Cape Town has been named the best city in the world by Time Out. 

After finishing in second place in 2024, Cape Town claimed the number-one spot for 2025 in the British-based company’s rankings. 

The results were based on opinions from 18,500 people around the world who weighed in on their city as per the seventh Time Out global survey of city-dwellers.

The survey’s questions covered everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and overall city vibe… you know us Capetonians, we’re all about the vibe.

The British-based publication said that Cape Town’s rise to number one was no surprise due to the fact that locals and visitors enjoy visiting the colony of African penguins, tasting world-class wines, enjoying strolls on the beaches, and visiting one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, East City. 

The city is also renowned for its historic sites and cultural hubs. Time Out also has a presence in the city, with the Time Out Market situated in the V&A Waterfront.

After losing the title to New York in 2024, the Mother City faced intense competition from  Bangkok (#2), The Big Apple (#3) Melbourne (#4), and London (#5). 

Cape Town scored highly across 44 different criteria used in the survey, with 82% of Capetonians describing their city as beautiful, and 97% of locals saying it makes them happy.

No other South African city made the top 50, with only Marrakech in Morocco (#32) and Lagos in Nigeria (#41) making the top 50. 

“Cape Town is a city built on its people’s passion, resilience, and creativity. From bustling markets to serene beaches, every corner of our city tells a story of community and connection,” said Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the incredible spirit of Cape Town,” added James Vos, City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth. 

“From our stunning landscapes to our awesome communities, it’s no wonder we’re considered the best. This is a shared achievement, and we’re excited to continue growing and attracting visitors from around the globe to experience everything we have to offer.”

The global top ten can be found below: 

1. Cape Town, South Africa

2. Bangkok, Thailand

3. New York, USA

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. London, England

6. New Orleans, USA

7. Mexico City, Mexico

8. Porto, Portugal

9. Shanghai, China

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Home Affairs expects the first arrivals to South Africa under the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme within weeks.

The Department of Home Affairs has picked its first round of tour operator companies for the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme.
•    The scheme aims to boost tourism from China and India by fast tracking visa applications for clients of the companies.
•    65 tour operator companies have signed agreements with the department.
Home Affairs has picked the first round of tour companies to participate in a new scheme to boost tourism from India and China by fast-tracking their customers' visa applications.

Tourists using the scheme are expected "within a matter of weeks".
In a statement issued on Monday, The Department of Home Affairs announced that it had enrolled 65 tour companies in the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). The appointments were made through a joint process conducted by the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Tourism, and the State Security Agency.

The TTOS is aimed at boosting tourist arrivals from India and China by fast-tracking the visa application process for customers of certain accredited tour operator companies. The department first announced the scheme in September 2024.
Home Affairs required the participating companies to sign agreements holding them liable for any "misrepresentation or transgressions committed by their customers" in exchange for reducing red tape, overcoming language barriers, and speeding up turnaround times for their clients' visitor visas.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber developed the scheme to address South Africa's underperformance in attracting tourism spending from China and India.
The release said that Indian tourists accounted for 3.9% of all international visitors to South Africa in 2023 and Chinese tourists for only 1.8%. South Africa only received 93 000 Chinese tourists in 2023, out of over 100 million outbound trips in 2023.

The scheme's first cohort of participating companies include Thomas Cook India, MakeMyTrip India, China International Travel Service, and Shanghai Ctrip International Travel Service. Springbok Atlas Tours and Safaris was the only South African tour operator listed among the eight companies in the Home Affairs release.
"I look forward to welcoming the first arrivals under TTOS within a matter of weeks as a tangible demonstration of how the seventh administration is working together to deliver real reform and economic growth to create jobs," said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber in the statement.

The department also said that the final phase of the preparatory work for the TTOS is to ensure that the tour operators can submit visa applications through a "secure and reliable platform".
The City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for economic growth James Vos also said in a post earlier this year that he expects the launch of the TTOS to boost tourist arrivals. Vos said that he will be conducting trade missions to China and India this year in an effort to open doors to both visitors and investors to Cape Town.

Here is a  detailed explanation of once a waiver application is made in terms of south africa immigration act is a person deemed to be legal in south africa should a person apply simultaneously for temporary residence visa status what the rights of residency meaning legal status or work status if only this document was applied for as this waiver application is very popular amongst Zimbabweans who are not ZEP holders . Specifically address the point of if they only have a waiver application receipt from VFS are they legal in SA

Waiver Application and Temporary Residence Legal Status in South Africa
A waiver application under Section 31(2)(c) of the South African Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002 allows the Minister of Home Affairs or a delegated official to waive specific visa requirements for individuals unable to fulfill them due to exceptional circumstances. This process is frequently utilized by individuals, including Zimbabweans who are not holders of Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEPs), as a pathway to regularize their status in South Africa.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown addressing the key points of your query.
1. Legal Status When a Waiver Application Is Made
When an individual submits a waiver application to the Department of Home Affairs or VFS, the following considerations apply:
1.    Waiver Application Does Not Confer Legal Status:
o    A waiver application receipt does not grant the applicant legal status or extend the validity of their current visa.
o    If the individual does not have a valid visa at the time of submitting the waiver application, they are considered illegal or undocumented in South Africa, even with a waiver receipt.
2.    Legal Risks Without a Valid Visa:
o    Being without a valid visa while the waiver is pending can result in penalties, such as being declared an undesirable person or facing deportation.
3.    Legal Protections During Waiver Processing:
o    A waiver application may be considered a proactive attempt to regularize one’s status, which could be taken into account by immigration officials in mitigating penalties.
o    However, this consideration is discretionary and not guaranteed.

2. Correct Procedure: Simultaneous Application for Temporary Residence
To ensure continuous legal status while applying for a waiver, the recommended procedure is as follows:
1.    Simultaneous Temporary Residence Application:
•      Applicants are advised to apply for a temporary residence visa (TRV) concurrently with the waiver application. For example:
-      If applying for a general work visa waiver (e.g., exemption from Department of Labour certification), submit the TRV application together with the waiver request.
•      This approach ensures that the applicant has a valid visa while the waiver is processed.
2.    Benefits of Simultaneous TRV Application:
•      Protects the applicant’s legal status in South Africa.
•      Reduces the risk of penalties for overstaying.
•      Allows the individual to continue work or other activities permitted under their visa type.
3.    Consequences of Not Applying for a TRV:
•      If only a waiver application is made and the applicant has no valid visa, they will be considered undocumented during the waiver processing period.
•      The waiver approval alone will not regularize their status—it merely exempts them from specific requirements for a visa.

3. Rights of Residency, Legal Status, or Work Status
1.    Waiver Application Receipt Alone:
•      Holding only a waiver application receipt from VFS does not provide:
 - Residency rights.
 - Legal status.
 - The right to work.
 - The receipt is merely proof of submission and does not confer any immigration privileges.
2.    Rights Granted by TRV:
o    If a TRV application is submitted and approved, the applicant will enjoy the rights associated with that visa, such as the right to reside and work, depending on the visa type.
3.    After Waiver Approval:
•      A waiver approval is not a visa; it only exempts the applicant from specific visa requirements.
•      The applicant must still apply for and receive a visa to gain legal residency or work rights.

4. Why Waiver Applications Are Popular Among Zimbabweans
1.    Transition from ZEP:
•      Many Zimbabweans not covered by ZEP face challenges meeting visa requirements (e.g., critical skills certifications, proof of employment contracts, etc.).
•      A waiver allows them to bypass certain restrictive criteria.
2.    Economic and Practical Considerations:
•      Waivers offer a potential path to legalize their status without fulfilling requirements that may be financially or logistically prohibitive.
3.    Misconceptions About Waiver Receipts:
•      Some applicants incorrectly believe that a waiver receipt provides temporary legal cover. In reality, it is only proof of submission and does not confer any rights.

5. Risks of Relying Solely on a Waiver Application
1.    Undocumented Status:
•      Without a valid visa, the individual remains undocumented and risks deportation, fines, or bans from re-entry.
2.    Limited Protections:
•      A waiver application may be seen as an attempt to regularize status, but this is not a guaranteed protection against legal repercussions.
3.    Delays and Backlogs:
•      Waiver applications can take months to process, leaving the applicant vulnerable if they rely solely on the waiver receipt without maintaining a valid visa.

6. Recommendations
1.    Maintain Legal Status:
•      Ensure a valid visa is in place while the waiver is processed by applying for a TRV simultaneously.
•      Avoid overstaying, as this could complicate future immigration applications.
2.    Consult Professionals:
•      Work with immigration attorneys or consultants to properly navigate the waiver and TRV processes.
3.    Be Proactive:
•      Submit applications well in advance of visa expiry.
•      Provide thorough and compelling motivations to strengthen waiver applications.

Conclusion
A waiver application under South African immigration law does not confer legal status, residency, or the right to work. It is a tool to waive specific visa requirements, but the applicant must still apply for a temporary or permanent residence visa to gain legal status. Zimbabweans and others frequently use this process to address challenges in meeting visa criteria, but relying solely on a waiver receipt without a valid visa leaves the applicant undocumented and at risk of penalties. Simultaneous applications for a TRV and waiver are the safest and most compliant approach.
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Here  detailed explanation of once a waiver application is made in terms of south africa immigration act is a person deemed to be legal in south africa and is the correct procedure to apply simultaneously for temporary residence visa status what the rights of residency meaning legal status or work status if only this document was applied for as this waiver application is very popular amongst Zimbabweans who are not ZEP holders . Specifically I address the point of if they only have applied for a waiver application and have the receipt from VFS are they legal in SA

Explanation of Waiver Applications in South Africa and Legal Status if only a waiver is applied and not temporary residence
In South Africa, the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 governs the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals. A waiver application is a formal request to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to waive certain requirements for a visa or permit. This is particularly relevant for Zimbabweans who do not qualify for standard visas or permits but have compelling reasons to remain in South Africa. Below is a detailed explanation of the legal implications of a waiver application, the correct procedure for applying for temporary residence, and the rights associated with residency and work status.

1. Legal Status After Submitting a Waiver Application
Is a Person Deemed Legal in South Africa with a Waiver Application Receipt?
•    No, submitting a waiver application does not automatically grant legal status in South Africa. The receipt from VFS (the agency that handles visa and waiver applications) only confirms that the application has been submitted and is being processed. It does not confer any legal rights to reside or work in the country.
•    During the processing period, the applicant remains in the same legal status they were in before submitting the waiver application. If they were undocumented or on an expired visa, they are still considered to be in violation of immigration laws.
•    The waiver application is merely a request to waive certain requirements for a visa or permit. It is not a visa or permit itself.

2. Correct Procedure: Applying for a Waiver and Temporary Residence Visa
Can You Apply for a Temporary Residence Visa Simultaneously?
•    No, you cannot apply for a temporary residence visa (e.g., work visa, study visa, or business visa) until the waiver application has been approved. The waiver application is a prerequisite for certain visas if the applicant does not meet the standard requirements.
•    The correct procedure is:
1.    Submit a waiver application to the DHA, providing reasons why the standard visa requirements should be waived.
2.    Wait for the waiver to be approved. This process can take several months.
3.    Once the waiver is approved, apply for the relevant temporary residence visa (e.g., work visa, study visa, or critical skills visa).
What Happens While Waiting for the Waiver Decision?
•    While waiting for the waiver decision, the applicant’s legal status depends on their current situation:
•    If they were previously on a valid visa (e.g., ZEP), they may be covered under the grace period announced by the DHA.
•    If they were undocumented or on an expired visa, they remain in violation of immigration laws and are at risk of deportation.

3. Rights of Residency and Work Status with Only a Waiver Application
Residency Status
•    A waiver application receipt does not grant residency rights. The applicant is not considered a legal resident until they have been granted a visa or permit.
•    If the waiver is approved and the applicant successfully applies for a temporary residence visa, they gain legal residency for the duration of the visa.
Work Status
•    A waiver application receipt does not grant the right to work. Working without a valid work visa is illegal and can result in deportation or being declared an "undesirable person."
•    If the waiver is approved and the applicant obtains a work visa, they can legally work in South Africa for the duration of the visa.

4. Why is the Waiver Application Popular Among Zimbabweans?
The waiver application is particularly popular among Zimbabweans for the following reasons:
1.    Expiration of ZEP: The Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) allowed thousands of Zimbabweans to live and work legally in South Africa. However, its discontinuation left many without a clear path to regularization.
2.    Lack of Documentation: Many Zimbabweans do not meet the standard requirements for visas (e.g., proof of employment, qualifications, or financial means), making the waiver application a viable option.
3.    Desire for Legal Status: A waiver application is seen as a way to avoid deportation and gain legal status, even if it is a temporary solution.

5. Risks and Challenges of Relying Solely on a Waiver Application
1.    No Guarantee of Approval: There is no guarantee that the waiver will be approved. If rejected, the applicant remains undocumented and at risk of deportation.
2.    Lengthy Processing Times: Waiver applications can take months to process, during which the applicant has no legal status.
3.    Exploitation and Vulnerability: Undocumented individuals are often exploited by employers and may face difficulties accessing basic services like healthcare and education.

6. Practical Advice for Zimbabweans Applying for a Waiver
1.    Seek Legal Advice: Immigration laws are complex, and professional guidance can help ensure that the application is correctly prepared and submitted.
2.    Gather Supporting Documents: Provide compelling evidence to support the waiver request, such as proof of long-term residence in South Africa, employment, or family ties.
3.    Monitor Application Status: Regularly check the status of the waiver application through VFS or the DHA.
4.    Plan for Contingencies: If the waiver is denied, explore other legal options, such as applying for asylum (if applicable) or preparing to return to Zimbabwe.

Conclusion
A waiver application is a critical step for Zimbabweans seeking to regularize their stay in South Africa, but it does not automatically grant legal status. The receipt from VFS only confirms that the application has been submitted and does not confer any rights to reside or work in the country. To gain legal residency and work rights, the waiver must first be approved, followed by a successful application for a temporary residence visa. During the processing period, applicants remain vulnerable to deportation and exploitation, highlighting the importance of seeking legal advice and exploring all available options.

South Africa’s home affairs minister, Leon Schreiber, said they would significantly expand the option to apply for a new ID card across South Africa.

He said the Department of Home Affairs wants to stop issuing green ID books in 2025 if they can.
“It is an internal target we are working towards to ensure that our department is fully invested in issuing smart IDs,” he said.
After this target has been achieved, the department will look at targets to eliminate green ID books and replace them with smart ID cards.

The Department of Home Affairs is on a drive to replace green barcoded ID books with smart ID cards to fight identity theft and other fraud.
Schreiber told eNCA that green ID books are behind most identity theft in South Africa as they are inherently insecure.
It is easy for criminals to change the photo in a green ID book and present themselves as the document’s owner.
The stolen identities are used to access credit, loans, or apply for higher education, creating significant headaches for the rightful holder of the ID.

Smart IDs are far more secure and feature biometric data to ensure that the person presenting the ID is indeed the rightful owner, significantly reducing the risk of identity fraud.
Many people still use green ID books because they dread going to a Department of Home Affairs branch and dealing with the ineffective system.

Schreiber and his team are actively addressing this. They want to make applying for a new smart ID card easy and pleasant.
He said they are expanding their footprint to ensure everyone in South Africa can get a smart ID.
Traditionally, the Department of Home Affairs used mobile units to reach areas where the service was unavailable.
The department has also invested in new office space, especially in shopping malls, to bring their services closer to citizens.
Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs

The next phase is to invest more aggressively in partnerships to expand its footprint, which includes adding more bank branches to its network.
The Department of Home Affairs is currently present in 30 bank branches across South Africa, which will increase significantly.
“We want to dramatically expand our presence and cooperation with these banks. We are looking to rapidly grow this network,” he said.

“I am determined to expand Home Affairs services to hundreds of bank branches across the length and breadth of South Africa”.
Schreiber also told Daily Investor that the department’s biggest priority this year is to deliver “Home Affairs @ home.”
It includes introducing digital channels similar to online banking and enabling clients to have IDs and passports delivered to their doorsteps.
“All of these reforms are part of incrementally bringing Home Affairs closer to home for all South Africans,” he said.
Further good news is that the Department of Home Affairs is looking at innovative ways to make it cheaper for people to get a smart ID.

“We are not in a financial position to subsidise the smart ID cards. However, we are looking at innovative ways to lower the price,” Schreiber said.
He said many people with green ID books, especially those from poorer communities, do not want to pay additional fees to get a new ID document.
“There is nothing I can immediately announce in this regard, but it is top of mind for the department,” he said.