major improvement is concerning security. Small-scale and serious crimes are not rare. Although the government has taken measures to solve this issue, still be alert.
South Africa: Interesting facts
Table Mountain alone has over 1,500 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom. (Lark Tours)
South Africa has one of the cheapest electricity in the world and generates two-thirds of Africa’s electricity.
Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world, where the water tumbles down 2,789 feet.
South Africa works hard to preserve its amazing wildlife, creating many protected land areas.
First place goes to the Angel Falls in Venezuela at 3,212 feet.
South Africa is one of the world’s largest producer of macadamia nuts.
Dr. Christiaan Barnard, at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, performed the first human heart transplant in the world in 1967. He was also the first to do a “piggyback” transplant in 1971, and he was the first to do a heart-lung transplant.
The world’s largest diamond was the Cullinan Diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut.
South Africa has the most luxurious train in the world, The Rovos Rail.
South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage varietals.
South Africa has deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains and escarpments.
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