JIM CHAVANI

South Africa's school system spans Grades R to 12 under the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Public schools are supplemented by a significant independent and international school sector in major urban centres including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) oversees qualification recognition. Eleven official languages are recognised in the national school system.

State school teacher salaries are governed by the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), ranging from approximately R250,000 to R430,000/year at classroom level. Independent and international schools pay competitively in rand terms, with some offering internationally benchmarked packages for specialist teachers. The favourable exchange rate attracts teachers from the UK and Australia.

Foreign teachers in South Africa require a Critical Skills Work Visa — teaching is on South Africa's Critical Skills list, making the process relatively accessible. SAQA evaluation of overseas qualifications is required. Employers typically assist with the process. The visa is initially granted for one to five years and is renewable. Schools in major cities handle significant volumes of international teaching applications.