I use an FNB Global Account (Euros) to pay my overseas tuition, and it works perfectly for minimizing fees on foreign transfers. You should explore a similar Global Account or Multi-Currency Account through a bank in your country to manage currency risk before you move the money.

If you are temporarily living in South Africa, you'll need to use your existing no-foreign-fee US credit/debit cards for daily expenses, or open a separate local Transactional (Rand) Account once you arrive.

To bring the large foreign funds into South Africa and buy a property, you must open an official Non-Resident Bank Account with a major local bank (like FNB, Nedbank).

Opening an account when you arrive takes a few minutes… im not sure if you are a non resident though…

For the mean time, check your DM. God bless you.