We did some extended travel recently. You don’t say where you are leaving from, but it is possible to get one year prescriptions in the USA assuming you pay cash rather than through your insurance. Then as far as getting meds in SA, you are supposed to have a prescription but some pharmacy’s will bend the rules as long as it is simple blood pressure or statin etc. we were able to purchase a years supply without prescription.
Most people use the private sector here, so the standard process would be to see a GP and get a prescription. Some drugs may be harder to get a prescription for than others, so it's always a good idea to take a note or prescription from a doctor back home so the SA doctor can see you have a history with the medication. Six-month repeat scripts are common, meaning you'd just have to go to the doctor once and then can pick up your refill at the pharmacy each month. A GP visit will cost from around 300 to 400 ZAR. Prices for medication vary widely, but some generics are well-priced.
Hope that helps!
Do you have your visas sorted already or are you still going through the process of applying?
Most people use the private sector here, so the standard process would be to see a GP and get a prescription. Some drugs may be harder to get a prescription for than others, so it's always a good idea to take a note or prescription from a doctor back home so the SA doctor can see you have a history with the medication. Six-month repeat scripts are common, meaning you'd just have to go to the doctor once and then can pick up your refill at the pharmacy each month. A GP visit will cost from around 300 to 400 ZAR. Prices for medication vary widely, but some generics are well-priced.
Hope that helps!
Do you have your visas sorted already or are you still going through the process of applying?
Meagan
There's also some useful info here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/visitor-visa-section-2.html