ZAFB

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I would like to move to South Africa next year! How difficult is it to move and find a job?

I would like to move to South Africa next year! How difficult is it to move and find a job?
I am finishing up my doctorate, and with the encouragement from one of my students, I decided to move to South Africa. I am looking for a bit of resources, support and advice. Please help me!
South Africa - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
wear a condom!
2 :
On a per-capita basis, South Africa rates as having the highest rates of rape and the second-highest for murder. Personally, I'd suggest you examine whether you'd take the job on the basis of what kind of security you expect. Confer with some other colleages and see if they think it's a good idea.
3 :
First, you should VISIT. then , if you are determined to "move " there , you will have to apply for a work visa. Are you American? Even if not, sites below apply.
4 :
I agree with Charlie. And even while visiting...try and find a job BEFORE you move. It's not always that easy, even for citizens.
5 :
DON'T it's a crime zone
6 :
If you are considering emigrating for career opportunities then you should look outside of Africa. If you are a Black African but not a SA citizen before 94 then you will be considered white as far as BBBEE is concerned. You will have the same disadvantages as whites in South Africa.
7 :
the unemplyment rate is of the highest in the world. visit first and check out where in SA you want to live and try to find a job before you move here.
8 :
You haven't mentioned what field you are in and what your doctorate is. If you are thinking of going into Engineering or geology or mining or something of that nature understand that South AFrica is very sophisticated in those fields. If in medical science you are probably also behind the 8 ball unless you have a cure for AIDS. We dont believe eating fresh vegetables will cure AIDS, we have gotten over that! There are some suggestion in the answers that you do research first and perhaps come out on a Sabbatical to check SA out. Make your decision after that
9 :
Dont fukin move there !!!!!!!!!!!!!! im trying to get my dad OUT and you want to Go IN , its fukin chaos!!! seriously , hes trying to sell his farm and get the fuck out of there , havnt you heard of the killings or anything??? and the Black south africans are out of control , have you SEEN our president?????????? do yourself a favor and DONT! South Africa is a beautiful place absolutly beaaaauuuutiful , amazing and i loved growing up there, but right now ... its gotten really bad ... 4 black men attacked my dad in his own house and left him for dead , they tied him up and beat him with a walking stick and threatened him with a gun , the lady that lives with my dad got home and saw he was still breathing and took the plastic bag they had tied around his head off , hes still recovering to this day and it happened in september that they beat him , its is a beautiful farm but sadly the black south africans are going mad .. trying to kill all the whites (homocide) I have not ever been a racist until this had happened to my dad.... ... now... think about moving there...
10 :
South Africa has a real unemployment rate of anywhere between 30-40%. If you're white, its REALLY hard to get a job. Unless you already have a job offer, I wouldnt do it dude. Even blacks have a tuff time getting jobs down there. It's changed alot since the ANC took power in 1994. It's the car jacking capital of the world. Crime is very high, its a horrible place. I'd highly suggest buying a firearm if you do decide to live there. Legal or by "other" means.
11 :
its a beautiful country with plenty opportunities, like everywhere else in the world, just dont be stupid. what kind of help do you need. What field is your doctorate in ? Have a look at Career Junction .za (google it) for the types of jobs available in our country
12 :
You'd likely need to have a job first in order to get a work visa. As others said, visit first, scout for jobs, get some interviews before you pack up and relocate. @4man: please don't make me laugh with your assertion that other Western countries would be "behind the 8 ball" when it comes to medical science. I injured my ankle in SA in October. Went to two different doctors who told me it was a moderate sprain and I'd be at full function in 2-4 weeks. I'm back in the US for the holidays and went to my own doctor, who immediately diagnosed a hairline fracture (made worse by almost three months of non-treatment) and ligament damage; I'm now in an air cast which was accompanied by a strict lecture about not trusting the quality of medical care in SA. Don't kid yourself: if your physicians can't handle a basic sports injury, your health care is nothing to brag about.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Travelling from South Africa to Europe. What visas do I need?

Travelling from South Africa to Europe. What visas do I need?
My friends and i are planning a trip to Europe at the end of next year. We're from South Africa. What visas do we need to visit the whole of europe? Also, we would will have just finished 12th grade. How do we get student forms etc? Thanks!
Other - Europe - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
some european countries have joined a free no border policy agreement called the schengen agreement. when european countries sign this agreement ppl from one country can travel freely to another without a visa. if u are traveling to europe u have to get a schengen visa, u can get student prices. im not sure how much. but the prices will be listed on the embassy website. how does schengen visa work? u have to apply at the country of embassy where u intend to stay the longest. if u are not sure, for example u might plan 2 or 3 days in each country. in that case u have to apply at the country of embassy where ur first destination would be. the visa is for 90 days and called a short stay single visa. there is a multi visa too where u can come out of the shcengen area and re enter it. if u get a single short stay visa the moment u get out of the schengen area your visa will expire even though the 90 days has not been fulfilled .. the visa is i think 60 euros... check from the embassy where u plan to get the visa. UK is not in the schengen area, so if u want to come to UK u have to apply for a different visa (UK tourist visa)... the schengen countries are 15 i think.. not sure. so u can travel with just one visa to all those 15 counties freely without any boarder control.. there are numerous cheap hostels around and u need to book them in advance because for a shengen visa u need to prove where u would be staying for your entire trip. other documents include travel insurance, bank statements flight bookings. good luck with your trip cheers
2 :
You may travel visa-free for six months to the United Kingdom http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa/visadatvnationals and for three months to the Republic of Ireland. http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/home/index.aspx?id=8777 To visit Turkey for 1 month, you can obtain a visa at the border gate by paying $15 or â‚¬10. http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-fees-at-border-gates-for-2008.en.mfa To visit the Schengen States for totally 90 days in an 180 days period you need to apply for a visa in advance at the Embassy of the country where you plan your predominantly stay. If your stay should be equally distributed you are supposed to apply at the Embassy of the country by which you enter the Schengen area. Schengen states are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Entry procedures and requirements for visa are the same for every Schengen state. I just add the detailed overview of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information: http://www.esteri.it/MAE/EN/Ministero/Servizi/Stranieri/ServReteConsolare.htm#entry Other european countries have similar visa requirements. You may check those at the various Embassies in your country; addresses and/or websites can be found on the internet presence of the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs. http://www.dfa.gov.za/foreign/forrep/index.htm

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Friday, January 14, 2011

Is it difficult to be a vegetarian in South Africa?

Is it difficult to be a vegetarian in South Africa?
I'm planning on studying abroad soon in a small provincial town in South Africa. Does anyone have experience being there and could give me some idea about the food options? I'm worried I won't have much vegetarian food from which to choose. My international student handbook kept mentioning all the braais (barbeques) they have!
South Africa - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
No it is not difficult at all. South Africa is very westernised and all the usual vegetarian foods are available here including soya based "sausages" etc. Simply cook these during a "Braai" You will be invited to functions which serve meat along with vegetables and you can simply choose the foods you want to eat. Our average dinner invitation can be amended to suit your special needs and you will find the hosts will be most accommodating. I run a Scout Group which has a family who are vegetarian and we simply buy the foods they eat when we go camping etc Enjoy your stay here
2 :
Shouldn't be a problem at all. Most restaurants have vegetarian options (even Spur which is best-known for its steaks). Supermarkets carry soya products too. Wherever you're staying, try and find out if there's an Indian community - Indians here are either Muslim or Hindu and the Hindu's will be able to give u more info on where to get vegetarian food (and the Muslims too since they would only stick to vegetarian or seafood if they couldn't find halaal meat).
3 :
there is plenty of vegetarian food, great resturant called kuaui http://www.kauai.co.za/ they have great food! lots of vegetarian options, all resturants have vegetarian meals. All supermarkets have vegetarian food.
4 :
Shan't be a problem at all. My brother's friend is a vegetarian. I'm sure you could manage at the braais...there's a fair share of meat and salads.

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Friday, January 7, 2011

South African in the US on a student visa(F1).How can I let my wife(qualified teacher) come over and work?

South African in the US on a student visa(F1).How can I let my wife(qualified teacher) come over and work?
I am a student in Boulder, CO. We are both South African citizens. How can I let her come to the USA and work legally? She is a qualified teacher in South Africa. Everyone says that she has to have a working permit to apply for a job in the US and the US consulate in South Africa says she has to have a job offer to get a working permit. HELP!!!!!
Immigration - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Well she needs to start applying for a jobs first and then once she has an offer apply for a work permit.
2 :
It depends on where you live every state can have different qualifications you would have to ask someone in the educational system
3 :
I don't think it's up to you. Check out the US government visa and immigration sites, as it will be up to the US, ultimately. Good luck!
4 :
Though possibly not within the present legislative document and if so, not clearly marked. It's possible that within a South African programe that is designed to teach those culture or economy of South Africa, to registered pupil, the matter may present itself feasible, with proper documentation in process. !~CHANT~A~SEALLAH~!
5 :
Its called an H1B visa, and you have to have an exceptional qualification, i.e., top Biochemical engineer of Russia. -Or she could be sponsored by a company. -If your gov. is cool, than she might be able to come over on a B-2 (tourism visa) for 90 days, than just extend it prior to its' end; job will have to be under the table though. *best bet is to get a company/ institution to sponsor her: (religious institutions are the most successful)*
6 :
She needs to find an employer who will hire her and then the school would apply for a work visa for her. However to gain a H1B visa the school would have to prove that they could not get an American to do that teaching position, (you are not allowed to take a job away from an American - visa rules) so I would think it would be highly unlikely she would granted a work visa as a teacher in a regular school
7 :
There are places hiring foreign teachers but not in Boulder. Think inner city. Depending on how long you have in school, she can come, teach and work in another state, while you finish your degree...

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Saturday, January 1, 2011

What is appropriate dress code for females going out in Port Elizabeth, South Africa?

What is appropriate dress code for females going out in Port Elizabeth, South Africa?
I'm an exchange student that will be living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa during July and I would love to know what the locals (females specifically) wear when going out at night to clubs/pubs/bars/restaurants, etc. Here at home, we usually wear a casual dress, jeans and a silk top, and heels or boots depending on the weather. I don't want to give up my stilettos, but I don't want to stand out either! Please help me in understanding what is appropriate and what is not. Thanks!
South Africa - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
PE is a normal city, there isn't a strange "dress code". Its cool and windy in July so wear a jacket over that silky top when you go out.
2 :
Um, Dress code is exactly the same as everywhere else.
3 :
Great news...You don't have to give up your stilettos.
4 :
south africa aint a jungle you know... it's really REALLY cold in july!!! i'll be goin there too in july to visit ma fam. dress excatly how you would normally dress for a club and stuff. b'lieve me, if you give up your stilettos THATS when you'll stand out. jst remember! BRING LOTSA WARM CLOTHES!!! YOU'LL FREEZE IN JULY!!! enjoy!!!!
5 :
PE. Just a normal city. Same as anywhere else. Except it is known as the Windy City, so you can bear in mind whether you want the wind to get under your skirt or not.
6 :
It's the same as anywhere else!

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I am from South Africa and starting school this fall in the US. Please advise about bank/saving as a student?

I am from South Africa and starting school this fall in the US. Please advise about bank/saving as a student?
Am an international student returning to school this fall and interested to know about ways to save money and/or best ways to open bank accounts and if there are ways to get interest on your savings. Thank you.
Personal Finance - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Just go to the bank and tell them you want to open an account, checking or savings, or both. Savings accounts pay interest as do many checking accounts although the latter usually also charge a monthly service fee if the balance drops below a specific limit. The bank will tell you if there are restrictions on foreign nationals (you) regarding opening accounts. If you are planning on leaving some money in a savings account for some time then ask about a "Certificate of Deposit", or CD. (I know, this is confusing because it isn't a music CD). These are special savings arrangements and normally pay a lot better interest than a savings account. You make one deposit, generally in a specific amount, i.e. $100, $500, etc. and for a specific time usually 1 year. If you cash in (redeem) the CD before the end of that time, the CD reverts to an ordinary savings account and only the lower interest is paid.
2 :
It depends on how long you are coming here for, where you are going to school, for how long, and how much money you plan to bring. If you plan to bring a large sum (over $10000)- Consider tucking some away as a CD to get faster interest and keep yourself from spending it. If you are needing to take a little to run a long time- look into the school having a federal credit union account. That may have less burden than opening an account with a big bank that often charges high fees.
3 :
im the first answerer. yay. i like money, its fun. to my limited knowledge i think there are several options for a yeilding savings account. the ones i know about are similar in the rate they give you and find a bank that is offering some $$$ if you open an account with them. find as many as possible and open all of them. i really like free money. "thats all I have to say about that"

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A daily life in South Africa? (teens/students)?

A daily life in South Africa? (teens/students)?
Hi, all. Iâ€™m a high school student from California and I'm writing an article about the "Daily Life in South Africa," so I was wondering if you would answer some (or all) of my questions below... 1. Name, Age, What part of South Africa? 2. What do you do for fun in your free time? 3. Explain your everyday school life 4. What challenges have you had as a teen? 5. Any discrimination in your province or school? 6. How has the ending of the legal segregation in 1994 affected you? 7. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help
South Africa - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
1. Dee, 24yrs, JHB. 2. Music festivals - there are alot of clubs (rock music) in johannesburg that feature local bands and artists that I enjoy going to on the weekends. There are also alot of weekend music festivals that you can go to where bands play over 4 days and you can camp out. Movies is also always a great pasttime. THere are many pubs and outdoor adventure activities to enjoy on the weekends. JHB is an hour from Pilansberg Game Reserve, which is a Big-Five reserve and fun for a Saturday day out. Safari once a month - what more could you ask for? 3. I just finished varsity - it was fun, a daily commute on the bus was far easier than sitting in traffic - Jozi traffic is a nightmare, especcially at the moment with all the roadworks and Gautrain developments. Busses are however packed and often not on time, so it can get frustrating. Taxis are not an option really - unless you have a death wish, as the drivers do not adhere to the rules of the road, and cut in, drive on the wrong lanes into oncomming traffic, shoot across intersections. Unfortunetaly for the vast majority of south Africans, it is all they can afford. 4. The education system is often not that great in public schools, it is better to get an education at a private school at a really hefty price however. As a teenager, there is not much to do in JOzi except trawl the malls and try get into a club. Life gets much better when you turn 18, there is so much more to do. (includiong being able to drive legally). 5. I did not see any discrimination in my school or Varsity. Black, white and indian kids all hung out together. Especially in varsity, there were a lot of mixed race relationships. There is no real evident discrimination amongst the South Africans in my province (gauteng). THe discrimination seems to be against illigal immigrants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria and Congo that are living in SA and doing crime. 6. Well there is the BEE structure and affirmative action, so ssome jobs are now only advertised for the previously disadvantaged people, so it does make job seeking harder for white S-Africans. Other than that, life has only gotten better. We are a mixed nation, and even though I am white I consider myself to be an African, I was born and bred in Africa, not Europe. There is an intergrated culture in us all. 7. I would love to tour the world and work a little in Europe, and UK, and even USA, just to experience "normal" life in another country. But I would always return to South Africa, it's in my blood!
2 :
1. N/A, 18, Pretoria 2. Study, play some WoW, movies, parties 3. School from 7:45 am to 11:45 am for me, I'm in a private school that does the Cambridge Curriculum, doing my A-Levels, much more advanced than the South African syllabus. 4. Challenges include getting to places (no reliable public transport and I don't have my car... yet.). Can't really go out at night unless you have a death wish and we have a incompetent gov. 5. School, no not at all. Province, From what I have seen, no not much there are the little quirks some people have about others but it usually amounts to no more than an opinion. 6. Increased crime, a possibly worse government (in terms of their ability to lead and their intellect), reduced economy, more crime once again and a BEE system, it means Black Economic Empowerment - its supposed to give underprivileged (black) people a better chance in the work place, however it does not work in reality as it is supposed to in theory, instead it gives UNQUALIFIED people jobs and our economy suffers as a result. I have been in contact with many unqualified people in areas of work that require a fair amount of expertise. -- Please note that I am NOT being racist, I am simply looking at things in a REALISTIC manner, If my statement were racist then we would not have such an openly corrupt government, a failing educational system, a declining economy, one of the worst telecoms companies in the world, Escom... and many, many more other areas full of failure, if we had qualified people in these places, perhaps it may not be much better, but it would be at least a little better. 7. Japan, the country moves at a pace that no other can keep up with in terms of technological advancement, they have a higher standard of living, higher education and many jobs in the IT sector.
3 :
1. Wayne, 21, from Port Elizabeth (in philly now) 2. In SA I skated a lot, blazed a lot, roamed around a lot, and played soccer for hrs. 3. my old school sucked, it use to be a police impound and it was in the middle of nowhere; it was very underdeveloped and the level of education as compared to Philly in the US was very low. 4. Crime was a challenge. My best friend found a body when he was 8. My house was broken into 5 times in 2 yrs and economically my family had to leave when I was 14 because my father lost his job. 5. Yes, especially with the older generations. The younger generation is a lot more tolerant and conscious of other races. 6. If it hadn't ended I wouldn't be responding because I'd probably be too ashamed to talk about it so basically the only reason Im a proud South African is because the right thing finally happened in 94. 7. Probably back in Port Elizabeth but philly is pretty sweet..
4 :
1. GR, 24 years, Gauteng - Johannesburg. 2. Hang out with friends, listen to music, read and shop. 3. When I was at school, its get to school at 7:30, have assembly, have classes, mid-day break, more classes, field hockey practice. 4. Dealing with my mother, acne, fighting with friends, pressures to get good grades, fitting in, peer pressure, the usual teen challenges. 5. You have no idea. Its everywhere just not acknowledged. There will always be racial tensions because our government insists on reminding us of the acts of the past by people who are lpong dead and by making us pay for those acts even though we had nothing to do with it. 6. It was actually in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released. And the only way it has really affected me is by making me more likely to be a victim of crime and I would battle to find another job should I ever ose mine thanks to the Broad-based Black Ecomnomic Empowerment policy. 7.Monaco - no tax.
5 :
1. Anja Fourie, 21. Cape Town, Western Cape. 2, Go out to music shows, parties, movies, dancing, drinking. 3. I'm a third year at Stellenbosch University. Studying Industrial Psychology. So I get up an hour before my first class, which sometimes can only be at 12h, walk back to residence for lunch, then go back to late afternoon classes. Classes end at 5h. Get back at residence, then study a bit. Go over to boyfriend. We watch a movie or we call some friends and then we go do my answer to question 2. 4. None I can think of really. 5. More blatant racism than discrimination. I don't really bother with it. But seeing as I get my degree this year and I'm going to start working next year, I should be bothered with it, because of BEE (black economic empowerment). 6. I was 5 years old then, so really not so much. 7. Right here in Cape Town. Most beautiful place in the world.
6 :
Not what you expected hey

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