This is for the USA and as the website says:

“Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. The requirement will go into effect next year and does not affect U.S. citizens traveling overseas.”

They are expecting this to come into effect from early next year (2009). This only effects people that travel to the USA on the VWP (Visa waiver program) ie people with British passports.

If you are a South African passport holder this does not effect you as we do not fall under the VWP. You will apply for visas as normal at this stage.

Here is the website for more reading on the topic (Click here)