Since you have been resident in South Africa for 40 years, you should be able to obtain permanent residence. Consult the Department of Home Affairs.

You may be able to obtain UIF payments. However, be mindful of S3(1)(d) of the Unemployment Insurance Act which states that it does not apply to

"persons who enter the Republic for the purpose of carrying out a contract of service, apprenticeship or learnership within the Republic if upon the termination thereof the employer is required by law or by the contract of service, apprenticeship or learnership, as the case may be, or by any other agreement or undertaking, to repatriate that person, or that person is so required to leave the Republic, and their employers."

This may preclude your benefit, depending on your circumstances.