To all contemplating emigrating to South Africa
my informed advice is to visit the country first,have a good look around and then take a final decision.
It is undoubtedly a beautiful Country.But bear in mind some of the following points:-
(l) The crime rate in many parts of South Africa
has escalated alarmimgly over the past few years.
Murders,Rapes.Robberies (including carjackings in
which the victims vehicle is taken and in some cases the victim is killed)are regular occurences.
In particular the beachfront in Durban and even the centre of the City has become a "danger Zone"
in which crime is rife.
So much so that many of the citizens who previously lived in those areas have moved into the suburbs which are still relatively safe.Also
there is a growing development of exclusive self-
contained "Estates" where the houses are contained
within high security fences with instant response
armed guards available.These areas are essentially self-contained with shopping malls and golf courses.These are O.K. for the present-but do you seriously want to live in a "prison" even if it takes the form of a gilded cage????
(2) The ANC Government has introduced legislation to promote the policies of Affirmative Action.
In other words persons categorised as "disadvantaged" are given preference regarding Job applications-even though they may not be the
best qualified to do the job.
This cannot make for a sound economy.The rand is
currently a very weak unit of currency as it is.
(3) The gap between the very poor and the (obscenely) rich grows wider by the day,
The Government despite 10 years of ANC Rule have
failed to deliver fully on their initial undertakings to provide proper housing and associated utilities to the mass of the population who still live in dire poverty.Poverty is no doubt a major factor in the proliferation of crime.
(4) H.I.V/Aids has become a serious problem in
South Africa-this saps the well-being of masses of
people leading to a miserable and premature death.
(5) Road safety is questionable The death toll caused by road carnage is frightening.Many cars are unlicensed and non-roadworthy.Some Taxis are
particularly "lethal" in this context.
(6)It is reported that countless persons from other African States have headed for the "greener pastures" of South Africa.Whether these persons
have residence permits may be debatable.Some
claim to be refugees.The question to be asked is are they genuine refugees?
South Africa has such a wide border that with the best will in the world it is almost impossible to
control it fully.
The influx of "foreign" Africans is reported to cause resentment amongst indigenous South Africans as this deprives them of job opportunities when the newcomers get the jobs.
(7) "Land Grabs" do not seem to be a current issue
although there have been attacks on a number of farms -not quite yet the mirror image of Zimbabwe.
Also there has been some growing concern that
"foreigners" are coming to South Africa and buying up much of the property -to the detriment of local people.
(8 If you have young children check out the quality of the available Educational facilities.
These are reported to be very variable.
Although it is impossible to predict the long term
future of South Africa all responsible parents
should ask themselves whether there will be the likelihood of a positive future for their children there.That I suggest should be one of the
principal "Acid tests" to be applied.