General Population
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is a country in Southern Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world’s 23rd-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometers (471,445 square miles).
South Africa has three capital cities:
Executive – Pretoria
Judicial – Bloemfontein
Legislative – Cape Town.
Culture in South Africa
South Africa is one of the world’s most diversified and beautiful countries. There are few other places on earth where nature plays such an important role in a country’s culture or where you can see so many wonders (both man-made and natural) in one place.
Language Spoken in South Africa
The most common language spoken as a first language by South Africans is Zulu (23%), followed by Xhosa (16%), and Afrikaans (14%).
English is the fourth most common first language in the country (9.6%), but is understood in most urban areas and is the dominant language in government and the media.
Type of Weather in South Africa
Africa’s southernmost country shines as the continent’s single most developed economy with nine progressive provinces in its fold: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, North-West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa is a large country with a climate that varies from region to region. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate whilst the interior of the country has a semi-desert climate that is typified by cold, dry winters and summer rainfall.
Basic information about South Africa that you may not know:
- You will be obliged to pay a fee if you are treated in a state hospital while living in South Africa. Fees are calculated based on your earnings and the number of dependents you have. South Africa offers private medical insurance, in order for you to be treated at a Private medical service, should you wish to not go to a state hospital.
- In South Africa, there are people called “Car Guards” that overlook your car while you are away from your vehicle. The common practice is to provide them with a tip (usually R2.00 to R5.00ZAR) once you have returned to your car. Please be careful and only acknowledge the service of someone that is wearing a formal bib on or badge.
- In South Africa, traffic lights are referred to as “Robots”
Driving in South Africa
You can rent a car with any English-language driver’s license. You’ll need an International Driving Permit if your driver’s license is in a different language. Make inquiries about renting a car before you travel, as car rental requirements may vary by company.
The majority of South Africa’s roads are in good condition, and because most highways are tollways, they are well-maintained. You can pay with a card or cash when you enter a toll road. In South Africa, there is no self-service at petrol stations. Pump attendants will fill your tank for you, and it is customary to tip them once they are finished.
Education in South Africa
South Africa offers one of the best schooling systems in the World. Education is compulsory from the age of seven (grade 1) to the age of 15 (grade 9). The education system runs from grade 0 (otherwise known as reception) to grade 12
It is recommended that you start the process to enroll your child well in advance, as you may experience that there is a waiting list and this can take some time, especially in private schools.
Aside from international schools, there are three main types of schools in South Africa: public schools, governing body-funded schools, and private schools.
Property information
In South Africa, you can rent living space in a variety of price ranges. There is something for everyone’s budget. There are some things, though, to which you must pay attention.
Many Cottages/apartments/houses may be found without the assistance of a real estate agent. Just be sure you fully understand the rental agreement before signing it.
Once you have found a property and you wish to rent, you may be required to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of Income in the form of a 3-month bank statement / 3-month payslip
- The usual period for a rental agreement is 12 months, with the option to extend.
- Usually, when extending the rental agreement, the managing agent or landlord may increase the rent by 8% to 10% per year.
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