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Frequently Asked Questions

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 Business, Commerce & Trade

A number of states have trade representatives in South Africa. They will assist in promoting business ties as well as assist in opening offices and businesses in those states.

To gain a better understanding of the U.S. import process and what, if any, actions can be taken by exporters to avoid unnecessary risks and difficulties, the following links may prove useful:

State Trade Representatives in S.A.

South African-USA Chamber of Commerce - "An electronic Bi-National Chamber of Commerce dedicated to promote business and cultural ties between Southern Africa and the Americas by utilizing the Internet as a tool"

Export-SA (S.A. Dept of Trade & Industry) - "We aim to provide you with the necessary information on every step of the way ..."

U.S. Government Departments & Agencies Assisting in the development of trade ties and offering valuable information and guidance.

Trade Law Center for Southern Africa (TRALAC) "... to build trade law intellectual capital to facilitate the integration of our region into the global trade system" is their stated mission. Clear analysis of current events and issues. Site clearly still under development but Center open for business.

BuyUSAinfo (U.S. Dept of Commerce) BuyUSAinfo.net is the newest service from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the most comprehensive source for commercial information about the United States of America

U.S. Customs & Border Protection: Import Spotlight A general explanation of import requirements for those interested in establishing an importing business or importing something for personal use only.

2006 Tariff and Import Information database What are the U.S. tariffs for my product? Is it eligible for duty-free or reduced rate tariff programs (AGOA)? What is the value of U.S. Imports of this product? U.S. tariffs? Reduced tariff programs? Value of U.S. Imports?

Bioterrorism Act requires compliance by local food exporters The Act requires South African facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States to register with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA must receive prior notice of the arrival of food shipments

Interactive tariff & trade dataweb Trade statistics and tariff schedules

Business ettiquette Up-to-date and relevant information on international business culture, customs and protocol, gift-giving, negotiating tactics, business entertainment, cross-cultural communication

Corporate Council on Africa "The leading American nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and the 53 nations of Africa."

Fibre 2 Fashion "An exclusive portal for the garment & textile industry ... from procurement of natural fibre and its usages, to the latest forecast of the fashion world, from buttons to buyers, from policies to people."

Corporate and Company Filings databases The majority of the states use their Web presence to disseminate a range of public business records -- and most of them offer access at no charge. The Securities Exchchanges Commission maintain the EDGAR Database of corporate filings.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) The BBB provide 'reliability reports' on U.S. companies and charities.

 Cultural & Educational Exchange Programs

Programs include au-pair, camp staff, work (long and short term seasonal staff), travel, student and academic exchange, conferences and vocational training (internship). This is the closest you will get to a working holiday in the U.S.

Cultural Exchange ("Working holidays" in the USA)

Educational exchange for high school students

Educational exchange in higher education

 U.S. Diplomats to South Africa, 1929-Present

  • Ralph James Totten (1929-37)
  • Leo John Keena (1937-42)
  • Lincoln MacVeagh (1942-43)
  • Thomas Holcomb, Jr. (1944-48)
  • North Winship (1948-49)
  • John G. Erhardt (1950-51)
  • Waldemar J. Gallman (1951-54)
  • Edward T. Wailes (1954-56)
  • Henry A. Byroade (1956-59)
  • Philip K. Crowe (1959-61)
  • Joseph Charles Satterthwaite (1961-65)
  • William M. Rountree (1965-70)
  • John G. Hurd (1970-75)
  • William G. Bowdler (1975-78)
  • William Brockway Edmondson (1978-81)
  • Herman W. Nickel (1982-86)
  • Edward Joseph Perkins (1986-89)
  • William Lacy Swing (1989-92)
  • Princeton Nathan Lyman (1992-95)
  • James A. Joseph (1995-1999)
  • Delano E. Lewis (2000-01)
  • Cameron R. Hume (2001-04)
  • Jendayi E. Frazer (2004-2005)
  • Eric M. Bost (2006-present)

More information

 Directories

 Employment

Requirements

Popular Interest

Job Sites

 Funding & Support

Resources for funding and support of community, social and economic development programs.

U.S. Government

Private U.S. Resources

South African Resources

 News Sources

 Presidents

 Public Holidays

  • Holidays shared with many other countries:
    • Easter
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Day
  • Uniquely American holidays:
    • Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
    • Independence Day (fourth of July)
    • Martin Luther King Day (third Monday of January)
    • Presidents' Day (third Monday in February)
    • Memorial Day (fourth Monday of May)
    • Labor Day (first Monday of September)
    • Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
    • Veterans Day (eleventh of November)

 Scams & Internet Fraud

It is not possible to list all scams here. However, here are the ones about which the Embassy is receiving queries. Both South Africas and Americans are potential victims. These sites offer guidance or provide background that may assist you in identifying scams.

Shares and Securities

A broker makes you an offer that's too good to be true!

North American Securities Administration Association - "NASAA members share a common goal of protecting investors and are pleased to offer the following resources to help investors protect their savings."

U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission - "The Internet serves as an excellent tool for investors, allowing them to easily and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the Internet is also an excellent tool for fraudsters. That's why you should always think twice before you invest your money in any opportunity you learn about through the Internet."

South African Lotteries

American citizens are advised to contact the American Citizen Service for guidance.

The S.A. National Lotteryis operated by Uthingo Management (Pty) Ltd. This is the only registered national lottery operator. View theirwarning of scams.

The National Lottery Board regulates and registers all lotteries conducted in South Africa.

Inheritance in South Africa

An attorney or lawyer contacts you and informs you that you are the beneficiary of a deceased estate in South Africa:

American citizens are advised to contact the American Citizen Service for guidance.

The Master of the High Court regulates the administration of estates of deceased persons and all documentation is lodged with this office. The physical documents may be viewed by the public (documents are are not online).

Attorneys are required to be 'licensed.' Is Yours?
Several associations provide searcheable databases of practicing /licensed attorneys in their jurisdictions. The Johannesburg Bar Association links to associations such as the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.

 School Terms & Holidays

There is significant variation even within states. To give you an idea for the 2006/2007 term, here is the calendar for Orange County, Florida (Disney World):

  • School term opens: August 7, 2006
  • School term closes: May 22, 2007
  • Winter break: December 18, 2006 to January 1, 2007
  • Spring break: March 12 to March 16, 2007.

For other school calendars in Florida, go here.

School calendars for other states are available here. Scroll down to begin at "USA (Alabama)"

 Statistics

 Travel & Tourism

 Universities & Colleges

  Visas & Related Information

 Vital Statistics

National Center for Health Statistics for Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce records

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