• State Information Technology Agency employees, as part of the Public Servants` Association of South Africa, are planning a nationwide shutdown on 18 October after salary negotiations reached a deadlock.  

• The shutdown is aimed to create `inconvenience` for government departments, which will be without technical support, and impact government services, including hospitals and grant payments.

• The PSA said workers will not return to work unless their demands of above-inflation salary increases are met. 

Government services, including hospitals, Home Affairs and grant payments across the country could be without technical support on Wednesday as thousands of State Information Technology Agency (SITA) employees down tools.

SITA employees who are members of the Public Servants` Association of SA (PSA) handed over a strike notice last week, indicating their intention to participate in a national shutdown after holding a number of lunchtime pickets.

The shutdown will continue indefinitely until workers` demands are met, a spokesperson for the union told News24.

This comes as negotiations between SITA and the PSA over salary increases for the 2023/24 financial year reached a deadlock in June.

Talks have been ongoing since February, with the PSA demanding an above-inflation increase of 7.5%. SITA`s latest offer was 5%.

`The PSA is concerned about SITA’s attitude towards collective bargaining and the progress in concluding salary negotiations for the 2022/23 financial year [...] The PSA urges the [Communication and Technologies] Minister [Mondi Gungubele] to intervene and instruct the SITA board of directors to improve the salary offer to 7.5%,` the PSA said in a statement.  

PSA general manager Reuben Maleka said leadership changes also impacted salary negotiations. 

`Between June and July this year, Minister [Gungubele] changed the SITA board at a time when we would also have salary negotiations, which also delayed negotiations. Over 10 members left the board,` he said. 

Salary negotiations were previously referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration in September this year, but no settlement was reached. 

The PSA is a key union in the sector, representing over 230 000 employees in the public service overall. It also represents the majority of SITA employees. 

Maleka said the shutdown aimed to create `inconvenience` for government departments because there will a lack of employees to restore any system that experiences technical glitches or shuts down. 

Maleka told News24: `Employees are up in arms [...] The cost of living is too high, and with petrol prices increasing, all prices will increase, including food.`

`Workers want an increase because they want to live,` he added.

Meanwhile, SITA is confident that the planned shutdown will be averted and said it was intent on breaking the deadlock between itself and PSA. 

`We have invested effort and energy towards finding lasting solution to this impasse. We have reached out to the union on a number of occasions and presented options which both sides could explore aimed at enabling us to move beyond the disputed issues,` said SITA spokesperson Tlali Tlali, adding that SITA`s wage offer of 5% was `gaining traction and resonates favourably with many employees`. 

Tlali said the industrial action would not affect its IT systems. `SITA activated its contingency plans to mitigate the impact of the industrial action on service delivery to government. The plans include reconstituting structures responsible for operational oversight and business continuity. To date, there has not been any service delivery failure occasioned by the industrial action,` said Tlali.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s application for leave to appeal its ZEP ruling.

• The court ruled in June that Motsoaledi`s failure to consult with ZEP holders, interested NGOs and the public was `unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid`.

• The court dismissed his application with costs. 

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has dismissed Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi`s application for leave to appeal against a ruling on his decision to terminate Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs).

The court ruled in June that Motsoaledi`s failure to consult with ZEP holders, interested NGOs and the public was `unlawful, unconstitutional, and invalid`.

At the time, the court extended the permits for 12 months from 28 June, pending the conclusion of a `fair process` that includes an adequate public participation process the court found had not been done before the 7 June gazette for the ZEP termination.

The court ordered that ZEP holders must be allowed to leave or enter South Africa and may not be dealt with in terms of sections 29, 30 and 32 of the Immigration Act on the basis that they are ZEP holders. 

The department said those were the findings of the court on the applicability of certain sections of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA), which the Department of Home Affairs said was `highly questionable, particularly the requirement for public participation when a decision of this nature is taken, affecting a specified category of persons only. In this instance, the affected Zimbabwean nationals.`

Motsoaledi also appealed because he believed the matter dealt with the separation of powers, to which the court ruled his grounds for application for leave to appeal were flawed.

In its judgment on Monday, the High Court said Motsoaledi`s application was `destined for failure` because he did not depose an answering affidavit in the review proceedings.

`Only the minister, as the decision maker, could give evidence as to what passed through his mind and how his mind was exercised,` the judgment read.

`The rest of the minister`s grounds for leave to appeal are not necessary to traverse. It is enough to conclude by pointing out that the court was at pains to explain that its order under Section 8 (1)(e) of PAJA was temporary relief, which is distinct from a substitution order under section (8)(1)(c)(ii)(aa) of PAJA and is just and equitable remedy in terms of Section 172 (1)(b) of the Constitution.`

The court dismissed the minister`s application with costs.

• South Africans are migrants by nature.

• There are times each year when the amount of people travelling between provinces increases. 

• Here are the most popular routes - and the average cost for private rides along these routes.

South Africa`s population is used to migrating across provinces - for several reasons. 

The pursuit of economic and job prospects tops the list of reasons, followed by visits to family who have remained in the cities, towns and rural areas they originally came from.  

Each year, inDrive South Africa sees an increase in intercity car trips with its `city to city` service. 

`Compared to other regions with busy intercity routes, South Africa has significantly embraced this growth in intercity travel,` said the mobility platform.  

`South Africa`s intercity routes not only enable smooth movement of people and goods, but also highlight its economic vigour and diverse leisure attractions.` 

These routes boost viniculture, support tourism around Cape Town, and strengthen economies between major cities. 

According to inDrive, each trip presents a mix of vineyards, bustling markets, stunning beaches and historic sites, embodying South Africa`s balance of tradition and modernity, work and leisure. They weave a narrative of a nation with a rich heritage, dynamic culture and a bright future.

Based on data from its city-to-city feature, inDrive has revealed the most popular routes chosen by its users, along with the average cost for private rides along these routes.

1. Pretoria to Johannesburg:

This route`s connection between administrative and commercial hubs fosters trade, investments and business meetings. 

It is, therefore, essential for entrepreneurs, government officials and investors. 

With attractions ranging from history and parks in Pretoria to nightlife and museums in Johannesburg, tourists and local travellers can explore both urban and cultural experiences. 

The typical travel time along this route is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R200.

2. Pretoria to Rustenburg:

Rustenburg`s mining and agriculture contribute to the local economy, and the flow of goods and professionals along this route aids regional development. 

Tourists are drawn to historical sites and natural beauty and find this route appealing, with opportunities for hiking, exploring caves and visiting archaeological sites. 

The typical travel time is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R500.

3. Cape Town to Paarl:

 The route significantly supports the tourism and viniculture sectors, transporting tourists and wine enthusiasts who contribute to Paarl`s local economy. 

Travellers relish the scenic drive through the Winelands, taste some of the best wines, and visit the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument. 

The typical travel time is approximately 55 minutes. The average cost for a trip is about R200.

4. Cape Town to Worcester:

Worcester represents the essence of South Africa`s wine culture, surrounded by vineyards and set against towering mountains. 

This route celebrates the economic contribution of the wine industry. The typical travel time is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R400.

5. Johannesburg to Rustenburg:

Serving the urbanites of Johannesburg, this route sustains Rustenburg`s local businesses, from hospitality to shopping.

Rustenburg offers a rejuvenating retreat from the urban hustle and provides natural beauty, resorts and a serene atmosphere. 

The typical travel time is approximately two hours. The average cost for a trip is about R500.

6. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to East London:

Facilitating tourism and business between two significant cities, this route bolsters the regional economy.

A journey from the pristine beaches of Gqeberha to the historical depths of East London offers tourists diverse experiences, from beach activities to exploring the Wild Coast. 

The typical travel time is approximately three hours. The average cost for a trip is about R1 000.

7. Johannesburg to Witbank:

This route supports the energy sector by transporting industry professionals, potential investors and goods between the cities. 

Apart from business, travellers can explore the rich landscape and engage in local cultural activities. 

The typical travel time is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R1 000.

8. Rustenburg to Pretoria: 

As a bridge between a significant economic hub and an administrative capital, this route bolsters regional trade and government-related travel.

Travellers can revel in the diverse attractions of both cities, from Rustenburg`s nature to Pretoria`s historic landmarks and gardens. 

The typical travel time is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R500.

9. Pietermaritzburg to Durban:

This route encourages tourism and local trade, tapping into Durban`s bustling markets and Pietermaritzburg`s historical charm by providing a bridge between the past and the present.

The typical travel time is approximately one hour. The average cost for a trip is about R200.

This development signifies a strengthening of ties and a new phase of diplomatic relations between both African countries. 

South Africa has decided to grant Ghanaian passport holders 90-day visa exemption starting from November 1, effectively allowing them free entry to the country. 

This decision, announced by the South African High Commission in Ghana on Friday, follows an agreement between the governments of South Africa and Ghana, signifying a strengthening of ties and a new phase of diplomatic relations between both countries. 

“The High Commission of the Republic of South Africa has the honor to inform the Republic of Ghana that both Governments agreed to implement the waiver for visa exemption for ordinary passport holders for a cumulative period of ninety (90) days per annum, with effect from 01 November 2023. 

“Should the ninety (90) days be exhausted within the twelve (12) months period, ordinary passport holders are required to apply for a visa to enter the Republic of South Africa,” the announcement read. 

The waiver for visa exemption, as outlined in the official statement released by the High Commission of the Republic of South Africa on October 13, permits Ghanaian ordinary passport holders to stay in South Africa for a cumulative period of 90 days per annum. 

However, once these 90 days are exhausted within a 12-month period, ordinary passport holders will be required to apply for a visa to enter the Republic of South Africa. 

This development is expected to facilitate easier travel between the two countries, promoting tourism, business ventures, and cultural exchange.

It not only showcases South Africa’s commitment to enhancing relations with Ghana but also opens up opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefits in various sectors.  

The development marks a significant step forward in South Africa’s international relations and cooperation with Ghana, potentially paving the way for more significant diplomatic collaborations in the future.

Namibia is the latest of four African countries to offer digital nomad visas to remote workers. Mauritius, Cape Verde and the Seychelles also all have visa programmes targeting digital nomads, yet South Africa still lags behind.

A digital nomad visa allows someone to live in a country that is not their homeland while working remotely for a company based outside the one they live in. Governments that issue digital nomad visas never refer to them as such, choosing to call them residence permits or devising a special name for them. The permit generally expires after 12 months and the option to renew varies from country to country.

“Normally someone who qualifies for this visa is a high-income earner. They will stay in a hotel or rent a big house and spend their money in the local economy,” said Richard Firth, chairman and CEO of software engineering firm MIP Holdings.

Travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a big economic blow to countries reliant on tourism 

Several factors have helped drive demand for digital nomads. In particular, travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a big economic blow to countries reliant on tourism. After the pandemic, however, travel volumes did not rebound as expected. Digital nomad visas are seen by some governments as a means of reigniting travel inflows.

“It’s a form of a longevity tourism play aimed at high-earning, high-intellectual property individuals. But instead of having the tourist for the usual two or three weeks, these visas last a year or two depending on the country you’re in,” said Firth.

Covid also led to a sharp rise in the number of remote workers, with many businesses more open to the idea of remote work than they were before the pandemic. Employees or contractors that don’t need to be bound to an office can broaden their horizons beyond working from home in the traditional sense, opting to “make the world their office” instead. “We have 550 people now [working for MIP] and all of them work from home. Covid was the catalyst for that,” said Firth.

In the post-Covid era, tourism has contributed between 3% and 4% to South Africa’s GDP each year, a sharp decline from the 6.4% contribution made by the sector in 2019.

Digital nomad visas

Considering the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, having a digital nomad visa programme could attract a higher number of visitors for longer stays. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged this in his February 2022 state of the nation address when he promised “a comprehensive review of the work visa system and new visa categories that could enable economic growth, such as a start-up visa and a remote working visa”. Implementation, however, has been sorely lacking.

The Democratic Alliance-led Western Cape government has been agitating for some time for national government to introduce a digital nomad visa in South Africa. The provincial government, citing home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi, said in July that the programme had been delayed because existing legislation doesn’t allow for its implementation.

But progress in making the necessary changes to the Immigration Act has also been glacial.

“To be fair, we [South Africans] are slow off the mark in just about everything. If you are quick, you get it, but if you are slow, then by the time you get there, someone has eaten that lunch already. The fact is that we are the prime country to supply this type of visa programme and we do want tourists to come here,” said Firth.

He said an estimated 40% of the 120 000-strong software developer workforce in South Africa work remotely for foreign companies. As such, the availability of digital nomad visas in neighbouring countries could threaten an exodus of skills.

“Say you have a person living in South Africa earning in dollars or pounds and converting that to rands. They might decide to take advantage of a nomad visa and choose to live somewhere else. South Africa is already losing because this person is externalising their intellectual property and income, but we would still collect the tax revenue. If that digital nomad visa stretches out for more than 183 days, we will lose the tax revenue from that individual,” said Firth.

In the longer term, South African employees who can work from home may see digital nomad visas offered by other countries in the region as an attractive option. Deteriorating living standards, lack of service delivery, an unreliable electricity supply and increased concerns about safety and security could make digital nomad visas more attractive.

“Safety and security is a big issue. Not many South Africans qualify for an international passport but this is giving many the opportunity to leave. And although they’ll keep working for South African companies, they’ll be socialising in and contributing to a different environment,” said Firth. “Because they are socialising in different circles, their next job may not be from a South African firm, and the country would lose them completely.”

However, South Africans looking to pursue the nomadic lifestyle should pay close attention to the rules and benefits provided by the visa they apply for in a foreign country. Minimum income level stipulations are usually a key requirement for these visa programmes. So, too, is having health insurance or medical aid from a supplier local to the country of choice. Of particular concern, though, are the tax implications for those working outside of South Africa.

For the employers there is a dilemma: the presence of employees in a foreign state can create a tax presence for the employer

“Some countries see virtual workers as [positive contributors] but only on condition that taxes are paid locally… Not all countries are open to these modern, cross-border employer/employee relationships and advice should be sought before residing for too long in a territory,” said Lino De Ponte, director of employer services and immigration law at Deloitte African Tax & Legal.

In general, a South African looking to live abroad, regardless of where their employer resides, must first check if South Africa has a double taxation agreement with the country they want to live in. If an agreement exists, then that legislation will apply. If not, then the individual is by default a South African tax resident and the following rule applies: if the individual resides in a foreign country for more than 183 days of a given 12 month period, 60 of which must be continuous, then the first R1.25-million of their income will not be taxed in South Africa. This rule and its application does get tricky, and seeking expert advice before relocating is advisable not only for individuals but for employers, too.

“For the employers there is a dilemma: the presence of employees in a foreign state can create a tax presence for the employer; whether the staff member is taxable in their personal capacity or not is often irrelevant,” said De Ponte