06-04-2006, 07:08 PM
Paddy, these are the rules with regards citizenship via naturalisation:
Naturalisation (Section 5)
Foreigners wishing to acquire South African citizenship may apply for South African citizenship by naturalisation, provided the requirements of section 5 are met. The requirements for majors and minors respectively, are:
Majors
Valid permanent residence permit or exemption.
One yearÂ’s ordinary residence in the Republic of South Africa immediately prior to the application.
In addition 4 years of physical (actual) residence in the RSA during the eight years before the application (excluding the year of ordinary residence).
If married to a South African spouse, two years of permanent residence and two years of marriage to the South African spouse immediately prior to the application.
Intends to continue to reside in the Republic or falls within the further categories specified in section 5(1)(e).
Be of good and sound character.
Able to communicate satisfactorily in any one of the official languages of South Africa.
Have adequate knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a South African citizen
Now, theoretically, you are in contravention of continuing to reside within the Republic. If you were serious about returning, you would have to investigate the avenues.
This web can help http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/sa_citizenship.asp
Naturalisation (Section 5)
Foreigners wishing to acquire South African citizenship may apply for South African citizenship by naturalisation, provided the requirements of section 5 are met. The requirements for majors and minors respectively, are:
Majors
Valid permanent residence permit or exemption.
One yearÂ’s ordinary residence in the Republic of South Africa immediately prior to the application.
In addition 4 years of physical (actual) residence in the RSA during the eight years before the application (excluding the year of ordinary residence).
If married to a South African spouse, two years of permanent residence and two years of marriage to the South African spouse immediately prior to the application.
Intends to continue to reside in the Republic or falls within the further categories specified in section 5(1)(e).
Be of good and sound character.
Able to communicate satisfactorily in any one of the official languages of South Africa.
Have adequate knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a South African citizen
Now, theoretically, you are in contravention of continuing to reside within the Republic. If you were serious about returning, you would have to investigate the avenues.
This web can help http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/sa_citizenship.asp