The Land of Nelson Mandela, Diamonds,
Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain

Information  on Relocating to South-Africa

• The capital city of South Africa is Pretoria with about 2 million people. Cape Town is the legislative center and Bloemfontein the judicial center. South Africa is a Republic.

• Languages: The 11 official languages are Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. The TV programs are in English, Afrikaans and certain African languages. Cable & Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about 47.5 million people - 75.2% are black, 13.6% white, 8.6% Colored, 2.6% Indian.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are Pretoria and Johannesburg (Sandton-a wealthy suburb of Johannesburg) or in Johannesburg's residential suburbs.

• Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment you'll pay anything from US$ 1600 for a 2 bedroom apartment to US$ 2000 for a 3 bedroom apartment. For a house you will pay anything from US$ 2000 for a 3 bedroom house to US$ 6000 for a 5 bedroom house or even higher. The local currency is Rand (R).

• Schools: We have the American, the French, the British International College and the German school all available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: We do not recommend public transport. In Johannesburg the city is busy with the development of a train system called the “Gautrain” running between Johannesburg and Pretoria, with stations in the major CBD areas including the airport.

• Bank: The banks are open from Monday-Friday 8.30 am - 3.30 pm. Saturdays 8.00 am - 11.30 am.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm. Saturday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm, although there is an increasing trend to open later and all weekend in major tourist spots.

• Climate: South Africa’s climate is generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are usually mild, although snow falls on the mountain ranges of the Cape and Natal and occasionally in lower-lying areas, when a brief cold spell can be expected throughout the country. Summers run from November to February, Winters are generally mild and dry. South Africa enjoys one of the worlds highest average daily hours of sunshine, 8,5 hours.

• Culture: Cinemas show a variety of international films. In the large cities, there are regular plays, operas and symphony concerts. The local music scene is thriving, and there is a unique South African ‘township’ jazz style, exponents of which can be seen in all large cities. There are a number of nightclubs and discos open until late. The large hotels usually have live music or cabaret.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; March 21st-Human Rights Day; March/April-Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Family Day (Easter Monday); April 27th-Freedom Day; May 1st-Workers' Day; June 16th-Youth Day; August 9th-National Women's Day; September 24th-Heritage Day; December 16th-Day of Reconciliation; December 25th-Christmas Day; December 26th-Day of Goodwill.