Visa info (Durban)

Hello, I have been here for 2 months and no hoe of solid employment as of now. I keep finding employers ask if I have a work permit already and through my reseacrh you must first have an offer from an interested employers then both of you go through the process of applying. I know there are other options but i didnt know this is common...are there any ways around this? And how much do work visas cost? I was referred to an agency and tehy wanted to charge R22,000 for a work visa??? I know its a mark up...but just wanting to compare...

please feel free to message me if you have any information...

thanks have a nice day.