PhD for as little as $1290,66 p/a at a top 150 school.

[Personherebb9]

To be completely honest, if you were just able to keep a remote job (part-time) in the USA while doing your postgrad studies at UCT. 

Most American companies would not go for this. There are legal issues with overseas employees that they would have to deal with and most don't want to deal with the hassle.

What are you basing this on? I have several colleagues living in South America and Europe while having remote jobs in the US. My parents work with some of the largest companies in the world (e.g. Google, Genentech, Deloitte, Facebook), and per their experience, 'most companies' perspective is off. 

OP, thanks for all the information. My father has talked about moving to SA over the years for his Ph.D.; however, my mother talked him out of that option. Cape Town remains a holiday destination.

Yeah, to be honest even I have relatives that currently have remote jobs from the USA, that currently live in South Africa. So I wouldn't say it's impossible. Even if you are able to do just freelance work or something like that. If you can just source $1000 p/m you'll be more than fine in this country (assuming you have no dependents.)

Cape Town is great, I don't live there anymore but did for quite a while. Cape Town doesn't even feel part of South Africa it's so different, I honestly love that place so much. I think it's currently ranked the 11th best city to live in, in the world. Frequently keeping a spot within the top10/15 every year. (Beating out cities such as London, Manchester, NYC.)
https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environmen...out%20tops!

Definitely a worthy place to do a year abroad.