moving to south africa

We are loking for some advice. We LOVE South Africa and would really like to move there. But we have three young kids and everyone here in the Uk tells us that we are crazy to take them somewhere with such high crime and force them to live in fear behind electric fences etc. etc. When we are in SA this does not seem to be the reality, but looking at all of the news pages back here you would think that the whole nation is living in terror..........can anyone tell me what it is really like to live there? (And where the safest places are!)

After living in Cape Town for 30 years,circumstances forced me to move to the U.K.
I also would love to go back, but financial circumstances do not permit me. I could give you Rachel,and your family, lots of useful information,and help you with any questions you have,or advice you need! When looking at the news,which always seem to be negativ,bear in mind that you have never watched the TV news and the presenter said:'Today was a lovely day in England, and nothing happened anywhere' Of course,bad news dominates headlines and news reports. Do not let this discourage you!
Anyway,please get in touch with me, either by email or ring me on Tel. 01924-461783.
Yours faithfully
Ulrich Dannecker
@#$%&

I would personally love to move to africa. - We went there for our honeymoon and travelled from cape town to mupumalanga by car along the garden route.

Its not as bad as people make out, i know a lot of places in england i would feel more afraid. I did feel there was more of a danger there because of the poverty and the stories you hear but we were fortunate enough to have some good freinds from SA who came with us. (www.toppietrips.com)
It is a beautiful country with lots of wildlife and just like most other countries if you use a little common sense you should be safe.

Good luck !!

I lived in South Africa for 30 years, now I am in the U.K., but I can't wait to go back.
Crime is worse here,the weather is worse and opportunities are limited.
Anyone with a trade or profession can earn a good living in S.A.,especially in Cape Town. As one of the worlds' top tourist destinations,there are plenty of reasons for this popularity.
Space here is limited,and the subject is elaborate,but I would be happy to tell you more about South Africa. I have expertise in property/housing,tourism,job opportunities and many more areas of interest.
My email adress is: @#$%&
I would love to hear from you.
Ulrich Dannecker

Look there is a crime problem we moved here from UK last November and have already managed a breakin but that was whilst renting a place that was right next to a main road and had poor locks.

A big plus is that the schools are very good.

I don't think everybody lives in terror just with a different set of worries than UK.

Good Luck

Gary

http://www.@#$%&

I would love to move to SA. It's something that i am seriously considering, and i was wondering what it takes to move there. paper work, documents, etc. does a person have to get an "ok" to be able to move there? and how long does it normally take to find out if it is possible?

Hi, my name is Jos, Im sixteen and I live in Cape Town South Africa. I am so excited that you are considering moving here. It is the most wonderful place to bring up children. My bother, wo is now twenty, the majority of my friends and I have all lived here most of our lives. Not that I havent traveled, I have. And yet I have not found a place yet, not europe, america or asia that comes close to comparing with the place that I live in. Although the whole of South Africa is wonderful and offers many different attractions, Cape Town is the heart soul and jewel of SA. You were worried about safety, I live in the southern suburbs, claremont, and so far, I have not once been a victem of crime. I have how ever learnt the value of awareness and common sense.

The education in South Africa is top standered. I attend a private girls school called Herschel, it is perfect. www.herschel.wcape.school.za
have a look, you will be impressed I assure you. If you have boys, Bishops or ronderbosch are great choices.

South Africa is also a meting pot of cultures and I have had the benefit of growing up completely exposed to cultural diversity.

South Africa is a wonderful place to live, it is beautiful , exciting, and filled with the spirit of ubuntu. (I am because we are) the idea of teamwork. This counrty is changing, for the better and If you can, I would suggest being a part of that.

I hope to see you in Cape Town some day in the near future.
kind regard, Jos

Hi myself&my husband are also looking to move to SA in the future& would also like some honest advice.
We,ve been fortunate to travel to SA for the last 9yrs now&are just in the process of booking are xmas holiday there,also hoping to go into as many estate agents as possible,to see what the property market is up.
We started our first holiday in Jo"burg,were my cousin&family was,then travelled to CT on are own,we,ve since been back 4more times6even got married in plettingberg bay, which to my mind beat any "old english wedding".
My heart was completly captured by SA from the very 1st time&i think it always will be,yes the country does have problems&it always receives bad press, but i do feel the country will turn around, properties will soar,crime will be reduced,as with the bad press,then the whole world&his wife will want to belong to this magical country, believe me with having family living there for 20yrs plus, i am not looking at the country through rose coloured specs, just how i have always found the country.
Hopefully one day soon i will be pleased&proud to say "i live in SA&luv it.

Rachel
As a person who moved to S.Africa in 1970,lived there for 32 years, now lives in the U.K. and can't wait to get back to S.A.,I am fairly qualified to answer your worries.
Yes, crime is high, but it is nothing like the newspapers etc. report.Also,of the different areas Cape Town is by far the best in every respect. A bit of common sense when leaving your house,avoiding townships after dark, and general alertness should prevent any mishaps. Talk to local people you can trust, and you will enjoy life in one of the worlds' most beautiful places,namely Cape Town and surrounds.If you need any help or advice, pse do not hesitate to contact me via udann followed @hotmail.com
Good Luck

I was born and have grown up in Cape Town, currently studying at college. Let me tell you that I have never seen any criminal activity (except the odd hobo fight) anywhere. I know of no one who has been raped or murdered (and i know alot of people hehe). The reason crime is so "bad" is due to the crime in the townships (like ghettos) and along the cape flats.

The best area to move, in my opinion, would be the Southern Suburbs - it's the typical family area with schools and parks etc. Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont are probably the best suburbs. Also in the area are lots of very good schools.
BOYS: Rondebosch Boys' High School, Bishops, SACS
GIRLS: Hershel, Rustenburg, St Cyprians
CO Ed: Westerford

good luck

I agree South Africa is a beautiful country. I lived there all my life and have been living in the UK for the last 7 years. I go back regulary for holidays. I hardly ever saw any crime when I lived there. The sun always seems to shine. The standard of living for an educated person is high. The infrastructure of the country is 1st world. Top hotels, roads are uncrowded and in a good condition, lovely beaches, game Reserves, etc.

BUT a big warning. When I said I hardly saw any crime I was telling the truth. The problem was when I did it was horrendous. It's not like the petty crime you get in the UK. It is a lot more serious. When you visit South Africa you get a false sense of security because your surroundings are so beautiful and everything looks normal and you are also on holiday. This can get shattered very quickly in a split second and it happens a lot compared to other countries. Don't let anybody tell you differently. The country has a crime problem and that is a fact. If you moved over there and this happened to you and it most likely will in time believe you me you will be rushing back home. It's not only the crime that is a problem. The ammount of fatalities on the roads are appalling. Even though the road network is great the drivers aren't. Whenever there is a holiday the road death tolls are in the hundreds.

Visit/Live in South Africa but be very carefull where you go and what you do. Don't act as if you are back in the UK. "When in Rome do what the Romans do"

I moved with my family from the U.K. in 1995. We live in Port Elizabeth and it is great, we don’t have high fences and the education is first class my son who is 11 is in a class of 19.

We live 10 minutes from the Indian Ocean and an hour from the Addo National Park.

There is crime as there is in England we also have 60% unemployment so we need others to come and join us to create some jobs.

Bring a Land Rover with you to sort the road safety problems.

colin@nmbtours.com

www.@#$%&.com
One stop shop for all your South African travel requirements.

Greetings,
I am 18 and seeking a move to South Africa. I was born in Johannesburg, lived in Cape Town and left aged 7 (and a bit!). I live in the UK and i am profusely disalusioned with the lack of culture and passion in this place. Im constantly given a very diverse list of descriptions of SA regarding the cliche (crime,finance etc...), but i want to know the truth. I have an expertise in Business, Programming and Accountany, with other fringe qualifications. Would this be sifficient in SA?From what i hear about SA it sounds to me that the business culture is very open to new companies,however im concerned about financial stability. Is it a case of very strong existing monopolys dominationg the market share, with few struggling to survive?Also, crime. Now i can tell you that there are very aggressive groups of youths in England,Scotland and N.Ireland that look specifically for trouble.I live in a rich area and i still have to watch my back round the footpaths etc...Also racial friction is very high. Everyones concious about race types. I other words they are not very welcoming towards other cultures.What is it like in SA?What are the nature of the crimes in SA?How prominant are they?Is it literally everywere?Surely it cant be everywere,right?There has to some respite.In the UK there is at least one murder/raping/abduction etc every couple of days.Raping of children is quite common here, they are forever being snatched from school,home,shops,everywere.Is this a problem in SA.Are crimes merely generated through financial debilitations?One thing i can say is that i just do not feel at home here,its a straitjacket society.Stiff upper lip-like.People socialise in groups were they compete for social status,so it is very very difficult to have friends were you can just have fun.Material need seems to be a disease as well, as seen by the very high levels of loan debts,very big problem, also the tax here is unvelieveable, contstantly going up.The health survice is poor,the NHS is flawed in every respect and to go private is impossible due to the costs of having to play for the NHS and then to go private too!!!Hows about SA?Education is good if you are able to compensate for its flaws with dilegence in your own time.Thankyou for your time

warm regards
Ivan Waddell

Hi there,

Have just found this thread.. i've found the information informative!

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to find a job in Cape Town, I dont speak Africaans (although I am learning from my boyfriend). I hold a UK passport and have no formal qualifications. Are we better off getting married before jumping on the plane for 12 hours?

Many thanks
Gemma

Hi Gemma
It is rather difficult to reply to your question regarding a job. You do not state what type of work, and what ( if any) experience you have.
I'm very happy to advice you further,subject to more details being provided.
Afrikaans, these days is not important any more. English is sufficient.
Lastly, married or unmarried, your chances to succeed here in business, work and socially are equal. Its your willpower which makes you fail or win!
Feel free to post any other questions, I am happy to help!
Wishing you Good Luck!
Ulrich

My partner and I are both students. Recently my partner was accepted to go to the University of Cape Town. I have always wanted to live there. I have friends from there here in the US and I have been getting ready to apply to go to UCT as well to study Enviromental science. My partner is studying law. He wants to remain there. I am constantly asked by my friends why I am moving there and if its good to go some where and eventually find work and a job when other people that are already there need to fill? My only argument is that I will only go there if I think I have something to offer, and can help some how. I am wondering too what the feelings of the people there are considering people moving there? It would be a dream come true for lots of reasons. I guess I just would like to hear from others who have made this decision or are thinking about it. Thanks ahead of time for any replies, and also for this web site.

Jeffery Branham
Olympia Washington
USA

Dear Jeffery

Follow your heart. This way you will live to the full potential of your life. In a new environment you will be very motivated and make it a success. This is partially due to the lack of control from family and old friends, but living without them is somewhat hard in the long run.

Good luck.

Martin from Cape Town

Ivan I know what you are talking about being disillusioned about lack of culture. I am a South African and my wife is Irish. We moved back to Ireland for a while so that she could complete her studies but after a year even she said that compared to Ireland SA is simply more REAL. Today you have a BBQ in the sun next to a pool and you feel like the king. Tomorrow a very poor person asks for a donation and the 5 rand you give makes you feel wonderful about yourself. You see problems and it makes you humble. It got to a stage where we could not enjoy a meal in a restaurant in Dublin because the people around us seemed to think a gormet meal is a right and not a privelege. Some eejits in rich places in SA feel the same but in general most people here know what the score of life is. Its a hard place to crack. Isolation has somewhat dimmed the financial mentality to outsiders, but the flipside is that people are very ambitious and people certainly dream more than in Europe. The health service is not very fair because the difference between the private and public systems are too big so the poor people get far worse service whereas the private ones are world class. I know the NHS is more fair but if you want better service you cannot get it! At least here you can if you are willing to pay. Come back bru. This place is happening. Property is booming. I dont support the ANC but I believe they will ensure stability and peace for generations to come. Come see for yourself.

Hi Ivan

Everybody will give you different answers! I am Norwegian and have lived in SA since I turned 18. I have returned to Europe three times but, keep coming back to Africa. It is beatiful! But, the crime that you know in Europe does not come close to the level experienced here. You simply adapt and live according. It is a different mindset. For the future of SA small business have a look at my husbands free weekly article on small business. Do your research and do it well. Good Luck - Caroline
www.petesweekly.co.za

Hi Rachel
Moving countries is always hard but, it depends what your attitude is. You will adjust to the crime because the lifestyle is worth it. As long as you can afford private education and private medical aid for your family you will be ok. Do lots of research and listen to the worst and the best. You can always move back to the UK. For me who as been here since I was 18 - I love it here and do not want to return to Europe. Children have an outdoor lifestyle and there is so much to do. BUT - I have made arrangements for their tertiary education in Australia and saved lots of money for when that day comes. I doubt that there will be a future in SA for my children in 12 years time, so I have taken the necessary precautions. Give it a try but, take precautions. You have to look after yourself and your family. My husband is a writer and writes about small business in SA. It's for free so take a look. www.petesweekly.co.za
Caroline

Dear Rachel

I moved to SA with my husband, a 3yr old and 13mnth old 8 months ago from the UK.

We live in a small town about the size of Yeovil/Carmarthen/Hertford (can't think of any other equivalents!) so I'm not qualified to talk about Durbs, C.Town etc.

People on the whole have been more welcoming and friendly that I have experienced when moving within the UK (although there's a degree of incredulity thet UK citizens would voluntarily leave!)

The private schools are excellent and cheap - £200 a term for us; the state schools, particularly at high school level seem to have a poorer reputation for discipline, class size etc, but I also know families here happy with their children's experience there. Pre-school/creche facilities for the under-twos is in my experience far worse than in the UK, but if you persevere there are a few good apples there.

There is a real sporty, outdoor culture and a tendency to 'let kids be kids' much longer here, with less materialistic pressures on them and more 'old-fashioned' values (or maybe that's just a country town thing..)

We have not been victims of crime, and, as an incomer, its been really hard to find the right line between vigilance (certainly much higher than I would have in the UK) and paranoia. We live in hospital accom behind burglar-barred windows, two front doors, an automatic gate and an armed guard outside the flats - it feels a bit like being an 'extra' on Porridge!, but certainly safe as I'm alone with the kids 1-2 nights every week.

For me, the most difficult things have been related to security, and what one is percieved to be able to do safely - how I miss sticking a kid in a buggy and strolling to a park for a go on the swings and an ice lolly! The parks here are deserted because of previous hijackings etc.

Also, its terribly hard not to be worn down by trying to be constantly 'alert' for suspicious characters hanging around at red lights or in car parks..

Nevertheless, I happily, and I think, safely, walk to the shops or library with the kids until about 5 in the afternoon.

I really enjoy living and working with the Zulu people here and am happy to drive into the local township to pick my husband up from work or drop friends off. I have white South African friends here who think I'm mad, but I've never encountered any problems on a race-relations front. In fact, I suspect that racial antipathy in some of the UK inner cities is worse than here.

A friend who took this road a few years before me noted that 'being white doesn't make you a white South African' and for me that has rung true. There's a whole political and cultural history here that we as outsiders never grew up with, and that has some advantages in coming to the 'New South Africa' as a 'newcomer'. Try to talk to black South Africans and those of other races too as you make your decisions, and not just a specific group of people disiilusioned enough to get out.

Are we here for keeps? I don't know. Certainly the schools we would anticipate using here would be as good as, or better than the state equivalents in the UK, there's a fairly upbeat feeling about the future of the country from the SA nationals we know here....but I do miss those afternoon strolls pottering down lanes without consciously thinking about safety all the time.

By all means, come to this lovely country we are enjoying, but it is different from home.

best wishes for all your family's plans.

Don't move I beg u!!!

Every country has it's own problems but this country's problems is one you don't want to have.

I was born in South-Africa but there is a concealed war going on here. This msg will prob be removed before it reaches anyone anyway.

Our goverment is corrupt and everybody is afraid to say it out loud. If you read the press you will find that our leaders sat things in contrast with each other. Our laws was designed for criminals to run free and the innocent to be murdered!

This is a msg I recieved as a joke this morning but it is still the truth. Mabe this is our way of dealing with the problems this side. It reads as follows :

"For those on other continents.


There has been a campaign here about
paying your TV license and the catch phrase has been .............."pay
your tv license, it's the right thing to do"

The law of South Africa.

Two recent court cases, have earned the attention of newspaper readers
in South Africa. One person was fined R1 000 for not having a TV
license. Another was released on bail for R500 after being arrested for
murder.


The moral of this South African story: If you do not have a TV
license and the inspector comes round, kill him.
You'll save R500.
It's the Right Thing To Do..."

When one of our Goverment officials were asked about the safty isssues regarding crime in our country we had a simple reply. " If you don't like it... LEAVE!" Just one simple problem remains not all of us has the money to leave.

Don't move here...Rather help us to move somewhere else!!!

Hi Rachel

I live here in South Africa... and I can assure you that the crime here is not as bad as it seems

Regards

Jasper

Free Rapport: 101 Things To Look Out
For When Going on National Park Vacations.

Hi there,
I dont think honestly u would want to raise your kids in a country that has gone from bad to worse.Crime is high and u constatly have to watch your back.I moved back 5 yrs ago and probably will move out this year even though I adore the country.One just cannot be sure when one steps out the front door in the morning if u will step back in the evening.Yes the weather is super and all but the cost of living has increased tremendously and petrol prices have skyrocketed.Stay in the UK its safer

LAST EDITED ON Aug-01-06 AT 03:08 AM (GMT)

im planning on moving to SA and raising my kids there. is the education good? is the weather good? how safe is it? what about crime rates. i would like to know everything there is to know about SA before moving and raising my kids there. and is afrikanns a hard language to learn? im planning on learning and teaching it to my kids as a permenant language.thanks so much. and which city is the safest and best to raise kids?

Love,
Loe

I am currently in the process of selling my house in Cape Town and we are moving to UK.If you or anyone else is interested I would be more than happy to sell my home to you. It is a spacious 3 bedroomed home with indoor BBQ and front and back gardens. Very central,near schools,shopping centres(malls),doctors,dentists,lawyers,transport. If you don't have a car,it wouldn't be a problem to walk to wherever you needed to be.
Yes, there is crime but you learn to live with it and it looks like the Government is finally waking up to the fact that crime will ruin its future.

hey,
i would be moving from the US. is it hard to adjust? and i have 4 kids all ranging from 1-4 yrs. old. would they adjust easily too? my husband has been teaching them Afrikanns already and they speak it all of the time. if it is not that safe as the US i wouldn't want to move to put my family in danger. i would love allof the information you could give me.thanks.
Love always,
Loe

Dear Loe

If you have a good job and money you can buy safety in the form of security armed response and live in a decent area.Crime is a very serious issue but I think the Government is waking up now as the world is watching us due to the world cup in 2010. Afrikaans is fairly easy as is similar to Dutch and Flemish.
The weather is brilliant and Cape Town is your best bet with a Medditeranean climate. I am selling my house in Cape Town if you are interested.

THANKS SO MUCH. I AM A DOCTOR. DO THEY MAKE ALOT OF MONEY IN SOUTH AFRICA? BECAUSE I AM REALLY INTERESTED IN MOOVING THEIR. MY HUSBAND IS FROM SOUTH AFRICA SO HE IS BEGGING TO MIVE THERE. MY HUSBAND IS ALSO A DOCTOR SO IF THEY MAKE ALOT OF MONEY IN SA. THEN WE WOULD PROBABLY SEND OUR KIDS TO PRIVATE SCHOOL. ARE THE SCHOOLS THERE AS GOOD AS IN THE US AND THE REST OF THE WORLD. HOW GOOD ARE THEY?
LOVE ALWAYS,
LOE

As far as I am aware doctors are not paid as much in SA, they are better trained in SA, but get paid less, thus the reason why they come to the UK. Education is better in SA too, people are friendlier, and despite the crime, racial tension is far less intense than in the US. Thats pretty much the only factors to negate, money and crime. If you are wealthy consider this paradise, if you arent, then think happy thoughts of Harlem or Soho. Something I've noticed here in the West is crime increaseing rampantly, yet it is more accepted as the norm. England, for example, is building on its yob culture and has become even more anti-social. My advice, move to eastern asia, in particular China or Japan, both are superior to all countries mentioned. China has a rapidly developing economy and much more to look forward to. Just my thoughts. Not to say that I dont like SA, its my home and I love it, but facts are facts.