Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, has released updated figures for the estimated economic impact of international passengers travelling to Cape Town and the Western Cape. The figures highlight the remarkable economic contribution of air travel to the local economy, emphasising its role in job creation, direct tourism expenditure, GDP growth, and air cargo transported.

Underpinning the indispensable role of aviation in the tourism sector in the province, the arrival of 605 000 foreign passengers injected a whopping R24.3 billion into the Western Cape economy in 2022 alone, supporting 10 600 jobs.This means that for every 100 international passengers travelling to Cape Town and the Western Cape, R2.1 million is generated in direct tourism spend. In addition, the same 100 passengers support the movement of R1.4 million worth of air cargo for the province.

The findings reveal that the aviation sector plays a pivotal role in economic prosperity with the arrival of every 100 passengers enabling an impressive injection of R500 000 to the provincial GDP (Gross Domestic Product) through direct and indirect aviation value chains, enabling two local jobs.

A further analysis of the demographic breakdown of these travellers shows that out of every 100 passengers, 39 are South African nationals, while the remaining 61 are of foreign origin. For the top five markets the distribution includes, on average: eight passengers from the United Kingdom; six from Germany; five from the United States; three from the Netherlands; and three from Namibia  all indicative of our top source tourism and export markets.

“These latest economic impact assessment results underscore the significance of the Cape Town Air Access project and its role in increasing direct air connectivity, creating a ripple effect on both tourism and the broader economy. With the upcoming peak summer season expected to surpass 2019 passenger levels, it is clear this number will continue to grow in 2023,” says Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and official spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, Alderman James Vos, said: “Aviation is a pillar of Cape Town’s destination value offering and fits in perfectly with my goal to help create a tourism-related job in every household in the metro, because when we land more flights, multiple industries benefit. As such, the City is proud to be a funding partner of the Air Access initiative which has boosted the local tourism sector and the wider economy. We look forward to seeing our aviation industry soar to even greater heights in the coming months.”

“These results re-affirm the aviation sector’s growing significance as a major engine of economic development, and its far-reaching contributions to other industries as a catalyst for a spectrum of economic activity. The incredible work that Cape Town Air Access has been doing since 2015 continues to pay dividends with the province currently capturing a large share of South Africa’s business and tourism traffic. It’s also worth noting that the passenger and cargo connectivity provided from Western Cape has positively impacted Foreign Direct Investment and trade, providing an even greater access to foreign markets, encouraging exports, and increasing competition in the local economy,” concluded Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

The United Kingdom has long been a destination of choice for individuals seeking new opportunities, world-class education, and a high quality of life. 

For South Africans, the UK offers a range of visas and permits that provide avenues for business investment, expansion, work, and residence. This article will shortly explore the prominent visa routes available, shedding light on the Innovator Visa, Expansion Worker Route, and Skilled Worker Visa. 

Overview of the UK Immigration Landscape 

The UK immigration system has undergone significant reforms recently, aiming to attract the best overseas talent and facilitate economic growth. The country’s strong economy, cultural diversity, and renowned institutions make it a hotspot for ambitious individuals. 

Recently, there have also been significant changes and developments in British Nationality law. Historically, there were many injustices and discrimination in British laws and regulations. The changes to the Nationality legislation brought into the 1981 British Nationality Act hope to redress these historical injustices and discrimination. The aim of the new amendments is thus to put persons in the position who would have automatically become British citizens had the past laws been just and fair. South Africans with British roots would be well advised to contact our Nationality department, as they could qualify for a British passport. 

Innovator Founder Visa Route  Pioneering Entrepreneurship 

For South Africans with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the Innovator Founder Visa route beckons. This pathway is tailored for individuals seeking to establish innovative UK businesses. Applicants need a viable and innovative business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body to qualify. This visa grants the flexibility to work on the business and bring family members to the UK. Successful applicants are granted a stay of up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension and settlement.

One of the most significant advantages of this route is that it offers expedited settlement in certain circumstances. Holders can also take up secondary employment within specific parameters. 

Expansion Worker Route Seizing Professional Opportunities

The Expansion Worker Route is an enticing option for South African businesses looking to expand to the UK. It accommodates individuals transferring from their existing employer’s organisation to a newly established UK branch, ensuring a seamless transition for both the employee and the employer into the UK markets. This route is proving popular with businesses looking at diversifying risk and expanding into new, untapped markets. 

Skilled Worker Visa Route  Tapping into Expertise

The Skilled Worker Visa route is a cornerstone of the UK’s immigration framework, designed to attract skilled individuals across various sectors. Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license. The job must meet specific skill and salary requirements. This visa offers a pathway to settle in the UK permanently, making it an attractive option for those looking for stability.

Certain professions in the UK face a shortage of skilled workers, prompting the country to establish shortage occupation lists. These lists encompass roles in healthcare, engineering, construction, and technology. South Africans with expertise in these areas can benefit from a streamlined visa process and reduced eligibility criteria. 

Excitingly, a paradigm shift is also taking place in the UK post-Brexit. A post-graduate degree or a high-skilled professional label is no longer necessary to meet the requirements. The Shortage Occupation List is constantly being broadened to include eligible occupations requiring a matric certificate alone. Jobs like secretaries, personal assistants, butchers, florists, bar and restaurant managers, and more also find them on the welcoming roster. 

While an array of occupations could potentially qualify you for the Skilled Worker visa, it’s imperative to consult with SA Migration to navigate the labyrinth of eligibility requirements before embarking on a job search. 

A Timely Approach Navigating Rising Fees 

Prospective UK visa applicants should be aware that the UK government has announced a significant increase in immigration fees and the immigration health surcharge. Unfortunately, no specific dates were provided so that it could occur anytime. Based on the timing of previous fee increases, SA Migration expect it to take effect in October 2023. Still, it is possible that it could be implemented earlier with very little prior notice. 

To mitigate financial concerns, SA Migration thus recommended initiating the application process as early as possible, ensuring that you lock in the current fee structure.

SA Migration, the Trusted Name in UK Immigration 

Navigating the UK immigration landscape can be intricate, with various pathways and evolving requirements. For South Africans seeking clarity, guidance, and a smooth application process, partnering with seasoned UK immigration consultants is paramount to ensure a successful outcome. SA Migration Immigration Consultants has offered tailored solutions to fit our client’s unique circumstances for over 25 years. We stand ready to assist our clients of all walks of life however we can.

The terrifying tentacles of kidnapping for ransom syndicates have crawled from Mozambique into South Africa over the past few years, with a convicted killer believed to be one of the kingpins pulling the strings from inside a maximum security prison in Maputo.

But Nini Satar, serving a 24-year sentence for the 2000 murder of journalist Carlos Cardosa who investigated massive embezzlement at the Commercial Bank of Mozambique, has denied any involvement in kidnappings in South Africa that have shot up by more than 530% over the past three years.

A TimesLIVE investigation funded by the Henry Nxumalo Foundation has exposed several kidnapping rings operating in South Africa, based on interviews with Mozambican and South African Police Service sources, friends and family of the victims, international police dockets and classified state security documents seen by TimesLIVE reporters.

It tells a tale of kidnapping for ransom starting mainly in Mozambique, targeting super-rich families. According to Mozambican intelligence documents, police believe Satar has, since 2012, from his cell in Maputo’s infamous B.O. maximum security prison, been building his kidnapping empire, one that has forced many of that country’s business elite to flee to South Africa.

The exodus saw Satar, who allegedly recruited foot soldiers from among his fellow inmates, turn his sights to South Africa and its uber-wealthy local and international business community. Among Satar’s alleged “most trusted lieutenants” is Esmail Nangy who is said to have gone as far as undergoing facial reconstruction surgery to avoid being caught, but was nonetheless apprehended at his luxury Centurion home earlier this year.

One of the worst cases linked to this syndicate is that of Mbombela businesswoman Gita Samgi, whose family fled Mozambique after her sister, Poornimah Singh, was kidnapped in Maputo and later released. Samgi, the owner of a forex business, was not as lucky. Her kidnappers sent her family videos of her being burnt with a hot iron, screaming for help. The family paid several ransom amounts  totalling an estimated R130m but she was still found dead, months after her kidnapping, under an N4 highway bridge near eMalahleni on February 28 2020.

Satar has professed his innocence. His lawyer, Mutola Escova, described claims against him as “social media gossip”.

“My client is not just any person. He doesn`t have to [kidnap for ransom]. Satar is a successful entrepreneur. He owns 40 apartments in Paris. He is a great businessman and this has always caused a lot of envy in society. Satar, in 1996, was accused of having committed a bank fraud of $144m (now about R2.6bn). He ended up confessing to this crime, but that money was never recovered by the bank,” said Escova.

My client is not just any person. He doesn`t have to [kidnap for ransom]. Satar is a successful entrepreneur. He owns 40 apartments in Paris.

As kidnapping for ransom spread in South Africa, local criminals, working in cahoots with corrupt police officers, spotted this as a new opportunity and started copycat kidnappings. The Western Cape police have recently had some success in clamping down on their crooked colleagues, with five officers nabbed.

Other gangs caught on. Tariq “Baba” Tahir, believed to be the head of a crime cartel known as Lajpal, with its roots in Pakistan, has been operating freely in South Africa  despite being declared a prohibited person nine years ago. 

Driving around in a convoy of black SUVs and surrounded by heavily armed bodyguards, sometimes attending late-night meetings outside petrol stations, Tahir has been arrested and appeared in court in connection with at least five kidnappings for ransom. He managed to walk free every time.

Despite his prohibition and numerous department of home affairs (DHA) rejections of his visa appeals, Tahir secured his latest spousal visa on May 31 2022. He can remain here until May 30 2024. Applicants for such visas are only eligible to receive one if they have not been prohibited.

Tahir’s latest visa acquisition is now the subject of a Hawks investigation, with detectives looking into how Lajpal infiltrated the DHA. Home affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza told TimesLIVE Tahir was “a person of interest whose status is irregular”. He said the questions from TimesLIVE exposed a “web” that pointed to a “manipulation of our systems by some officials”.

“The counter corruption branch is following leads to get to the bottom of this. The department will revoke his status,” said Qoza.

Tahir referred requests for comment to his lawyer, Riaan Louw, who said he had not received instructions from his client and therefore could not comment.

Tahir is believed to have worked himself up as cartel leader after its previous commanders died from poisoned food at a meeting in Clocolan in the Free State in 2007. Tahir, who was supposed to have been at the same meeting but never showed up, was allegedly a mid-level member of Lajpal at the time. He was never charged for the killings but four other Lajpal members were convicted in 2013 after the bodies were discovered buried in the garden of a Clocolan house in 2008.

The deaths, say police sources, cleared the way for new blood to transform the group into what it is today a global human trafficking and ransom kidnapping cartel that instils fear in South Africa’s émigré Pakistani community. 

Also living in fear are business owners in the Eastern Cape where there have been nearly 150 kidnappings for ransom over the past year, with six people reportedly murdered. Driving the surge are extortion racketeers who, working with police, threaten business owners with kidnapping unless they pay protection fees.

A police source with knowledge of the national Hawks team’s investigation said those kidnapped were targeted because they refused to pay protection money. “The extortionists and kidnappers are the same. Last year protection fees hovered around R250,000. This year they rose to R500,000 per business. The syndicates are making a killing.”

In Cape Town, a new trend known as “express kidnappings” is emerging. These consist of a kidnapping with a quick turnaround time. Demands mostly start at more than R1m, but are often settled at between R5,000 and R200,000. 

Police said kidnapping is increasingly being used to force victims to pay over inheritances or lump-sum pension payouts. Criminals operating in townships from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape appear to be gathering information on those in their communities who may have received such payments.

According to official police statistics in the 2019/2020 reporting year, 77 kidnapping cases in which ransoms were demanded were recorded by the police. In the 2022/2023 year, this number had swelled to 409, representing an increase of 531% over three years.

Amid visa chaos at the Department of Home Affairs, visa outsourcing and technology service VFS Global says that South Africa is experiencing a surge in demand for services driven by pent-up demand for travel

The department launched a pilot project testing the VFS model through VFS Global in June 2022 in the UK, which was a huge success.

VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. It allows for the application of visas and passports through its online platform and physical offices and facilitates the admin and payment, and delivery of the documentation when processed.

The group is currently visa partner for 18 governments in South Africa for visa, passport, and consular services since establishing its operations in 2007. 

Since then, the company has grown its presence to an extensive network of 36 Application Centres which are present in 11 locations across the country.

The group said it has experienced a tripling in visa application volumes in 2023 so far, with year-to-date figures already almost at full-year numbers for 2022.

Hariprasad Viswanathan, head of VFS Global Sub-Saharan Africa said that the surge in travel activity in 2022 took the industry by surprise, exceeding the conservative recovery projections. 

“With the industry witnessing peak ‘revenge’ travel, outbound travel continues to be on the rise from South Africa,” he said, adding that demand has grown to the point that its existing centres in the country needed to be relocated.

The group said its Pretoria offices have moved to a larger and more accessible location, on the Ground & First Floor at Brooklyn Pavilion, 217 Bronkhorst Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk.

VFS said that all of its existing application centres will relocate to the new address in a phased approach:

As of 15 August, applications centres for the following countries are available:

• Australia

• Austria

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Finland

• Israel

• Lithuania

• Liberia

• The Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Nigeria

• Norway

• Portugal

• South Africa (DHA)

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Thailand

• Ukraine

Canada services will relocate on 4 September 2023, it said.

In 2021, Gartner found that talent shortages were inhibiting technology adoption and development, with 64% of IT executives citing it as a challenge. 

Fast-forward to 2023, and the market remains complicated with the firm predicting that demand for talent within tech will continue to exceed supply until 2026.

It is echoed by S&P Global statistics that highlight how complex the skills situation has become with 51% of respondents saying it has been difficult to hire new people and 44% struggling to find qualified candidates.

The S&P analysis also found that while companies are looking for smart ways to upskill and reskill existing talent while building packages that woo top talent to their doors, the cost of finding, attracting and retaining the right people is high. 

If anything, it is increasing as companies fight for talent  86% of CIOs participating in a Gartner Survey are competing for qualified candidates and 73% are concerned about attrition.

This demand for highly skilled individuals, particularly within the technology sector, is not just adding zeroes to the business bottom line (as well as wrinkles to the CIOs brow), it is igniting a shift in how companies find, and work with, talent. 

Gartner has also found that 58% of organisations today are turning to borderless talent to resolve their skills woes, with 27% considering hiring borderless technology employees. The goal today is to find sustainable ways of filling the gaps by strategically sourcing skills.

And this strategic sourcing has shifted to the Managed Services Provider (MSP). Where in the past, outsourcing talent and resources to third parties was really only used to save costs and manage non-critical areas of the business, today this narrative has changed. 

Deloitte describes it as a reality where ‘technology, talent and risk forces are colliding’ and emphasises the value of companies working with MSPs to fill skills gaps and gain a competitive advantage. 

By bringing in expertise from trusted service providers that have retained and fought for the right skills, companies are bypassing the risk of falling behind and gaining all the value without the battle. 

Deloitte also believes that collaborating with MSPs to overcome the skills gap allows for the business to explore new revenue streams and new business avenues.

This move is also changing the shape of how the work is done, and how skills are appreciated within the business. MSPs provide talent that is focused on outcomes, innovation and deliverables within tight cost parameters and expectations. 

It is an approach that adds immense value to the business. Collaborating with an MSP to manage very specific gaps in your talent pool also allows you to simplify how you approach technology investments and strategy. 

If you know that you can rely on your MSP to provide support, expertise, implementation, and management of innovative solutions it opens up a lot more doors and gives you a lot more freedom.

Plus, as KMPG found, outsourcing saves costs, improves efficiencies, accelerates change and can save some sectors up to 50% on costs.

The skills gap doesn’t have to grow wider. It can be managed with an MSP that understands your business, your needs, and your technology requirements and that has invested in the right strategies to ensure that talent is diverse, skilled, and capable.