About South Africa

South Africa, the southernmost country on the African continent, renowned for its varied topography, great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favored destination for travelers since the legal ending of apartheid (Afrikaans: “apartness,” or racial separation) in 1994.

History

The prehistory and history of South Africa span nearly the entire known existence of human beings and their ancestors—some three million years or more—and include the wandering of small bands of hominins through the savanna, the inception of herding and farming as ways of life, and the construction of large urban centers. Through this diversity of human experience, several trends can be identified: technological and economic change, shifting systems of belief, and, in the earlier phases of humanity, the interplay between physical evolution and learned behavior, or culture. Over much of this time frame, South Africa’s past is also that of a far wider area, and only in the last few centuries has this southernmost country of Africa had a history of its own. This article focuses on the country of South Africa. For information about the country in its regional context, see Southern Africa.

Economy

The economy of South Africa was revolutionized in the late 19th century when diamonds and gold were discovered there. Extensive investment from foreign capital followed. In the years since World War II, the country has established a well-developed manufacturing base, and it has experienced highly variable growth rates, including some years when its growth rate was among the highest in the world. Since the late 1970s, however, South Africa has had continuing economic problems, initially because its apartheid policies led many countries to withhold foreign investment and to impose increasingly severe trade sanctions against it.

Climate

Almost the entire country lies within the temperate zone, and extremes of heat and cold are rare. Its location next to a subtropical high-pressure belt of descending air produces stable atmospheric conditions over most of its surface area, and the climate generally is dry.

Because most of the country lies at fairly high elevation, which tempers the influence of latitude, even the tropical and near-tropical northern areas are much cooler than would otherwise be the case. The high elevation and lack of the moderating influence of the sea produce large diurnal temperature variations in most inland areas.

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing

Agriculture is of major importance to South Africa. It produces a significant portion of exports and contributes greatly to the domestic economy, especially as an employer, through land and water resources are generally poor. Arable land constitutes only slightly more than one-tenth of the country’s surface area, with well-watered, fertile soils existing primarily in the Western Cape river valleys and on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The Highveld of Mpumalanga and Free State historically has offered adequate conditions for extensive cereal cultivation based on substantial government extension services and subsidies to white farm owners. Some dry areas, such as in the Fish River valley of Eastern Cape province, have become productive through the use of irrigation. Further irrigation has been provided by the ongoing Orange River Project, which upon completion should add about another three-tenths to the total amount of land in production

Among the major crops are corn (maize), wheat, sugarcane, sorghum, peanuts (groundnuts), citrus and other fruits, and tobacco. Sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs are raised for food and other products; wool and meat (beef, lamb and mutton, and goat) are important. Dairy (including butter and cheese) and egg production are also significant, particularly around the major urban centers.

Education

School education is compulsory for all children between 7 and 16 years of age or through ninth grade, whichever is reached first and begins in one of the 11 official languages. After second grade, students begin learning another language.

Original passport and old passports, if any

Passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the expiry date of the visa, with a minimum of two consecutive blank pages

Copy of the first and the last page of your passport

Confirmed return air tickets

The visa application form - 11 (DHA-84) filled with a Black pen in block letters and duly signed

2 recent passport-size color photographs taken against a white background with matte-finish (size 35 mm x 45 mm and 80% face close up)

Covering letter mentioning the details of travel, details of the traveler with contact number and expense ownership details

Note: Address reflecting on the cover letter should match the address of submission jurisdiction

Original Indian bank statements reflecting transactions of the last 3 months with a minimum balance of Rs 20,000 per traveler, duly attested and signed by a bank official on bank letterhead

Confirmation of hotel booking mentioning the details of travel, details of the traveler, contact details of the hotel with authorized signature’s name, designation, and signature.

Vaccination certificate, (yellow fever) If an applicant will travel through or stay in yellow fever belt.

Income Tax Returns of the last 3 years

Marriage certificate, if the applicant’s passport is on maiden name

2 Government issued address proof

Additional documents

If the applicant is employed

Salary Slips for last 3 months

NOC for leave from employer/school/university clearly mentioning the name, passport number of applicant(s), and duration of the visit. The letter must have the physical address, as well as contact details of the authorized signature’s name, designation, and signature

If the applicant is a company owner or self-employed

Certificate of registration of the company

Covering letter on letterhead

If the applicant has a Friend / Family in South Africa

Passport & visa copies attested by local notary/police authority or Commissioner of OATHS

Invitation letter attested by local notary/police authority or Commissioner of OATHS

Address proof attested by local notary/police authority or Commissioner of OATHS

If the applicant is a Student:

Original NOC letter from school/college with ID card copy with Bonafide Certificate

1. Apply and pay online
2. Send your documents
3. Get your visa

Ahmedabad