In terms of forwarding calls, I would definitely give Truphone a look. Here’s how it would work: you sign up for Truphone and add credits to your account. Request a US number from Truphone. You also said you’re looking for an unlocked phone to use – I would grab any NSeries or ESeries phone that you like (a requirement to run the Truphone application).
Then, when you get to South African and pop in whatever SIM you get, your phone will SMS Truphone and forward your calls to the new South African number. There will be a per minute charge, however if you are signed in to Truphone via Wi-Fi, the call forwarding takes place absolutely free.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

i am going to live in south africa from ft lauderdale fl

i need to accept calls made to my us cellphone in south africa on a local cellphone

so i need to forward alot of calls to a south african cellphone

vonage and skype charge like 25c a minute, that is to much, i am just found truphone, but i am not sure if they can forward calls
at a cheap rate

i think truphone is a good option for making calls to the US from south africa on a local cellphone

do you have any suggestions for a company to use to forward the calls, and i am going to buy a new cellphone to handle these tasks, any suggestion for an unlocked cellphone to purchase

i will be happy to pay for your expert advise

thanks gus