Relocating to South Africa

 Relocation

All the information regarding moving to and working in South Africa can be found at www.safrica.info

Your relocation will depend largely on how long you plan to stay in South Africa. For anything over a 14 month period, it might well be worth considering shipping your household goods to the country. From most European countries this can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the shipper you use and how much you are willing to spend. Relocation agents can also be hired to help find the right place to rent in the right area.

In a climate which encourages international investment, you shouldn’t have too much trouble buying property in Southern Africa. However, the rental market is extremely active, and provides the flexibility and diversity which often suits contract and international workers. Unfortunately, the bulk of rental properties are unfurnished. When choosing accommodation, remember that security developments often add value in terms of swimming pools, gymnasiums and other perks such as 24 hour security and off street parking. Access to main roads and highways is also of paramount importance in a country with little structured public transport.

Typical Rental Values:

Johnnesburg (Northern Suburbs)

Furnished 1 room apartment                   =          R3,000

Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment           =          R5,500

Furnished 2 bedroom apartment              =          R8,000

Cape Town

Furnished 1 room apartment                   =          R3,200

Unfurnished 2 bedroom apartment           =          R5,000

Furnished 2 bedroom apartment              =          R8,500

 Living

Getting Around

See http://www.places.co.za/html/traveli_trans.html

Whilst taxis and trains do exist on certain routes, the most reliable form of transport in South Africa is by car. The road infrastructure in South Africa is extensive and well maintained, and driving is on the left of the road. A British licence is accepted in South Africa, although the AA advises that all international visitors obtain an International Licence, which can facilitate much speedier services when it comes to providing accident insurances. 

 Schooling

The school year runs on a calendar year from January. Both private and public (state run) schooling is available, but it is highly advised to first research the schools in the area you plan to settle before making a decision. A useful website is: http://www.school.za. 

State run schools often offer the same level of attention and learning content for a fraction of the cost as most state run schools cost between R6000 and R10,000 per year, and private schools often charge in excess of R30,000 per year.  Possibly the greatest benefit of private schooling is the diversity of extra-curricular activities which are usually on offer.

Home schooling is also an option in South Africa, although strict and international standards must be adhered to, both in terms of content and social interaction.

 Currency and Cost of Living

The South African Rand is made up of 100 cents. You will find coins of 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, as well as notes of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. Whilst South Africa has enjoyed a relatively stable currency over the last 12 months (at around 14:1 to the Pound Sterling), the Rand is sometimes subject to drastic fluctuation.

Whilst the cost of foods in supermarkets and clothing in high street shops is comparable to Britain, there are certainly many markets throughout the country where extremely low prices can be negotiated for various goods.  The luxuries, which are so highly taxed in Europe and force high prices, such as cigarettes & alchohol do not face the same ‘Sin Tax’ in South Africa and so are much more affordable. Alcohol can be bought 7 days a week, from certain supermarket chains and from dedicated alcohol stores.

Your cost of living will certainly depend on the standards which you are accustomed. However, property rental, entertaining costs and luxuries such as visits to hair dressing salons etc is generally cheaper in South Africa.

 Working

The most important website for you to visit before considering a move to South Africa would be that of the Home Office, on:

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za,

and in particular:

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/service_detail.asp?id=113.

Another particularly useful link is:

http://www.southafrica.info/public_services/foreigners/work_seekers/workpermits.htm

Typical working contracts in South Africa include 10 public holidays per annum and 15 days paid leave. Annual bonuses are up to your employer, but usually come in the form of a ‘13^th cheque’ at Christmas time.  It is essential to obtain your own medical insurance, or become medically insured through your employer’s policy, as state funded hospitals are few and far between and can be chronically under-funded.

Taxation can be investigated on www.sars.co.za, which supplies a PDF file pertaining to all tax matters for foreign workers, but is generally comparable to the tax structure of many Asian countries. Chinese workers are eligible for certain benefits, which can also be investigated on the South African Revenue Services’ web site.

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