From technicians who keep lifts, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems running to hydrologists, climate scientists, pilots, engineers and project managers, all in high demand across multiple disciplines, show that South Africa’s critical skills shortage spans a far wider range of occupations than many might expect.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is now so far ahead of schedule on its reform journey that its ambitions extend well beyond what seemed possible in July 2024, when the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed and Dr Leon Schreiber took the reins at the department.
When Dr Leon Schreiber was appointed Minister of Home Affairs in July 2024, following the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), he repeatedly heard the Department being referred to as “Hell Affairs”, associated with inefficiency and poor service delivery.
The Minister of Home Affairs has waived the requirement for foreign nationals in South Africa to submit visa applications at least 60 days before their current visa expires, a precondition that has long presented a significant practical stumbling block for visa applicants.
The rollout of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is gaining momentum. As the digital system is steadily being extended to travellers from more countries, it holds promise for the future digital processing of all visa categories through a single, integrated system.
