South Africa Archives - Page 60 of 122

South Africa Sets Up National Committee for New African Trade Agreement Action Plans

South African Minister for Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel set up a National Committee, comprising business, labor and government, to develop action plans around the new African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

This was done at a strategic session held between the Ministry and social partners at NEDLAC (the National Economic, Development and Labour Council, South Africa’s statutory social dialogue forum).

The engagement was chaired by Minister Patel, and was the first session held with the new Ministry at NEDLAC following the start of the Sixth Administration, and the combination of the dti and Economic Development Department into the new Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The day-long session gave rise to a number of tripartite working groups to speed-up actions to grow the number of jobs in the South African economy.

Both Business and Labour sent high level delegations to the engagement, including leaders from BUSA, CEOs of large companies and sector business organisations; as well as trade union leaders from COSATU, FEDUSA and NACTU.

Representatives of the Public Private Growth Initiative were also present in the meeting. The state was represented by Deputy Ministers of Trade and Industry, Fikile Majola and Nomalungelo Gina, senior officials from the new Department and a number of regulators, including SARS and ITAC. Minister Patel opened the all-day engagement by reflecting on the state of the economy.

“The South African economy produced R5 trillion worth of goods and services in the last year. We need to boost the size of that output and bring more people into the economy. There are currently 16,3 million people in employment in South Africa. We need to create more jobs, and better jobs for the 10 million South Africans who are willing and able to work but are unable to find employment. Neither despair nor blame constitute effective solutions. We have an opportunity to build on our real strengths as a nation, to turn the relatively modest job creation into a significantly larger effort, with workable and actionable solutions to unblock growth, investment and job creation in the economy,” he said.

The engagement focused on a number of key developments in the local and global economy, including the new Industrial Strategy outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address in June, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has been ratified now by 27 African countries, including South Africa.

The AfCFTA is intended to be implemented from July 2020, and has been recognize by all constituents as a game-changer for African economies, with the opportunity for new markets for South African goods, balanced by the risk that certain industries may come under threat from imports from across the continent.

The NEDALC parties agreed that a National Committee with sector-level task teams should identify which products South Africa could export to other African countries and what steps needed to be taken to realise such exports. The teams should also point to products that are vulnerable and develop measures to strengthen such sectors.

Government officials also provided updated presentations on South Africa’s export and investment promotion services, plans to improve the ease of doing business, development of special economic zones, changes to the Competition Act, empowerment and black industrialists programs, and the trade dimensions of the digital economy.

The engagement has now resulted in a number of working groups and committees, with constituents drawn from government, business and labor. These include a Ministerial Export Promotion Panel that will be constituted shortly, a Special Economic Zone reference team and a Working Committee on trade policy and the digital economy. Working groups are expected to meet during August and September.

Minister Patel commended social partners on their approach to the engagement, which he noted as solutions-driven.

“Partnership requires that every constituency brings concrete commitments by members to the table and also identifies what it seeks to achieve for its members. We need bold commitments from business and labor. Government will need to be more effective in creating the foundations for growth, transformation and development. This is an opportunity to do things differently. What we have seen in this dialogue begins to reset the tone for a collaborative approach to unlock inclusive growth and job creation in our country,” said Patel.

For more information about AfCFTA, visit the African Union’s website by clicking here.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

South Africa

Cape Town Refugee Center to Reopen in January 2020

The Cape Town refugee reception office, Scalabrini Centre, is expected to reopen in January 2020.

The centre was closed for almost seven years, which affected thousands of immigrants. It was due to reopen by March 2018, but the Department of Home Affairs missed the deadline. The Department of Public Works said due to budget constraints and high costs, it would lease a building in Bellville.

It was expected to cost just over R21 million for a leasing period of over five years. The Scalabrini Centre and the Legal Resources Centre took Home Affairs to court back in 2017. The Supreme Court of Appeal then ordered the department to open the office by March 2018.

The centre’s Miranda Madikane said she was pleased about the recent development. “We are feeling very happy that accommodation has been found.”

Madikane said without documentation, foreign nationals were unable to access basic services such as healthcare, education, employment and were afraid they would get arrested. “When you’re living without a document in South Africa, it’s extremely difficult and dangerous, and places massive pressure on people,” she said.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

How South Africans Can Bring Their Parents and Grandparents to the UK

Part of the process of deciding to move to the UK is weighing up the impact on your extended family.

While even simply the idea of leaving loved ones behind can be devasting, moving from South Africa to Britain will most likely mean a long-term physical separation from beloved family members, says Lisa Aspeling from immigration consultants Move Up.

Below she outlined the different ways that emigration South Africans can bring their elderly dependents with them when moving.

How to qualify for the Elderly Dependent Permit

Issued for five years, one major advantage of the Elderly Dependent Permit is that it leads to British citizenship.

However, the rules around being granted this particular visa are very strict and it’s common for many of these applications to get refused, said Aspeling.

“Unfortunately, if your parents do not qualify to move to the UK based on ancestral rights or the other more traditional routes to UK settlement and they don’t need round-the-clock care, they won’t be eligible for the Elderly Dependent Permit.

“Applicants must prove that they require long-term, hands-on care in order to handle everyday living. The kind of care your parent or grandparent will be required to prove they need includes daily tasks like washing, cleaning and cooking. Essentially, your parent or grandparent will have to prove that they are absolutely unable to live independently.”

Aspeling said that a comprehensive doctor’s report about your parent or grandparent’s state of health would be an important document to include in your application.

Full medical records, including specialist reports and hospitalisation records, as well as a letter from the applicant’s current carers – for example, their nursing home manager – is also essential, she said.

“The letter should state the healthcare professional’s full recommendations, whether that is being admitted into a frail care facility or receiving special medical attention.

“The only silver lining here is that the UK government will accept a broad range of reasons for this: the specific care your parent or grandparent requires might not be available locally, or no one can reasonably provide it, or it can come down to a lack of affordability.”

Requirements from the sponsor to qualify for the elderly dependent permit

“Not only do your parents (or grandparents) need to jump through some hoops to qualify for this rare visa, but you as the sponsor need to prove that you can provide adequate maintenance, accommodation, and care for your elderly dependant – and here’s the catch – without having to withdraw public funds,”said Aspeling.

“You as the sponsor will be required to sign a sponsorship undertaking form, confirming that you are entirely responsible for your dependant’s care, without relying on public funds, for at least five years.”

EU law and elderly dependents in the UK

While no one knows what will happen to the UK’s immigration laws after Brexit is completed, as things stand, if you have EU nationality, rather than British citizenship, it is easier to qualify to bring your parents or grandparents to the UK, said Aspeling.

This is largely because the rules for elderly dependants are much more lenient under EU immigration law, she said.

“Under EU law you will, among other things, need to show you are exercising treaty rights in the UK by studying, working, being self-employed or self-sufficient. The UK Home Office will also need proof that your parent(s) or grandparent(s) is dependent on you.

“Although being granted an Elderly Dependent Visa is admittedly a rare outcome, our experienced immigration consultants are available for a free consultation and assessment to help you determine if this is a viable route for moving your parents or grandparents to the UK with you.”

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

South Africa

Tourist Safety Tips for South Africa

South Africa is a country filled with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and interesting history. As a result , it is popular tourist destination.

While South Africa may be stable politically, compared to some other African countries, it does have a relatively high level of crime, especially in certain areas. Control Risks Group Limited recently released statistics for kidnapping around the globe, and Southern Africa is certainly not free from these incidents. Before you visit, it is a good idea to take a look at your government’s travel advisory notices online (if there are any), so that you know what to avoid.

It is important to be cautious, and remember the general safety tips that are given to many visitors (and locals). We’ve included some below for you.

When possible, avoid displaying lots of jewelry, and carrying valuables in your hands. Try not to speak on your phone while you are walking around outside.
If you leave items in your car, put them in the glove compartment or trunk, and always remember to lock your car.
Park in a well lit, preferably guarded, place. Companies such as Interpark run paid parking buildings in CBD areas.
When you are waiting at traffic lights, be aware of your surroundings, and leave enough space to move your car should you be approached and feel uncomfortable.
When walking around, especially at night, it is advisable to have other people with you. This is especially true if you decide to go hiking.
Remember emergency numbers, or save them on your phone. The national emergency line is 10111 for police, and 10177 for ambulances. 112 can also be called from any cell phone in SA for an emergency call center.

We have included some travel advisory pages for a number of countries below.

So long as you keep these tips in mind, South Africa will offer you a unique, enriching experience. The country has a rich history, and many famous attractions to visit, as well as a diverse culture in which to participate while you are here.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: Jacques Nel [1], [2].