OPPORTUNITY IN SA

I'd like to relocate to South Africa sometime and I'm looking for people who live there or are planning on moving there to chat with about life in SA in general. I'd like to move for work or to start a business, I'd appreciate any information.

Thanks

Lisa

I'm delighted to have found someone who wants to go to S.Africa and not leave.

What are your plans, are you a Brit looking for a different way of life - what is your story I would be really interest to hear it?

Sarah

Hi Lisa
I am a resident here in SA with my own business
if I can help with any answers please contact me.
PS My son is aiming to come to the UK in Feb to further his career in body building/health club work.

Hi Lisa,

We are planning on going to live in Durban next year-email me and we can chat-I am an ex SA who's been living in the UK for 6yrs now and married to a Brit.

Sarah

Max could you leave an e-mail address so I can contact you.

Hi Lisa, im Spanish and im also planning on movint to south africa, i have also bought my flight ticket, im leaving spain next 25 of january.

If you are interesting on chatting or emailing me just do it, i would be so happy to share my experience with someone who is looking for the same as me.

my mail is
qvalverde@yahoo.com

Best regards

Sorry have'nt contacted sooner,been away for Xmas
jap@myisp.co.za

I would love to move to SA. I am a Brit who grew up there. I am having big problems finding work and getting a work permit. They will not give you a job without a work permit and vice versa. Any help would be truly appreciated! Have been trying for some time to get in now. Would love to move over to Natal and stay.
Please help.... have nowhere else to turn to.

Lisa,
Would also love to move to SA. I am a Brit who grew up there. We are having big problems trying to get in. They will not give you a job without a work permit and will not give you a work permit without a job. Please could you let me know how you have managed it! I do not know what else to try. I have been told that our skills are greatly needed in SA so we should not havae any problems finding a job... but trying to get one is another matter!
Please help... have nowhere else to turn. Any advice would be appreciated.

Lisa,
Hey just wanted to get some info on how your move to SA was. I also am planning on moving within the year and could use all the help I can. I graduated college May 2002 with a business degree. So, hope to hear from you soon.

Adrian

Hi

I am a South African resident, staying in Cape Town. I could be of assistance if you are relocating to South Africa. Please feel free to contact me. I would love to help.

Regards
Mari-Louise

Mari-Louise,
I would love to hear all the advice you have to offer. I graduated May 2002 with a business degree in Electronic Commerce and need some advice on the job market. I would like to secure a job before moving, so how do I find a position while living in New York? What is the average cost of rent? How would you recommend I start this process?

Thanks,
Adrian
email:
amlewis42@yahoo.com

Hi, I am also planning to move to S.Africa by the end of the year hopefully. Planning a intro trip in May for two weeks and would really be interested in getting more info. I am planning to relocate in either Stanton or Pretoria. I am looking for business opportunity in S.Africa. Would appreciate if anyone can shed some light and help. Also, Would love to gettogether with anyone who is travelling or be there around the same time.
thanks
Al

I am planning to move to SA next year and would love to know if you have moved yet and how you are finding it? I am a Brit married to a South African and have had a long holiday in PE, but would like to hear of your experience moving there permanently.

Hello!
So glad to find info source. I will be teaching in a Mankurwane High School and living in Kimberly from January 03-04. Need all info I can get. Can you help or provide name of someone who could? Thank you for any information. Jan

>Hi
>I am a South African resident, staying
>in Cape Town. I could
>be of assistance if you are
>relocating to South Africa. Please
>feel free to contact me. I
>would love to help.
>Regards Mari-Louise

Please help with any leads on information about life in Kimberly. I will be teaching high school math in Mankurwane from January 2003 through January 2004 and would appreciate information from any sources you know of or could lead me to. Thank you, Jan

Hi.

I am a brit that did all my schooling in Pinelands, Cape Town. I moved back to the UK 5 years ago to continue with further education at College in London completing a National Diploma in IT. My parents still live out there, and I plan to move back to South Africa with my girlfriend in Dec 03 to work. Seeing I have a residency stamp in my British passport, would I need a work permit ? Would my girlfriend be able to get a work permit easily enough ? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

Thank you for your response. I have so many questions that I don't know where to begin.
I am in a Fulbright Teacher Exchange, so there is a male teacher coming here to teach my classes. I know that I cannot stay at his apartment, because he tells me that it is not safe. So I will need housing, which Fulbright may be able to help me with.
A bigger concern that I have is for my safety. Every book I read says that SA is not the place for a white woman alone. It talks about a high incidence of rape, and frequent car-jackings and muggings. I guess I wasn't expecting to spend my whole time in SA hiding in an apartment. I realize that each town and each part of each of those towns has a different situation.
I would desperately like to talk to someone who knows about Kimberley.
I think I will have a few people come to visit me, so traveling to the tourist sites might be okay with my foreign company.
I am most concerned about the everyday living of transportation to school and shopping for food and managing laundry and all that.
I know that Kimberley has a population of about 200000, but I expect that it is less than 10% white. How do I hook up with other whites?
I am not phobic about looking for white friends, but I'm sure that it sounds that way. I will be the only white teacher in an all-black school, so I will have some potential to make friends of the other 25 teachers. I just don't know how open and welcoming they will be.
I am scheduled to arrive in SA in January, 2004. If you have any info for me, I would greatly love to chat with you via e-mail.
Jan Murphy

Hi, email me and perhaps I can assist you. I just came back from S.Africa and am in canada. This was my first trip to S.Africa and I realize and understand your fear and realize what you must be feeling. Although its not very safe to be there expecially if you are unsure of where you are but its not as bad as it sounds either. I shall be there after August 2003 and if need be, dont mind helping you out.

Email me if you need to chat.

Thanks for your quick response.
Do you know anyone in Kimberley?
When you return in August, where will you be?
How can I get your e-mail address? I don't know how this works to communicate directly with someone.
Jan

Hi Jan

To help out...

if you want to reply to someone by email - and they have left their email address, you will see under their message, several options, one is [Send an Email]. Click this link and your email package will fire up with their email address in the To: field.

Or you can hold your mouse over the link and you will see their email address in bottom LH side of your monitor.

Hope this helps.

Hi Lisa,

I just came across your message and I'm not sure when you're planning on moving here or if you're here as we speak!? Anyway, write me and I'll give u advice/ help you out, any way I can. Chat soon
Chrystal

hi i would like to chat with someone who would be able to help me with general info on capetown thank you. jame.

hi i just would like to get some help with general info on moving to capetown i have called several real estate agents but got no responce.thank you, jame.

hey jame i am a brit and am also looking to move to Cape Town to be with my boyfriend but need help about how to go about it with work permits etc email me if you find anything i would be very grateful thanks all the best
beth

marie-louise
i would love for you to help me with any information about moving to cape town work permits etc please let me know
thank you
beth

I am also moving, planning to take a class at the University of Cape Town...I just made this decision and the class starts in a month! Anyone know how I should go about finding a place to rent in Cape Town with others???

Hello Lisa,

As you can see we share a surname and I was browsing the net looking for Shields genealogical stuff seeing that I am currently reading this book "the Afrikaners" and it bugs me to think that I might be more of an Afrikaner than a Brit or and Irishman.

I do not know if you have arrived here in the meantime but should you still need advice I am more than willing to offer you help getting around the courty (more specifically Gauteng and the Freestate) and helping you with jobs etc.

Generally thing are well here even though SA life is far more demanding than British or Irish life (having lived on both islands for more than 2 years) My fiancee is Irish/Australian and she only moved here 1 month ago so she is probably a better bet in asking what life in Sa is like.

Well as I said I am more than willing to be of any assistance. My number in JHB is 072 607 2091 ringing from UK its obviously the 002772.....

Hope to hear from you soon,

Brendon Shields

Hello Jenny,

Just wrote to Lisa that I can perhaps help you out. My fiancee is Irish and we are experiencing some difficulty but sorted it out. I am now commited to helping people who can benefit the country get in! I can have my parents offer you jobs (a restaurant in Bethlehem in the freestate) which will secure you permits. Just shout if you need more info. No you wont need to work there!

I live in JHB and can find out things for you here as well.

Brendon Shields

Hi all. This seems like a pretty informational forum, and I need all the information I can get. I recently graduated from college with a BA in psychology and am hoping to begin postgraduate work at UCT in the fall of 2004. I've been to Cape Town, but need all the help I can get since I'm now considering moving there. Anyone with information about rentals, jobs, etc...send it my way. Thanks.

Hi .I was 4 months in South Africa and had excellent time while i was studying there.
SA is beautiful country and for sure my wish is to move there and start my own business there.
Well any help i will appriciate.
By the way i m from Belgrade.

Cape Town is fantastic!

Nice to hear there are people with similar interests.
I was 4 months in Bloemfontein and 1 in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
I want to settle there and run my own business and i dont know better place then South Africa.

I am leaving in about two weeks for Cape Town then Middelburg, South Africa, I will be driving from Bloemfontein. Did you spend any time or hear anything about Middelburg...what is it like? I will also be going to Port Elizabeth.

I am moving to Cape Town in September for work. I'll be working at the University of Cape Town as an intern. I'm a Canadian who graduated from university in August 2002. I"m looking for anyone new to the area who is looking to meet another newbie to the area...safety in numbers!

I know where Middelburg is but never been there.
Bloemfontein is nice ,quiet and very clean city althiguh its little bit boring.
Port Elizabeth is very nice .I spent there 3 months and i like it ery much.Its very windy .
Well email me if u want more info.Looking forward for your email.

hi i am looking to relocate but i have a lot of questions on just the every day to day stuff, please drop me a line so we can chat,thank you, jame downs

hi,crystal i am thinking of moving to cape town i could use all the information that you can help me with please drop me a line so we can chat,thank you, jame.

Hi!
I am planning on moving to Cape Town with my husband and our 2 children. I'm having a hard time finding all the information we need to do so.

We are both self-employed so we need to know about work permits and if it's possible for us to start up our own businesses over there. Since we also have children we need information about the educational system, etc. Does anyone know where to find such information?

It would be great to hear from someone who themselves have relocated to Cape Town or someone who has always lived there. Any advice is very much welcomed.

Best Regards
Amelia

Hi
I am thinking of moving back to SA. I am an SA citizen currently living in Chicago I moved from SA in 1999. I would be coming back April 05. I am not sure what everything looks like out there at the moment. My boyfriend lives out there but does not want me to come back, he cannot get into the states. I would really like to use my healthcare training back in SA. If anyone has any advise please e-mail me!

Hi,
I also am looking to go to SA. I have a baby and have found a consolidator who has the best rates i have found to go there Paulag@premiertours.com. Her name is Paula Glaser. I have heard the education system is excellent there. Also, If you find out where to inquire on work permits, please share the info, I thought a google search would lead me there.
thanks, Kerry

Hi, I would like to come and check things out for a month or two. Can you help me as far as what to do for a work permit or a business? where do you live?
thanks, kerry

Hi Iam also thinking about re-locating to SA, I have seen the country and completely fell in love with it. If there is anyone out there that could give us some advice that would be a real help. I currently work as a technical managerfor an electronics company, and i am a qualified engineer. So I would either be looking for a job out there, or I would possibly like to set up a buisness out there. I would love to hear from anyone that have already made the move.

Thanks

Daniel

hi everybody, i wrote a message, probably in january this year. i was moving to south africa, and so i did. Now i have been living here since the end of january and is the best decision i have ever taken in my life. Im busy refurbishing and renovating a big property and hopefully next december i will open. I will run my own guest house, wedding venue and conference center, so as you can see i am doing quite well

But i must warn you guys, not everything has been as easy as you could think. This country is hostile to foreign people, foreign money, and so on, so before you take the decision, you have to think all the pros and cons carefully. If you are looking for a normal job, either you have and outstanding curriculum, and a nice language range, or i can tell you that it is going to be difficult to find a job. Now in south africa you find the black empowerment, they give jobs first to black south africans, and then to white south africans and so on. I am not saying that is the wrong thing, the other way arround, i think they have to turn over the situation and give more oportunities to the black people. But i must say that it makes things more difficult.

Im not trying to scare you off at all, im trying to make u understand that is hard, specially at the beginning.

If you need any help, i will be very happy to help u, if it is in my hands.

kind regards

Quino

hi,quino if it is possible i would like to talk to you about relocating to cape town i love south africa but i am sure with your experience i might learn more before i make the move.hope to hear from you soon,take care, jame.

I'd like to move to SA and buy a guest house over there. I'm looking for anyone who is doing this or has already done it. any info would be appreciated...

Thanks JoJo

Hi Quino,

I have family in SA who are "encouraging" me to move there from England. I've heard of this different way of life and it sounds very appealing, but I have a life in England and it seems like such a big step to take.

It will probably be easier for me because they have a social structure which I am assured I will fit into easily and how life will be better for me out there.

I really would like to do it and pack up and move, but its all very daunting to me.

My mother is South African and moved over to England 26/27 years ago. I've heard all the bad things about the country from her but I have also heard all the good things from the rest of the (SA) family.

I live in a small town in Bedfordshire (not sure if you would know it!) where there isnt much in the way of culture. The calibre of people leaves alot to be desired! There doesnt seem to be much in the way of true gentlemen who you can have an interlectual conversation with. My career prospects are limited and life is generally what you call repetative.

I've been told about the great life I could have in South Africa and it is, as I've said before, very appealing. The social life, the beautiful country and not to mention the lovely weather!

However, I'm confused! Any suggestions?

Kind regards
Nat

My dad is currently over in South Africa and said I would absolutley love it there. It has really got me thinking that while I still can, then why not. I dont have any contacts and dont really know where to go first. A job would be a good start!!

Lauren

Hi Lisa,
I am planning to move to SA next year and would love to know if you have moved yet and how you are finding it? Would like to hear of your experience moving there permanently.
Thanks
Cheers
Deni

Hi all,

Quino - congrats, sounds good.

I am English, thinking about moving to SA with 14 year rugby playing son. Have never liked England much, prefer Spain; have travelled extensively, but only 1 brief visit to SA, but a long time ago.

Would there be a second chance for us in SA? I am quite well qualified - law degree, PGCE (Travel and Tourism, Business Education), experienced in most areas of travel and tourism, 5 years teaching T&T in UK, internet skills, basic Spanish and German languages. I saw some job vacancies posted on the 'net, seems I might have the right qualifications to apply. What is the attitude to older applicants in SA?

People here UK tell me that JoBurg isn't very safe. Should this be something to be concerned about? Are most of the jobs there? How about Cape Town? Perhaps would be too expensive to live there? Are there jobs (in tourism or tourism teaching/training) in other areas?

Sorry about all the stupid questions. Have just started researching SA, perhaps the country would be a real alternative to Europe. Hope so. Thanx.

Thanks for any help.
>hi everybody, i wrote a message, probably
>in january this year. i was
>moving to south africa, and so
>i did. Now i have been
>living here since the end of
>january and is the best decision
>i have ever taken in my
>life. Im busy refurbishing and renovating
>a big property and hopefully next
>december i will open. I will
>run my own guest house, wedding
>venue and conference center, so as
>you can see i am doing
>quite well
>But i must warn you guys, not
>everything has been as easy as
>you could think. This country is
>hostile to foreign people, foreign money,
>and so on, so before you
>take the decision, you have to
>think all the pros and cons
>carefully. If you are looking for
>a normal job, either you have
>and outstanding curriculum, and a nice
>language range, or i can tell
>you that it is going to
>be difficult to find a job.
>Now in south africa you find
>the black empowerment, they give jobs
>first to black south africans, and
>then to white south africans and
>so on. I am not saying
>that is the wrong thing, the
>other way arround, i think they
>have to turn over the situation
>and give more oportunities to the
>black people. But i must say
>that it makes things more difficult.
>
>Im not trying to scare you off
>at all, im trying to make
>u understand that is hard, specially
>at the beginning.
>If you need any help, i will
>be very happy to help u,
>if it is in my hands.
>
>kind regards
>Quino

Hi, am looking for anyone who can offer me free meals & accommodation in south africa before i get settled in return i can help with general work for a month.

Hello,
I am taking the plunge and moving very shortly.
I haven't decided where to settle yet. How is Durban or Natal? Those are the 2 parts I haven't explored...How is crime, etc..
Thanks,
Christy

i am in the u.s.a.i'm 19 years old and managing a couple business,but am going back 2 s.a i will like 2 have a job in s.a before i leave.i hope u can help me.i`m from p.m.burg but am willing 2 relocate

Hi ,

We are planning a move to cape town with our 2 teenage kids . It would be great to hear from anyone who as made the same move and can tell us of their experiences !!! Especially relating to how the youths reacted to the changes . How have they fitted into the high school and uni. campus?
Is there anyone out there that is working in the film industry that may have contacts in thewardrobe departments . We would appreciate any info that you would like to share with us ...

thanx cathy

Hi Ulrich

Myself and my husband are think about moving to South Africa and hopefully buying a small vineyard.We have finding it difficult to obtain general info regarding buying property and the minumum investment we will be expected to make. Also any general info about the sort of life we can expect we when we get there and if it is a safe place to start a family would be very helpful as info on crime seams to be very contradictive depending on which web site you go too.
Thanks for any help
Nichola

how are things generally in your area? i wish to know you better, please, mail me

I'm thinking of moving to South Africa to my names Simon I'm 37 and live in london be intreasting to know what you found out maybe we could swap info would be helpful to me anyhow....email me anytime lisa.

Jan,

I am a 34 year old White Brit and I plan to move to SA in around three months time with my wife and two children (six and three) to work for a sister company of my present employer.

I say "plan", we are currently in the decision making process at the moment as to whether to go for it or not !!

My two biggest concerns are for the safety of my family and the school system out there. I see you were moving in Jan 04 and you had the same concerns as me, and you are a teacher, so I was hoping you could send me some feedback of how you have found it?

I appreciate your time.

Kind Regards,
John

Similar to Lisa's request:
I may move to Bloemfontein to work at
the University of the Free State there.

Is there anyone who knows the average
cost of living for a family with two young
children (2 and 10)? We stayed a few year in
Kenya, but I have no idea about the situation
in SA.

Thank you for any responses.
Dr. Rene John Dierkx

pls contact me at j.setiawan@lycos.com maybe I can help you to find the right person.
thank

Am going to cape town in middle of august for a second visit to see the place in winter! Would love to hear form anyone who's made the jump or seriously considering it. Am Head of Psychology in large secondary school but cant find out whether the equiv. of A level psychology is on offer in S.africa. Plus am single mum with 2 kids...but dont think this should put me off. I am dreaming?!

If you like SA in Summer you will fall in love with the Winter! Re your work...the management schools (Damelin for example is currently going through major re-structuring) and universities (teaching 1st year at any of the 3rd level institutions would be perfect) You don't get psycho as a subject in high school...but university 1st year would be a great equivalent.
My husband and I are both professionals and are also looking to move within the next 10 months - we currently live in Ireland - he is irish, i am south african, but been living here for 7 years. Ireland is great, but nothing truly beats south africa it's an incredible place to be part of...mark my words...you will fall in love with winter!

Hi
Just an idea, not sure how you would feel about it. Very recently a global Wellness company has come to Johannesburg. Has been running successfully in Cape Town for three years. The business model is similar to MLM, with a slant more toward franshising than true MLM. Very impressive compensation plan attached for hard workers. Your partner would not require a work permit to join this group and it potentially could support you both lomger term. Contact me for more

Hi Lisa
I read your email about moving so S.A. I would like to know if you have relocated yet? I am a South African and would like to email more info.

Regards

Hi Shanaaz,

I saw your email about sending more info on moving to SA. I am interested in moving too, and would appreciate any info you could give.

Look forward to hearing from you

Regards

We are looking to move to Cape Town as a family. At this moment I work for Barloworld Handling UK. The company si very active in SA, with a large number of car delerships. I have contacted our HR department and they are sending all the 'info over. We would be greatful of any infomation you can give regarding this move, be good or bad

Kind regards and many thanks

Bill Salmon

In order to advice you properly, I would like to communicate with you directly.
My email is: #####
My Tel. no is 01924-461783 (U.K.)
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Ulrich Dannecker

Hi Mari-Louise,

I'm a little old lady of 61 who would like to spend a couple of months this winter in Capetown. I don't want to be cooped up in 'safe' suburb, but would like to move & groove around the town (walk on the streets, hang out on the beach, explore the city). How realistic is this? I understand the economic situation, the high unemployment rate, etc,, but I still don't want to get mugged. I'm not interested in Being a Tourist, so the touristy places are not attracive for me. I'll be doing volunteer stuff, hopefully.

Your advice would be appreciated.

my name ia biodun am from nigeria i will like u to help me in comming to south africa,tell me what and what to do,i will be waiting for ue reply
thank u in advance
Abiodun.

hello Lisa
my name is abiodun am from nigeria,i will like u to help me to come to SA,i will be happy if u can really help me S A as being my dream country to go,so reply me so that i will know what to do.
thank u in advance.
Abiodun.

Great choice to move back. My wife is Irish and we moved here a while back. The process of a work permit is difficult because everything is processed in Joburg and its a real schlep waiting for all the paperwork to be completed etc. Also avoid people hovering around offering to help you register etc. The easiest way to get a working permit is to start a company (CC or something and have your partner sign as well) That way he qualifies automatically for a working permit. Joburg is a great place if you are used to the Buzz in Dublin. In fact Dublin is a bit like a small town even though you cannot walk to most places while in Joburg as they are too far apart. Most jobs are in Joburg and accommodation is still affordable. The most important thing is to buy a car wherever you are in SA (as you well know) but luckilly our insurance is not a expensive as in Ireland so its affordable as well. Leave Cape Town for your holidays!

Cath please bring your husband around to Clarence/Bethlehem during the winter. Tell you what its a lot better than coctails at 'The Clarence' during the Irish winter. Spend time reading books overlooking the mountains next to a fireside. He will be hooked! Me and my Irish wife have spent the past year in Dublin and are now relocating back to Joburg. Would love to find out how your husband views the place. My wife loves it here even though its a bit 'edgy' sometimes!

Hi Rene,

I know I know, Bloem is a bit of a kip! I am sure the varsity is nice but the people tend to be a bit xhenophobic in the old freestate. I live in Bethlehem currently and I am always glad to leave Bloem so I hereby invite you to come over should you wish to do so. Jeez we might even have a conversation in english even though at this stage your afrkaans shoudl be spot on!

Hello Bill,

I have not heard from you in a while. How is your relocation going?

Brendon Shields

I was born in SA but have been living in the USA for the last 18 years. I’m interested in moving back with my American wife but the reports I read and hear about regarding SA lifestyle, crime, job market etc. are very contradicting. I was planning on starting a karate school in or near Cape Town, teaching a style of karate that as far as I can tell is non-existent in South Africa.

My family that lives in Cape Town says that lots of people are moving back and there are a lot of tourists too but I hear from people on the internet living in SA that I must be mad to want to come back?

What are your thoughts?

Hi there Lisa,

Im also planning a 2 year trip to S.Africa in Feburary 2007. Having been to S.Africa in 2004 for 3 months visiting Jo'burg, Pretoria, Namibia, and Cape Town, I have since felt the need to go back. Im currently looking for work and im in the process of applying for a visa. It would be good to chat.
My e-mail address is above if you would like to get in contact.
Kind regards
Rebecca Nolan

I am an indian and willing to relocate to south africa. I am plannig to come on visit and find a job there. Can u guide me which is best city to find a job and to reside. I will wait for u r reply.
My mail Id smile_x100x@yahoo.co.in

Thanks in Advance
Murali

hi there i am also thinking about living and working in CT, SA
would like to get in contact with a Brendon Shields? are you still on here
could you drop me a mail at ashhh_@hotmail.com or post your mail here so we an chat

thanks
ash s

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/16/2009 10:29PM by ukash.

oh and what is the construction industry like over in CT, SA?
im a plumber here in england, got 6 years under my belt but no papers
i can also paint, labour, carry bricks etc
ive also learnt some mechanics myself, i build scooters and motorbikes in my spare time and also have a tinker at cars every now and again, servicing etc
any jobs that would fit my skills?
any info would be great thanks?