SwissFin Newsletter August 2016

Dear Readers,

We welcome you to the winter edition of our Newsletter.

We are very excited to announce that our book “South Africa – a practical guide for immigrants and investors” has been updated and the 37th version is now available. The book is over 120 pages and is a hands-on guide for anybody that needs information on immigration, taxation, insurance, banking, purchase of fixed property and much more in South Africa. You will find more information about the book under “immigration” below.

Other topics in this newsletter are around immigration matters and recent experiences we have made with the Department of Home Affairs. The insurance of guesthouses is another topic which will highlight some important points for owners.
We have also included information across the board regarding investments, taxes, and other related topics.

As usual, this newsletter can be viewed under https://www.swissfin.co.za/newsletter/swissfin-newsletter-august-2016/.

Enjoy the reading, with best regards,

Your SwissFin – Team

 

1. INVESTMENTS

• Interest rates: Bank deposits, insurance plans, tax-free investment amounts and our offshore model portfolios
• Transfers to and from the Nedbank Private Wealth Income Portfolio

2. LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL NEWS

• FATCA exceptions agreed by Swiss and US authorities
• SARS Special Voluntary Disclosure Program (SVDP)
• Panama papers: SARS finds 1700 names of residents

3. TAXATION

• Tax filing season has opened from 1 July 2016

4. SHORT-TERM INSURANCE

• Check if you received your car licence reminder in the post
• Is theft during an open show house covered?
• Guesthouse and BnB owners – please comply with the National Building Regulations Act!
• Is VAT included in my insurance premium?
• HIC increases geyser limits
• Air BnB – please inform us if you are letting your house or flat!
• Kidnap and ransom on the increase
• Can a unit owner increase the value of his flat?

5. IMMIGRATION

• How to order the new edition of our book
• Recent experiences with the Department of Home Affairs and SA Embassies
• Travelling with your Permanent Residence certificate
• Get your new Smart ID card – who qualifies and where to get it
• Statistics on immigration visa and permits
• Clarification on repatriation deposits

6. HEALTH INSURANCE

• Health network in South Africa for Globality members
• Turnberry gap cover changes insurance company

7. OTHER

• Which passports are the best to have?
• Cape Town among the top three cities in the world
• The best restaurant in Africa is in …. Cape Town!
• Tougher laws on salt intake
• SwissSure – please send us your forms!
• Personnel changes at SwissFin
• We value your comment

7. ADVERTISEMENT

• Monteverdi House for sale
• German Overseas Travel

SwissFin offers the following rates as of July 2016:

Interest rates ››

Insurance Plans: “Guaranteed income/growth plans” (5 year term), approx. 80% of income tax free: ››

Tax-free interest income – maximum investment amounts: ››

R 1.5 Mio. for taxpayers under the age of 65
R 2.3 Mio. for taxpayers between the age of 65 and 75
R 2.5 Mio. for taxpayers over the age of 75

Underlying assumptions: 6.5% effective interest. Couples married in community of property can double these amounts.

SwissFin offshore model portfolios ››

The annualized performance (before costs) of our balanced portfolios is as follows as of 29th of July 2016:

Transfers to and from the Nedbank Private Wealth Income Portfolio ››

We would like to inform all our clients about recent changes regarding payments to or from the above mentioned fund: No transfers can be concluded to or from an overseas account. All payments must be made from a local account with a commercial bank in South Africa.
Nedbank Private Wealth is not an authorized dealer for exchange control purposes and therefore all cross-border transactions must be concluded via a commercial bank.

FATCA exceptions agreed by Swiss and US authorities ››

Accounts held by the lawyers or notaries of clients in Switzerland are now exempt from the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) following the signing of an agreement by the countries’ authorities in February.

The negotiated exception clause has the advantage that clients no longer have to be identified, ensuring that the professional confidentiality of lawyers and notaries will be maintained under Swiss law.

As a result of the exception clause, accounts maintained for specific purposes by lawyers or notaries for their clients will be excluded from the scope of application of FATCA.

This includes, but is not limited to, accounts in connection with specific activities protected by law under professional confidentiality; such as assets relating to appending partition of inheritance or the pending separation of property in a divorce or separation.

The assets can only remain in the account for the duration of the legal proceedings.

Therefore, the financial institution maintaining the account will not have to identify the clients of lawyers or notaries, provided the lawyers or notaries confirm in writing to the financial institution that the accounts come under the scope of application of the exception clause.

SARS Special Voluntary Disclosure Program (SVDP) ››

South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced the new program which was introduced by the Minister of Finance at his budget speech.
This amnesty will commence on 1 October 2016 and run until 31 March 2017. In contrast to the existing voluntary disclosure program, the new amnesty also includes exchange control contraventions. Some of the key features are:

• Persons already under investigation and trusts will not be allowed to apply.
• Tax and interest will only be collected over income for the last 5 years and only 50% of the undeclared funds taken offshore are taken into account.
• If funds are left abroad, the levy is 10%, funds brought to SA will attract 5% and an overall penalty of 2% is applicable.
• SARS will waive understatement penalties and criminal prosecution.

The decision of whether (or not) to apply for the Amnesty will require some delicacy. A potential applicant for the Amnesty should consult with a duly experienced and qualified legal practitioner.

Panama papers: SARS finds 1700 names of residents ››

A senior SARS official told a parliamentary committee in May this year that they identified about 1700 local citizens in the leaked papers.

The leak of millions of files from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based legal firm, involved in setting up off-shore structures, has brought decades of information on shareholders of approx. 214’000 shell companies.

SARS has set up a special unit to process the information which will be a lengthy process. The unit could not establish yet what amounts of money were involved with transactions of South African citizens.

SARS confirmed that those citizens still have access to its current voluntary disclosure program in terms of offshore investments and income.

Tax filing season has opened from 1 July 2016 ››

1 July marks the beginning of Tax Season. As from this date taxpayers can submit their Income Tax Return (ITR12) to SARS for the 2016 tax year (period 1 March 2015 to 28 February 2016).

The deadlines are as follows:

• Manual returns: 30 September 2016
• Electronic returns (e-filing): 25 November 2016
• Provisional taxpayer with e-filing: 31 January 2017

Please also note that provisional taxpayers have to submit the second return by the end of August 2016.

Should our office attend to your tax returns, please make sure you send us all relevant details (IRP 5, RA certificates, medical tax certificate and expenses, rental schedule, commission expenses, income statement, interest certificates, foreign interest, foreign dividends, donations, log book and motor vehicle details, pension pay-outs etc.) by no later than the end of September, so that we can submit timeously on your behalf. We’d hate for you to miss the deadline and get a penalty!

Check if you received your car licence reminder in the post ››

It seems that the Department of Transport has not paid the Post Office for sending out of car licence renewals. As a consequence, the Post Office is no longer sending out these notices. We have not received any information by when this dispute should be resolved and until such time, you are on your own.

You should check your licence disc and make sure you pay the annual fee no longer than 21 days after the current licence has expired. Thereafter, you will have to pay a penalty of 10% for each month that has elapsed. Over and above that, you will be fined if found driving on the roads with an expired disc.

If you have not received your renewal, you need to go to the traffic department. Take the expired disc, your ID book and utility bill with you. You need to complete a form and pay the fee.

You are lucky if you live in Cape Town, as the City moved swiftly when informed about the problem and took over the sending out of renewals. We still recommend however to keep an eye on your disc dates, as postal strikes have further accelerated this problem.

Is theft during an open show house covered? ››

Homeowners in the process of selling their home must ensure that they take all precautions to avoid a loss due to theft.
A popular selling method is an open show house where the public can visit the premises without prior appointment arrangements. Unfortunately this also attracts third parties that are not really interested in purchasing property, but are there to check out the security systems or wanting to steal from the premises.

Unfortunately, most insurance policies exclude theft that is not accompanied by forcible entry or exit into the premises.
Homeowners should therefore lock all valuables into a safe before strangers enter the premises. If possible, cupboards and drawers should be locked as well.

Not only items can be stolen, but damaged if knocked over accidentally by visitors. Make sure you move items like expensive artwork away from danger zones.

Only use reputable estate agents and check if they may have insurance cover in place for an incident like this. A full profile of the persons visiting the house should be taken by the estate agent or a security guard should be employed. If CCTV cameras are installed, they should be checked first if they are in proper working order.

Guesthouse and Bed and Breakfast (BnB) owners – please comply with the National Building Regulations Act! ››

If you have a business like above, you need to familiarize yourself with the Act, especially part T, section 4.5., which regulates the minimum fire precautions.

Some important points you will find:

• For BnB one fire extinguisher is needed for every 100m2 of floor area.
• For more than 300m2 under thatch, additional fire protection is needed.
• If you build on a thatch lapa, a report by a fire engineer is needed.
• Hose reels are required depending on the floor size, but can be substituted by fire extinguishers.
• Signage for exits in the event of emergency is required, as well as self-contained lighting, smoke detectors and emergency doors must open without tools.
• Emergency plans must be behind each door of a guest room.

Please click here to read the Act.

We would also recommend to all our guesthouse and BnB owners to amend the disclaimer at the pool, so it indicates the depth of the pool.

Is VAT included in my insurance premium? ››

All insurance premiums in South Africa are including VAT. Please note that no separate VAT invoices are issued as all policy schedules say “This schedule becomes a tax invoice once the premium is paid” or similar.

So if you run a business that is registered for VAT, you can deduct that portion of the premium.

HIC increases geyser limits ››

The insurer has announced higher limits for geysers, provided they are insured on your policy:

GEYSER SIZE	HIC NEW LIMITS
50L	R 6900.00
100L	R 6900.00
150L	R 7200.00
200L	R 9200.00
250L	R 12 600.00

These are the maximum reimbursement limits and any difference above these will have to be paid for by the insured.
Please contact our short-term insurance department should you require further information.

Air BnB – please inform us if you are letting your house or flat! ››

The increased popularity of this platform has tempted many homeowners to let their property. If you do so, you cannot assume that your insurance cover is still in place, as you are conducting a commercial activity. Most domestic policies exclude any commercial activities and hence you have no insurance cover!

You need to inform us so that we can discuss the cover options with your current insurance company. If they cannot provide the required cover, we will have to cancel your domestic policy and get a commercial policy issued, which is normally more expensive.

Kidnap and ransom on the increase ››

There are an estimated 15 000 to 20 000 kidnap for ransom and extortion incidents every year, but the reality is that many more go unreported. Recent events in Nigeria and Yemen have refocused global attention on what is a terrifying, often terrorist-linked practice of raising funds for arms or political gain.

People travelling are recommended to arrange transport through trusted and reliable sources. Travellers should also avoid displaying any unnecessary signs of wealth or affluence. Travel by road should only be undertaken in daylight hours with robust travel management and assign secure escorts due to the risks posed by armed robbers. Where possible, undertake medium and long-distance travel by air. Vary routines, be discrete with your itinerary and be alert to possible signs of surveillance by third parties.

Emerging markets are increasingly kidnapping hotspots. Kidnap patterns in Africa particularly show that expats from international companies and the personnel of international aid organisations are likely victims.

The impact of a kidnapping can be enormous. It is extremely traumatic for those involved and dealing with an incident can lead to significant losses from ransom payments, business interruption, litigation, adverse publicity and long-term reputational damage. Every corporation with cross-border operations should consider protecting themselves and their staff against the risk of kidnapping.

Kidnap, ransom and extortion cover insurance policies have therefore found their way into the insurance market. They provide financial security that ransom money will be paid and will give access to specialist response consultants and crisis teams. The policy also covers loss of earnings as victims can be held hostage for several months.

Please contact our Marius Romer or Tony R. Hug should you require more information.

Can a unit owner increase the value of his flat? ››

The Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 – specifically Section 37- sets out the functions of the body corporate which includes their duty to ‘insure the building or buildings and keep it or them insured to the replacement value thereof against fire and such other risks as may be prescribed’.

Sectional title schemes are therefore insured as a whole. Insurance is specifically dealt with by Prescribed Management Rule 29. This rule details what must be insured -the buildings and common property, what risks must be insured against and also that the buildings must be insured for the replacement value of the buildings and all improvements to common property.

It further explains that any owner may at any time increase the replacement value as specified in the insurance policy in respect of his unit, provided that such owner shall be liable for payment of the additional insurance premium.

A unit owner may have renovated or altered his flat and therefore increased the value. By increasing the unit’s sum insured the individual unit owner ensures that his unit is adequately insured for its replacement value thereby preventing the application of underinsurance to his particular unit.

How to order the new edition of our book ››

For those that would like to order our book at a price of Euro 39, please click here to do so via our website.
The guide is an e-book and no printed versions are available in order to keep the price low. You can either pay via credit card (safe PayPal facility available) or via direct bank transfer into our local account.
Please click here to see the contents of the book.

Recent experiences with the Department of Home Affairs and SA Embassies ››

It is certainly a constant challenge when dealing with the Department and its foreign representations.

We have found that there are huge discrepancies from one Embassy to another when it comes to the handling of applications. Some applicants are grilled in an interview for almost an hour, whilst other foreign posts do not worry about interviews and the same submission only takes 5 minutes.

Other applicants wait 3 months for a temporary permit and others receive it in two weeks!

Should you have to visit an Embassy, you are welcome to consult with us beforehand so that we can prepare you for the application procedure. Another recent case was the submission for permanent residence from a pensioner in Bern. The applicant was turned away and told that Bern does not accept such applications and this has to be done in South Africa. However, a week before another client of ours submitted the same application which was accepted in Bern!

We have also been informed that during the period from April to June 2016, the Department has received 124 applications for a Business Visa, of which 90 were declined! It is therefore advisable that you seek professional advice before lodging an application.

Travelling with your Permanent Residence certificate ››

We have elaborated on this topic in previous newsletters.

It has come to our attention that officials at the immigration counter ask for the ID Book / card as well. One of our clients almost missed his international flight because the official was not satisfied that he had not applied for an ID card, although the PR was issued years ago.

It seems that the only way the officials can check if a PR certificate is fraudulent is by asking for the ID card.
We urge all our clients with PR to apply for the ID book and take such with on international travels.

Get your new Smart ID card – who qualifies and where to get it ››

The Department of Home Affairs launched its new eHomeAffairs system in 2016, which lets South Africans apply for their ID document and passport online via the Departments website www.dha.gov.za.

You can also apply for it via your bank. Home Affairs tested the system which allows 25 to 40-year-old South Africans to apply. When applying for a new Smart ID, you can choose to collect it from a bank branch, provided you are a client of ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, or Standard Bank. If you select a bank branch, you are asked to book an appointment to have your fingerprints captured and photographs taken.

Should you not be a client of one of the supported banks, or there isn’t a branch near you that processes Smart IDs, you will have to visit a supported Home Affairs office.

Once your application is paid and your biometric data is captured, Home Affairs will send you an SMS when your smart ID or passport is ready for collection.

The list of banks with Home Affairs branches in them is shown below.

Banks where you can apply for your Smart ID

Branch	City	Address
ABSA Centurion Lifestyle	Centurion	Centurion Lifestyle Centre, c/o Old Johannesburg Road & Lenchen Ave
ABSA Towers North	Johannesburg	180 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg
ABSA Ghandi Square	Johannesburg	Ghandi Square, Johannesburg
FNB Towers	Johannesburg	Civic Towers, 41 Stiemens St, Johannesburg
FNB Menlyn Square	Pretoria	c/o Lois Ave and Gobie Street, Newlands
FNB Merchant Place, Rivonia	Johannesburg	4 Merchant Place, Cnr Rivonia Road and Fredman Drive
FNB Centurion Lifestyle	Centurion	Centurion Lifestyle Centre, c/o Old Johannesburg Road & Lenchen Ave
Standard Bank Centurion	Centurion	Standard Bank Building, 1263 Embankment Rd
Standard Bank Killarney	Johannesburg	Killarney Mall, c/o Riviera Road and Killarney
Standard Bank Canal Walk, Cape Town	Cape Town	Shop 599LL, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century City Dr
Standard Bank Johannesburg	Johannesburg	5 Simmonds Street
Nedbank Rivonia	Johannesburg	Rivonia Village, c/o 9th and Rivonia Blvd
Nedbank Lakeview, Roodepoort	Johannesburg	16 Constantia Dr

While the e-portal will allow citizens to submit most documentation online, a visit to a Home Affairs office is needed to submit required photos and fingerprints.

The Department promised it is also making long queues at its offices a thing of the past.

Statistics on immigration visa and permits ››

South Africa immigration statistics show that the number of permits and visas granted by the Department of Home Affairs has decreased by almost one third according to the latest statistics on ‘documented immigrants in South Africa’.

According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) and the Department of Home Affairs, 73’352 foreign nationals (down from 109’000 in 2013) were granted residency status in South Africa in 2014. The majority of immigrants received temporary residence permits (94%) as only 4,136 permanent residence permits (6%) were approved and granted in 2014 (compared to 6,801 in 2013).

It is further interesting to know, that only 3.3% of South Africa’s population of 51.7 million are considered as non-South African citizens whereas in the USA has 14.3%, in Germany 11.9% and Russia 7.7% are considered immigrants.

The newest statistics, both types of permits show that the majority of immigrants come from countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India, China or the UK which are also the leading immigrant countries to South Africa historically.

Temporary Residency

53% of temporary visa recipients were from Africa (34% from the SADC countries such as Zimbabwe and Nigeria) – down from 55% in 2013.
47% recipients were from Overseas (Asia 30.6% – up from 27.1%, Europe 12.2% – down from 13.1%, North America 2.1% – down from 2.3%, Central and South America 1%, Middle East 1% and Australasia 0.6%) – up from 45% in 2013.

Temporary Residency – Top 10 Countries

India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UK, Germany and the USA received the highest number of Temporary Residence Permits – similar to 2013.

– Study Permits go mainly to African recipients as over 86% of all study permits are granted to applicants from SADC countries (Zimbabwe, Angola, Nigeria, Lesotho and the DRC). Overseas students come in the highest numbers from the UK, Germany, France, the USA, and the Netherlands.
– Retired Persons Permits are granted to persons from the UK (30%), Germany (13.5%), South Korea (6.2%) and the Netherlands (4.8%).
Four out of the top ten countries receiving high numbers of work permits were from Asia, such as China with 22.6%. UK figures are the highest for European nationals with temporary work permits, with 2.1%.
– Business Permits are obtained mainly from Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Indian nationals, which together is about half (51.3%) of the permits.
– Visitor Permits are issued to Zimbabwe, Nigeria and India (almost half – 47.8% – of the permits). Visitor permits constitute the largest type of the total number of permits received for Netherlands (57.3%), Germany (52.5%), USA (53.8%) and the UK (48.2%).
– Relative’s Visa: 54.7% of all visa went to nationals from two African countries (Nigeria and Zimbabwe) and two Overseas (Asian) countries, namely Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Permanent Residency Recipients: Top 10 Countries:

Permanent Residence Permits account to 5.6% of all residence permits granted by the Department of Home Affairs in 2014.
Permanent Residence Permits were granted to:

64% of recipients were from Africa (mainly Zimbabwe, DRC, Nigeria, Lesotho, Cameroon) – down from 67% in 2013
36% of recipients from Overseas (India, China, UK, Pakistan, Germany, USA) – up from 33% in 2013

Permanent Residency – Top 10 Countries

It is worthwhile knowing the different distribution patterns among the permanent residence permit holders.
– About 50% of recipients of PR status are between the ages of 20 and 44 years. 27% of all permanent permits are given to children, aged 15 years or less.
– The vast majority of the holders (93%) are granted using the work (29.7%) or relative’s category (63.1%) status.
– Only a small number 4% of all permanent residency permits are granted to refugees. These come mainly from the DRC, Somalia, Congo and Ethiopia.
– Retirees are only a tiny fraction of all holders of PR status (2.2%) and come mainly from Europe (64%) and there mainly from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
– In the Business category, of all PR permits granted, go to China 24%, Bangladesh 7%, Ethiopia 7%, UK 7% and Germany 5%.

Permanent Residency – Permit Distribution

Relatives Permits: 63.1%
Work Permits: 29.7%
Refugee Permits: 4%
Business Permits: 1%
Retired Persons Permits: 2.2%

Conclusion

The introduced changes to the immigration regulations in 2014 show that the pattern and distribution of issued permits did not vary, however, in regards to the total number of permits granted for immigration to South Africa, there is a sharp decline in officially documented new immigrants noted. This decline can in parts also be considered related to the established new VFS visa facilitation centres and decreased number of permits received due to the new regulation requirement of the visa applicants being present when submitting the application and the low number of VFS offices in several countries.

Clarification on repatriation deposits ››

The Department of Home Affairs has abolished the need to lodge repatriation deposits with the introduction of the new Regulations.

Persons that have paid such deposits are entitled for a refund, but depending on the category of the application and current status of the visa, there might be limitations.
Please click here to see the frequently asked questions.

Health network in South Africa for Globality members ››

We would like to remind all our members on Globality Health Insurance to familiarize yourself with the function when claims are submitted or a pre-authorization for hospitalisation is required.

Globality has a network in place with doctors and hospitals in South Africa, so that accounts are paid directly from the insurer to the doctor or hospital, as long as you make use of the network. Please click here to find the clinics and doctors in your area.

Turnberry gap cover changes insurance company ››

On 30 June 2016 Turnberry sent a letter to all clients, informing them of the change from Constantia Insurance Company to Lombard Insurance Company. The effective date of this change is the 28th September 2016. The reason provided by Turnberry is that they are pursuing a long term succession and growth strategy with Lombard.

The change by Turnberry has no impact on the cover of your policy.

You should have received a notification from Turnberry. If not, please contact Mrs Wanda Scott for a copy of the letter.

Which passports are the best to have? ››

Henley & Partners have released their 2016 Visa Restrictions Index, which ranks the passports of different countries based on how many places they grant visa-free access to.

In this year’s index, the German passport was named the most powerful. German citizens have access to 177 countries without the need for a visa, according to the index.

The top ten power ranks were dominated by European, North American and some Asian countries.

See the top ten ranks below:
1. Germany – 177 countries
2. Sweden – 176 countries
3. Finland, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom – 175 countries
4. Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, United States – 174 countries
5. Austria, Japan, Singapore – 173 countries
6. Canada, Republic of Ireland, Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland – 172 countries
7. Greece, New Zealand – 171 countries
8. Australia – 169 countries
9. Malta – 168 countries
10. Hungary, Czech Republic, Iceland – 167 countries

Other countries did not do well in the rankings. The world’s 10 lowest ranks consists mostly of countries affected by war and terrorism. The title of the worst passport however belongs to Afghanistan, with visa-free access to only 25 countries.

The bottom ten ranks of the visa index are:
94. Liberia – 43 countries
95. Burundi, North Korea, Myanmar – 42 countries
96. Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Sri Lanka – 39 countries
97. Kosovo, South Sudan, Yemen – 38 countries
98. Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Nepal, Palestinian Territory, Sudan – 37 countries
99. Libya – 36 countries
100. Syria – 32 countries
101. Somalia – 31 countries
102. Iraq – 30 countries
103. Pakistan – 29 countries
104. Afghanistan – 25 countries

South Africa was ranked at Rank 54, with the South African passport allowing visa-free access to 97 countries.

Cape Town among the top three cities in the world ››

Our city has done it again! Cape Town has been voted the Best City in the World Award for the fourth consecutive year.

The UK Telegraph Travel Awards announced the winners in April after 75’000 of their readers casted their votes. Cape Town was followed by Vancouver and Venice. Not only did our city scoop this award, but was also named number one food city in the world by Conde Nast’s Reader’s Choice award.

In terms of countries, New Zealand came first, followed by the Maldives and South Africa.

Mayco member for tourism, Mr. Garreth Bloor, commented “…I would say that Cape Town is most definitely a place to live, work, play and eat”.

The best restaurant in Africa is in …. Cape Town! ››

The Test Kitchen was awarded the 22nd place at the restaurants award ceremony that was held at the Cipriani Wall Street, in New York City.

Chef-owner Luke Dale-Roberts said: “The award is an incredible vote of confidence for me and my team. I do what I love, with precision and artistry, and being awarded for this validates what I do every day!” The Test Kitchen provides a showcase experience where Dale-Roberts applies his expert technique, passion for true flavour and international inspiration in the creation of challenging and rewarding dishes.

This is the fourth year in which The Test Kitchen has featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards.
The Test Kitchen will close for mid-August for a full décor refurbishment where the entire space will be reconsidered as a whole.

Here is the list with the first 25 restaurants:
1. Osteria Francescana, Modena, Italy
2. El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Spain
3. Eleven Madison Park, New York City
4. Central, Lima
5. Noma, Copenhagen
6. Mirazur, Menton, France
7. Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain
8. Narisawa, Tokyo, Japan
9. Steirereck, Vienna
10. Asador Etxebarri, Biscay, Spain
11. D.O.M., Sao Paulo, Brazil
12. Quintonil, Mexico City
13. Maido, Lima
14. Ledbury , London
15. Alinea, Chicago
16. Azurmendi, Near Bilbao, Spain
17. Piazza Duomo, Alba, Italy
18. White Rabbit, Moscow
19. Arpege, Paris
20. Amber, Hong Kong
21. Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
22. The Test Kitchen, Cape Town, South Africa
23. Gaggan, Bangkok
24. Le Bernardin, New York City
25. Pujol, Mexico City

Tougher laws on salt intake ››

As from 1 July this year, South Africans will be eating less salt and most people will be unaware of it.

South Africans eat on average double the recommended daily limit of 5 grams. The excess salt mostly comes from manufactured food, which increases high blood pressure and causes heart as well as kidney diseases.

An amendment to the Food Legislation was passed in March this year forcing all food manufactures to become compliant and adjust their production processes.

Consumers can use www.saltcalculator.co.za to determine the amount of salt in food articles.

SwissSure – please send us your forms! ››

We are almost there and our short-term insurance brokerage will go live during the last quarter of this year.

Some insurance companies do require the client’s consent if a policy is transferred from one brokerage to another. In order to make it easy for you, click here to give your automatic consent.

Please assist us by clicking on the link and sending us your response. Thank you in advance!

Swiss tradition in winter: Fondue-Plausch at SwissFin! From left to right: Renate Schmocker, Wanda Scott, Carola Kurz, Marius Romer, Amanda Rasch and Tony R. Hug.

Personnel changes at SwissFin ››

We would like to welcome Mrs Deborah Burt to our short-term insurance team. Some of our clients may know Deborah, as she used to work for the Swiss Consulate in Cape Town. Mrs Wanda Scott will be joining the short-term team but is still handling all immigration matters.

Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to Mrs Renate Schmocker as she is going back to Switzerland with her family.
Mrs Carola Kurz has taken over the short-term claims administration from Ms Tiziana Di Cosmo, who is pursuing a self-employed career to which we wish her good luck. We would also like to wish Aileen Schippers all the best, who has left the company earlier this year.

We are currently looking for a new receptionist / office manager. Previous experience in insurance matters and the ability to speak German are not a necessity, but of advantage.

If you know of an interested person, kindly send the CV to .

We value your comment ››

Do you want to know about a specific topic, share something with us or comment?
Please feel free to send us an e-mail so that we can assist you.

Monteverdi House for sale ››

Luxurious Villa of 600m2 living space on 1155m2 plot with 180 degree views over Cape Town. Currently run as a guesthouse, ideal for large family or dual living. Selling price R 8.5 Mio. Contact for more information.

German Overseas Travel ››

German Overseas Travel, a Cape Town based full-service travel agency, has over 80 years of collective travel experience. This agency promises you the best leisure and corporate travel experience through their guaranteed personalized professional service.

Owned and managed by Swiss-born, Daniel Meier and Namibian-born Michaela Vollmer, this agency works closely with clients to fully understand and satisfy their needs – whether it’s a day trip, a holiday of a lifetime, corporate incentive travel groups or a business trip.
Their Cruise division, Go Cruise, offers some of the world’s top-rated cruise liners that promise to showcase the world and its many must-see destinations.

The TEAM speak Swiss, German, English, French and Afrikaans. They have a reputation of delivering on all promises and provide superior corporate and leisure travel assistance with tailored products and services.

To find out more visit www.gotravelsa.co.za or www.gocruise.co.za