Moving to 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.

Aside from a great economy, South Africa is also gifted with the world's most vibrant floral kingdom set amidst a warm and temperate climate which varies from one region to the next. In summer, the average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius going down to 12.6 degrees in winter. Its avifauna consists of some of the world's endangered species, including the African penguin, the Cape vulture, the black rhino, the riverine rabbit of central Karoo, the wild dog, the roan antelope, the wattled crane and the blue swallow.

The people of South Africa are as rich as its natural resources, thanks to a welcoming culture that is evident in a Constitution that upholds 11 official languages; namely Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati (Swazi), Tshivenda and Xitsonga. Anyone considering expatriation to this country will appreciate South Africans' natural tendency to embrace anyone who comes to live among them, whether as personal acquaintances or as business associates.

The same welcoming nature is experienced by expats in the practice of varied religions across the country. This is yet further proof that cultural integration into the South African population will be a breeze for anyone considering a move there. About 80% of South Africans are Christians, most of whom are Protestants. Khaoisians, who mostly live in Botswana and Namibia, are devotees of this religion introduced by European migrants. Groups from the Glasgow Missionary Society and Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society have made their mark among South Africans and continue to have an influence among minorities.

Locals of the country are particularly excited by the thought of "eating out" and have made this practice quite an interesting lure for expats and tourists. Some restaurants serve traditional or modernized South African cuisine while others offer Moroccan, Chinese, West African, Congolese and Japanese recipes. Aside from restaurants offering elaborate and exotic dishes, South Africa is also a hub for world-famous fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC and some successful homegrown chains such as Nando's and Steers.

South Africa has one of the best transportation systems on the continent. It is known to be the hub for business travel to and from southern African and international destinations. In particular, O.R. Tambo International Airport and the country's major sea ports are famous among international traders not just within the continent, but around the world.

South Africa is a three-tier constitutional democracy seated in three major cities; namely Cape Town, its legislative capital, Pretoria, its administrative capital, and Blomfontein, its judicial capital. The government firmly believes that open markets are key to economic progress through its Growth, Employment and Redistribution or GEAR strategy.