Furthering Your Career Whilst Living in Joburg

Living in a new place is daunting, and sometimes wears on our confidence of who we are, and what we are capable of. Sometimes, to live the life you want you need a new purpose or new perspective. Here are some things for you to think about as you think about your time living in Joburg, whether it is temporary or permanent!

It is important to think how to create a weekly routine in your new life. It helps to give you the certainty and structure that we crave. Whether you are in full time employment or have time to fill, here are our suggestions on how you can gain new skills and further your career whilst living in Johannesburg.

VOLUNTEERING OR WORKING FOR AN NPO/NGO

In general, South Africa is a fairly advanced country when it comes to most kinds of technological and industrial development, but what you’ll find is that there is a glaring gap between those who have access to the direct benefits of this development and those who don’t.

As a visitor and expat, this economic divide can be very overwhelming and uncomfortable, but there is a lot that you can do to contribute to organisations that are working to build an economy that supports education, entrepreneurs, and the growth of small to medium businesses (SME’s).

As Johannesburg and Gauteng have the largest population density in the country, you’ll find no lack of opportunities to work with people if that is something you are interested in. As ad hoc volunteering is welcomed, but often not conducive to sustainable change, taking up a more extended position at a local or international NGO could be an option if you are looking to do something rewarding with your time in South Africa.

NGO Pulse is an online publication that gives a broad overview of the Non-Profit and Non-Governmental landscape in South Africa, and also lists available vacancies: http://www.ngopulse.org/

For Good is an online search engine that connects your skills and availability to current opportunities. https://www.forgood.co.za/   

Contact an organisation that works in an area that you’re passionate about and ask about how to get involved. Volunteering is a big tourism industry in South Africa, which charges international visitors to take part in volunteer and internship programmes. You can sidestep paying to volunteer, unless this is affordable or something of interest to you (the main target market for these programmes are university students and recent graduates).

SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Unemployment is a huge problem in South Africa, and entrepreneurship is highly encouraged. Setting up your own business can be a great opportunity. If you choose to hire someone that could be added opportunity to pass on your skills to a local and help them grow their career!

Depending on your visa and what work you’re allowed to do, here are some ideas of growing industries in South Africa to consider:

eCOMMERCE PLATFORMS: with the success of online retailers like Yuppiechef, Superbalist and One Day Only, this industry is growing as people start to trust online retailers more and courier services become more efficient.

VIRTUAL ROLES: Virtual assistants are becoming more and more popular, and with increasing numbers of people starting up online businesses, support assistance is needed. This is most needed for administrative and marketing support, so it could be worthwhile investigating a role that suits your skills and needs, and which could also provide some flexibility. 

EDUCATION: With an education system that is changing but has historically not served the majority of the population, especially in more rural areas, there is definitely a need for skills development and education in all areas, so investing your time in supporting an educational initiative could be very worthwhile.

Skills development is also a major component of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which aims to rectify the injustices of the past by prioritising the development of previously disadvantaged individuals.

It’s important to note that BEE has been introduced to bridge the gap created by historic lack of access to education and employment. Preference will always be given to locals with the relevant criteria, so keep this in mind when applying for a job as a foreigner. 

Want to find out more or have questions on how to start your own business? We often run online webinars and meet up events to discuss the opportunities. Contact us with questions, or join the Portable Careers for Expats Facebook Group for regular updates or webinars!

TRADITIONAL JOBS

It’s not impossible to get a job in South Africa, especially if you have certain critical skills and speak different languages, but you will need to go through an extensive process to apply (see BEE note above).

Here are some popular job search websites:

Bizcommunity: http://www.bizcommunity.com
Career24: http://www.careers24.com/
Career Junction: https://www.careerjunction.co.za/

It’s more old school, but also keep an eye out for listings in local newspapers… as you never know! Noticeboards at supermarkets or community centres also post job listings.Check out…
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette
Sandton Chronicle
Randburg Sun

Networking

Using your network has a huge influence on finding a job. Make use of social media pages and groups! Join groups like LinkedIn and update your profile to showcase your personal story and brand! With more online networking in South Africa than ever before, it can also be helpful to join a local organisation or group to meet people and discover all kinds of opportunities.

Internations Johannesburg
MeetUp.com
Moving to South Africa (Run by Translating Me!)

Or join a CO-WORKING SPACE to have opportunity to rub elbows with other entrepreneurs! There are co-working spaces all over the metro area, and some actively encourage networking. Find a space near you at this site.

If you speak a foreign language, want to learn one, or are interested in expanding your international network, here is a list of organizations in the area at Expatica.com.

NOT THE RIGHT VISA?

If you have a Visitor Visa and are unable to work locally, you might consider working remotely. Here is a post we put together: Careers to Start From Home.

Or find inspiration on our Pinterest board here.

THE MAIN POINT IS…

Don’t let a lack of confidence or the wrong visa make you think you need to put your life on hold. You can further your career and professional development in all kinds of ways. Online tools are getting more accessible every year- making opportunities to study, work, learn, network, and use your skills! Alternatively, there’s nothing wrong in choosing to enjoy your new expat life and focus on your family, traveling, and learning about South Africa. Just be sure to take care of yourself and your needs at the same time!

Make sure you join our Portable Careers for Expats Facebook Group, or reach out to us directly if you have any questions!

To read more about how to find your “Sparkle”,
continue on our Translating Me blog:
Staying Relevant Whilst On Your Career Break.

Everything You Need To Know About South African Visas

You won’t live in Joburg for long before you hear a horror story involving visas. The laws change regularly, and sometimes require you returning to your home country for 6-8 to process. This information is correct at time of publishing, however you should contact your immigration agency if you have one, or email us directly (hello@translatingme.org) with any questions.

There are three ways to legally reside in South Africa:

1. As a visitor

2. As a temporary resident

3. As a permanent resident

4. With a work permit

   VISITOR VISAS

Visitor visas are valid in South Africa for 90 days, and many countries are exempt from having to apply for a visa in advance, although there have been many changes in the last year or two, so it’s best to double check with a South African embassy official in advance.

As an overall checklist, to visit South Africa you’ll need the following:

    •    A valid and acceptable passport or travel document for your intended stay that will not expire within three months
    •    At least two blank pages in your passport for endorsements
    •    A valid visa (If required from your country)
    •    Sufficient funds to pay for your day-to-day expenses during your stay
    •    A return or onward ticket
    •    Yellow fever certificates if your journey starts or passes through a yellow fever area in Africa or South America

NOTE: If you are traveling with minor children you will need to provide a certified unabridged birth certificate for each child, and if traveling without your spouse, you’ll also need to provide an certified affidavit from the missing parent. Click here to download a template affidavit form. 

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISAS

If you would like to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence visa. 

One of the major changes to visa legislation over the past while is that you can’t apply for a temporary residence visa while in South Africa on a Visitors Visa. So, to stay legally in South Africa for longer than 90 days you’ll need to apply for this visa before you arrive in South Africa. (Though this has just been changed for visa exempt passport holders. Please check with your airline to confirm what you need!)

The list of temporary residence visas includes:

    •    Business visa
    •    Work permit/visa (the terms permit and visa are used interchangeably)
    •    Study visa
    •    Exchange visa
    •    Retired Person's' visa
    •    Relatives' visa
    •    Medical treatment visa

BUSINESS VISA

This is a visa for a foreign professional that wants to start their own business or would like to invest in a South African business. To qualify, you’ll need to invest R5 million into South Africa with funds that come from abroad.

Application Process for Business Visa

    1.    Submit an application for recommendation at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This will be then be forwarded to the South African mission if the business is feasible and of national interest. You will be notified of this but won’t know if the recommendation was positive or negative.
    2.    The South African mission will then submit the notification in support of the business visa application, which will be approved or denied.

NOTE:
    •    A business visa can be extended from within South Africa.
    •    Annual conditions listed will need to be acted on annually if the visa is approved.
    •    A business visa holder can apply for permanent residence in South Africa at a VFS Centre immediately after the business visa is issued.

STUDY VISA

A study visa is required for any foreigner who would like to study in South Africa at any educational institution that is recognised by the Department of Education. If your child is attending a South African school they will need to have a Study Visa (from the year they turn 6 years). 

VALIDITY: The study visa will be issued in line with the course of study at the chosen institution. The maximum period of time is 8 years for primary school and 6 years for secondary school. 

MEDICAL AID: To qualify for a study visa the applicant will need to prove that they have adequate medical aid/insurance for the intended period of study and that this is recognised in South Africa. 

ACCEPTANCE OR ENROLLMENT LETTER: You’ll need to provide an acceptance letter or enrollment letter from the chosen institution to apply for a study visa.

NOTE: 
A study visa can be extended from within South Africa.
A study visa can be changed to a different visa from within South Africa if the study visa doesn’t have any conditions. 
It is possible to apply for South African permanent residence on a study visa but certain conditions apply.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE

To be a permanent resident in South Africa you can get one of two visas:

    •    A direct-residence permit: You can only apply for this once you have been a temporary resident for 5 years (please note IntraCompany visas do not qualify). 
    •    A residency-on-other-grounds-visa: this requires you to qualify for application. Read on to find out more.

A residency-on-other-grounds visa is more complicated, and communication around changes has unfortunately been unclear, but in general, you can only apply for this visa if: 

    •    have an offer for permanent work in South Africa, or
    •    have exceptional skills and qualifications
    •    plan to set up a business in South Africa
    •    qualify as refugee
    •    qualify as retired person
    •    are financially independent
    •    are relatives of a South African citizen/permanent resident

WORK PERMITS

If you are NOT a permanent resident, and you would like to work in South Africa, you will need to apply for a work permit. This includes the following three visa categories:

    •    Intra-company-transfer work permit
    •    General work permit
    •    Critical skills work permit

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER

If you are employed by an international company that operates in South Africa, or an affiliated company, for a minimum of 6 months, you can qualify for an intra-company transfer work visa.

• You can’t extend this visa

• You don’t qualify for permanent residence with this visa.

• An intra-company transfer work visa is only issued for a maximum of 4 years.

• A skills transfer plan is a very important support document when applying for an intra-company work visa, that needs to be implemented for each position at the company in South Africa

GENERAL WORK VISA

This visa applies to all applicants who don’t qualify for any critical skills, as listed in the Government Gazette. This will generally require you to have a sponsor who can support your application for employment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

    1.    Apply for a recommendation from the Department of Labour. The Department of Labour will then forward the recommendation to the South African mission (note that this can take a while). Processing at a South African mission can take between 10 to 60 working days.
    2.    One the applicant has been notified that the mission has received the recommendation, the applicant can then submit the application.

NOTE:
    •    You will not be granted a visa if there is a South African resident with the same qualifications and experience that can fill the position
    •    The application for a recommendation at the Department of Labour can take 2 - 6 months to be processed. The application can only be submitted once the notification from the Department of Labour is received
    •    A general work visa is issued for a period of 5 years or in line with the employment contract
    •    You can apply for permanent residence after a period of 5 years of continuous employment

ALTERNATIVE PROCESS

In the event that an applicant’s employer can provide a strong motivation, an application for a waiver from certain requirements can be submitted to the South African mission instead of the application for a recommendation at the Department of Labour. 

This application for a waiver will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs, which can take 3-6 months. The South African mission will be notified on the outcome of the waiver application, and your employer will be given notification of the finalisation of the application, which will be submitted by Home Affairs in support of the general visa application.

CRITICAL SKILLS VISA

You can qualify for this visa if you have one of the critical skills listed in the Government Gazette. Click HERE for full list. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

    1.    Apply for an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which will evaluate the foreign qualification according to the standards in South Africa. The processing period at the South African Qualifications Authority is 15 working days, provided that the verification from the Educational Institution abroad can be done within the given timeframe. The verification from abroad can cause a very long delay. (Please note they often require a breakdown of your university degree scores)
    2.    Register at the relevant professional body recognised by SAQA. This will provide the necessary letter of confirmation from the relevant professional body that is recognised by SAQA or relevant Government Department. The processing period at the various professional bodies are between 10 - 60 working days.

NOTE:
    •    Critical skills work visas are issued for 5 years or in line with the employment contract
    •    You can extend this visa from within South Africa
    •    If you change your employer, you’ll need to submit an application at a VFS Centre in South Africa
    •    Once you have gained Critical skill visa you qualify to apply for permanent residence

FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS

You will need the following to apply for a visa/permit:

    •    Two recent passport photographs
    •    A passport valid for 6 months after you intend to leave South Africa*
    •    A medical report signed and stamped by a doctor to prove that you aren’t a medical risk
    •    A chest X-ray and report to prove that you do not have TB (not required for children or pregnant women)
    •    Your full birth certificate
    •    Police clearance certificates for applicants who are 18 years and older, from all countries where they have for more than one year (Applying for this in itself can take a while).  
    •    Completed application form
    •    Yellow fever certificate if you have been traveling or have passed through a high-risk area

NOTE:
    •    You will need to visit the South African mission or VFS in person to submit your application.
    •    You will need to pay the prescribed fee in the prescribed format when visiting the South African mission to submit the application.
    •    All supporting documentation must be in English or translated into English by a sworn translator.
    •    Supporting documentation is only valid for 6 months

APPLYING FOR A WORK VISA AS AN ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE ON A VALID WORK VISA: 

It is possible to apply for a work visa as an accompanying spouse on a valid work visa, provided that the spouse qualifies for a suitable work visa and that there is no condition on the accompanying spouse visa. For more information on various work options available to "accompanying spouses” go to TranslatingMe.org, Portable Careers for Expats Facebook Group, or join us at a meet-up near you!

GENERAL NOTES:
All personal documentation in support of an application should be available in South Africa at all times. This includes: 

    •    Qualifications
    •    academic transcripts
    •    unabridged marriage certificates
    •    unabridged birth certificates
    •    divorce decrees
    •    medical aid that is recognised in South Africa

VISA RENEWALS

Start the renewal process early!

You can renew your visa from within South Africa (apart from Intra-Company Transfer), but take note that you need to wait for the renewal to be granted before you leave the country otherwise you won’t be able to re-enter.  Check your passport expiration dates, and if you need to apply to transfer a valid permit to a new passport (Otherwise, the old passport with visas will need to be carried with you at all times along with the new one!)  

IF YOU ARE FLAGGED AS UNDESIRABLE AT THE PORT OF ENTRY

A visa only shows that you have gone through the necessary rigmarole to legally enter and stay in a country, it does not guarantee entry. If you are caught for whatever reason, try to avoid them stamping you as “undesirable” - its a lengthly process to reverse.  

You can apply to have an overstay uplifted electronically at the Department of Home Affairs office, but only with a strong motivation. The outcome will be received in an official electronic letter. If you have questions, please contact us!

The wonderful team at Immigration Boutique put together a great crib sheet outlining the various Visa options. Click Here to Download It. 

At any time, join Moving to South Africa Facebook Group to ask a question or get advice in this process!

Good luck to you and your family!

How to Open a Bank Account in South Africa

Getting all of your finances sorted can be stressful when you’ve just moved to a new country, and in South Africa, there are a number of bureaucratic processes that you’ll need to go through to open a bank account which can be potentially frustrating and time consuming.

But no need to worry, we’ve got all the information you need, which will save you some time and hassle!

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

To initiate any kind of administrative process with an official institution in South Africa you will always need to provide proof of residence, whether you are a local or a foreigner.

This is because of the implementation of FICA, or the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, which requires everyone to provide proof of residence as part of reducing financial crime.

Another document you will always need to provide is proof of identification, which for South Africans is the green ID book or newly implemented ID card. As an expat, use your passport.

In some instances it is perfectly acceptable to provide a driver's license as proof of identification, for example, when checking in at the airport, but this isn’t the case when dealing with a bank.

As a foreigner, this means you will need to provide your passport and proof of residence when conducting any kind of transaction. Proof of residence can be a copy of a lease (entire lease or a letter from the guest house / hotel you are staying at) or a utilities bill sent to your address (which you probably won’t have yet).

Sadly many banks will not open a bank account for you unless you have a work permit. Also joint bank accounts also come with large amount of paperwork, and often require you explaining exactly what you expect from a joint account. It took me a good 6 months to get full access to my husbands account (which was meant to be a joint account) so I could pay for bills etc. 

Documents Needed

Proof of ID and permanent visa/work permit
Proof of residence
Starting deposit (can help with monthly fees)
3 months Statements from existing bank (not always required) 
Letter from employer confirming contract and monthly salary

For Spouses…

When your family signs up for a bank account, you will be able to get full privileges on the account, but you need to make sure it is set up for you to use online and on your mobile phone App. This way, you can manage accounts, pay for school fees, make your own EFTs, see balances, etc.

When going to the bank, be sure you have your original passport with visa and original proof of residence, and maybe even marriage certificate if you have one handy! Sometimes getting full access takes a while because you might not have the right documents. But don’t give up! As a Spouse, having access and knowledge of your accounts is important!

CHOOSING A BANK

In South Africa the three most popular banks expats use are: 

ABSA (which Barclays has just sold)
Investec
First National Bank (FNB) / RMB - Private bank

You will find most of these banks in any big shopping malls in Johannesburg, and ATM’s (Automatic Teller Machines) can be found in various locations in the city, at shopping malls, strip malls and petrol stations.

TIPS

Banks charge you a fee for holding an account here, they also often have number of additional fee's for services (such as drawing money out of ATMs). So make sure you are fully aware of all the fee's.  

When taking out cash - try to choose an ATM within a busy shop and be aware of your surrounding.

FNB App is the most user friendly in our opinion, plus it has a great rewards programme, giving you access to Slow Lounges at the airports amongst other benefits. Their personal banking operation however, isn't as good as Investec, who also operate a good global rewards programme.   

Most South Africans use Debit and Credit Cards to manage their transactions, although mobile apps - Zapper and Snap Scan are becoming increasingly popular. Especially at pop up markets and outdoor events. Don't be surprised if you are asked to sign for your purchase in addition to entering your pin. 

You will need to learn how to make an EFT (Electronics Fund Transfer) as lots of independent operators and contractors prefer to be paid this way. This can be done through your bank’s online portal or their App on your phone.

Be prepared to receive notifications after every transaction (often both you and your partner will get text messages or email alerts), this is great to pick up on any fraud, not so great for your partner to know how much you just spent shopping.......... ;)

The South African postal service is not 100% reliable at the moment, so rather opt to receive updates via email, although most banking communication is moving towards online communications anyway.

NOTE: Banks are notoriously busy at lunchtime and weekends so if you need to talk to a bank employee face to face, it’s best try and go in the morning during the when it’s inclined to be less busy. 

If you have your own local expert - they can assist you with completing all the necessary paperwork for you. If you would like a list of all paperwork and certification process for your chosen bank, then request your own personalised report here.  

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

South African banks are very strict about any money coming into and out of the country, so when receiving funds from abroad, it can be easier to use something like PayPal (which is currently only affiliated to First National Bank). You will however, pay a transaction fee and it is a bit of a process to set up the account and to make withdrawals or deposits.

When receiving a PayPal payment or a fund transfer from abroad you will always need to give a reason for the transaction before funds are allocated. There are a variety of options, just choose the most appropriate one. Your bank will charge a fee for any incoming or outgoing transaction so just be sure to check.

Making a FOREX payment can be done online on your online banking profile, but you will need a SWIFT/BIC code when making a foreign payment. You’ll also need to provide your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code when you’re going to be receiving funds into your account (it makes the process a lot quicker). 

The private banks are much better set up to receive foreign funds - but still prepare for it to take some time in getting cleared. 

You can not exchange Rand into a foreign currency unless you have an airline ticket

For more information for banking click here.