Dependant visa for South Africa

[Little Mangosteen]

My partner has just been notified that he is being posted to SA (Johannesburg) for the next two years. His company will get his visa. We are both British citizens.

I have a few questions about my status:

1. We are not married. When I called the SA Consulate in Hong Kong (where we currently live) I was told that they did not know if I am entitled to a dependant visa. Does anyone have experience of unmarried couples seeking a dependant visa in SA?

2. We only have a couple of months' notice and I'd rather not arrange a wedding before applying for a visa. If we got engaged, would that make any difference - ie. If we intend to marry within X amount of time of moving to SA?

3. Will I be allowed to obtain paid work on a dependant visa, assuming I get one? I read something on another website indicating that this is possible, but it wasn't totally clear. I didn't find clear info about this on the official SA Gov website either.

4. If I can't work on a dependant visa, am I allowed to look for work and then apply for a work visa? I guess this would be a long-shot, given the high unemployment rate in SA, but worth a try if it's legal.

5. I'd like to do charity work if paid employment is impossible - does anyone know if I'd be allowed to do this on a dependant visa? Again, what I read elsewhere wasn't totally clear on this.

All replies for any / parts of my many questions very much appreciated!

LM

[Siggi]

Couple of points, firstly I doubt if you will get a work visa, unless you are on the skills shortage list.
Second point SA gov is very obstructive, when it comes to handing out residence visa and seeing that you are not married this will only course you more hassles.
Instead of risking your life and soul don't even both moving to JHB, unless you have a tank instead of a car and army of men to protect in your home.
SA have the dubious title of rape capital of the world, on average one rape ever 7 sec.
So good luck and watch what you in that hell hole.