The Verdict: Clear Path
You fit the retired person's visa, which accepts investment, rental and dividend income combined. Collect several months of stamped bank statements showing the income arriving, with the leases or fund statements behind it, and apply.
The visa asks for a monthly income at the prescribed level, reported as around R37,000; the regulations set no figure and leave it to ministerial notice. It runs four years, is renewable and has no minimum age. You will also need a police clearance.
Statements that show a balance rather than deposits are the commonest reason these applications come back.
Permanent residence can follow on the net worth limb of the retirement provision, which needs a chartered accountant's valuation showing your assets produce the prescribed amount; a documented South African income record makes that easier. You may not work on the visa without a contract and proof that no citizen or permanent resident was available.