Improving Your Ease Of Access

South Africa's Visa Challenges and Silver Linings

Cape Town, South Africa – 7 February 2025 – At the inaugural Coffee and Conversations session covering the issue of Visas in South Africa, industry stakeholders put their heads together over the priorities necessary to address South Africa’s Visa challenges. Difficulties relating to skills internal to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), the links between DoHA and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), and the imperatives and dangers of digitalising a Visa system received thorough and robust engagement during the session.

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A major concern raised was the transition from a face-to-face visa application process to an increasingly automated and faceless system. While this shift has the benefits of faster processes and corruption reduction, it can also increase rigidity and cause frustrations. While automated systems can have this effect, many ongoing inefficiencies and the infamous DoHA backlog have much to do with a lack of training among officials responsible for implementation.

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According to keynote speaker Guido Angelucci, of Gast Consulting, Home Affairs is facing a severe lack of resources, and while changes are underway, it is up to the broader stakeholders to bridge the gap. “The Department is listening, but pressure must be maintained to ensure that these reforms translate into tangible improvements.” He stressed the need for improved training, streamlined processes, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance the visa system’s efficiency.

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Meanwhile, one participant offered the perspective that South Africa’s incremental approach to repairing the Visa system is insufficient in addressing the magnitude of the challenges. Instead, a comprehensive overhaul is needed to position the country as a global business hub.

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Mr. Khule Duma, representing the office of the Presidency, provided a government perspective on visa reform, emphasizing that structural change is rarely seamless but remains essential. He assured attendees that the contents of the session would circulate to decision makers in government to ultimately influence a more efficient immigration system.

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Duma highlighted the government’s commitment to facilitating skilled immigration to support economic growth. He cited evidence that a 1% increase in skilled immigration could boost employment for South Africans with lower levels of education by 1.25%.

Duma emphasized that investment planning requires certainty, and South Africa must provide a more predictable visa framework to encourage long-term business commitments, while Angelucci underscored that inconsistent decision-making—where applicants with identical circumstances receive different visa outcomes—exacerbates uncertainty for businesses.

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Pamina Bohrer, vice Chair of the EU Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, referenced a survey conducted by the EU Chamber of Commerce, confirming that companies prefer to hire locally due to the financial burden associated with hiring international talent. However, for businesses entering new markets, securing highly skilled international personnel remains a necessity.

Overall the discussion reinforced that significant and rapid visa reform is integral to South Africa’s economic development and investment attractiveness. Furthermore, an enormous job remains, despite potential green shoots resulting from the breaking of political ground through the GNU.

This event was the first of a series in Coffee and Conversations, a morning event designed to tackle some of business’ most pertinent topics before the work day begins. This pivotal event saw ItalCham collaborate with the EU Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, the British Chamber of Commerce, Business Ireland South Africa, the Belgian Chamber of Business in Southern Africa, and Business Netherlands Chamber. A major thank you is extended to sponsor Gast Consulting, together with all collaborating Chambers and attendees who contributed to the success of the event.

EU Business Breakfast 

Strengthening Trade and Investment: ItalCham at the EU Business Breakfast

On Tuesday 11 February, ItalCham participated in the annual EU Trade and Investment Breakfast, where EU diplomats, and business leaders assembled to explore opportunities for economic collaboration and emphasise the commitment of the EU to South Africa’s business growth.

This engagement, spearheaded by Wesgro is crucial as it fostered high-level discussion and connection on market access, investment facilitation, and sector-specific support.

As highlighted in this year's gathering, strategic initiatives such as the expansion of Western Cape’s industrial areas, advancements in hydrogen energy exports, and key infrastructure developments—like addressing port inefficiencies through private sector participation—are pivotal to enhancing South Africa’s trade capabilities.

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The engagement with EU representatives was particularly valuable as it provided direct insight into policies affecting trade. For our members, these engagements translate into tangible benefits—access to investment channels, strategic business insights, and opportunities to influence trade policies. We encourage all members to actively participate in these conversations and capitalize on the dynamic trade and investment landscape facilitated through our collaboration with the EU and key stakeholders.

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Furthermore, discussions around border management and streamlining visas for business operations emphasize the EU’s commitment to being a reliable and predictable partner. The Italian business community in South Africa stands to benefit from strengthened ties with European investors, increased market connectivity, and collaborative projects that drive economic growth.

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At ItalCham, we understand that building robust trade relationships requires active participation in dialogues that shape policy and investment trends. The participation of ItalCham members, including Leonardo, TechnoGym, Advantage Group, RDC Property, Gast Consulting, Nedbank, Southtrade and The Excellence Group helped add clout to the occasion.

Now in its fourth year, the Trade and Investment Breakfast is an invaluable opportunity for our members to network, share expertise, and position themselves at the forefront of South Africa’s evolving trade landscape.

By fostering these connections, we reinforce our mission to bridge Italian business interests with South Africa’s expanding economic potential.

Multi Chamber Speed Networking

The International Trade Fair - Good Life Show 

Join the Italian Pavilion at the Good Life Show 2025

ItalCham is pleased to announce that ICE – Agency for the Promotion Abroad and the Internationalisation of Italian Companies is organising the collective participation of Italian companies at the international trade fair, Good Life Show 2025.

The event will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Center from 30 May to 1 June 2025.

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Why Participate?
The Good Life Show is a premier event with a strong green focus, catering to businesses and consumers invested in healthy living. The fair brings together key sectors such as food, health, wellness, energy, and sustainability, creating a dynamic platform for business opportunities between exhibitors and industry professionals, including retailers, restaurants, hospitality operators, distributors, and local exporters seeking high-quality, innovative products.

This year’s fair is structured into six major macro-areas:
1. Plant Powered Show – Africa’s leading event dedicated to plant-based food & beverage.

2. Natural & Organic Show – Featuring an organic, eco-conscious approach.
3. Free-From Show – Focused on alternative and “free-from” product solutions.

4. Sustainable Living – Showcasing eco-friendly lifestyle solutions, including food and drink.
5. Health, Beauty, Fitness & Wellness – Covering mental well-being, fitness, nutrition, and sustainable beauty products.
6. Grow It Yourself – Demonstrating how to cultivate a healthy, eco-conscious garden.​

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How to Participate:
For further information and inquiries as well as Italian companies interested in showcasing their products at the Italian Pavilion can apply in accordance with ICE’s official procedures, as outlined in the event circular:​

There are 4 new job vacancies on the SMILE Job Portal:​​

Events Manager - The European House, Ambrosetti - JHB

Administrative Assistant - Consolato Generale D’Italia - JHB

Candidate Attorney - MJD Law - JHB

Digital Content Creator and Online Ad Manager – Campaign Implementation Partner - JHB

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You will find where to apply on the above link.

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View these and other job vacancies on the SMILE website via this link:

CLICK HERE

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If you are currently hiring, please take a look at SMILE-vetted candidates 

HERE