New Job in South Africa

Background 1. I am an Indian citizen and a management consultant working in a reputed consulting company in India and am in the final stages of discussion for a new job in South Africa with another Consulting company. My primary motive for moving to South Africa apart from the fact that I really liked the place on a recent family vacation to that country, is that my wife is moving to that country on a new job assignment. 2. I should get the final offer in a week's time post which I will be resigning from my current organization. 3. My new employer would be sponsoring my Work Permit. Question 1. How long does the work permit process take? What are the chances of rejection? Does it make sense for me to wait till i get my Work Permit before I resign from my current organization? 2. I am currently on a project in the US on a L1B work permit from my current organization. Can I apply for the South Africa VISA from the US? I have been here just for 2 months now. Regards SA