I read your post in the introduction thread mate.

As I read it, I had a wave of fear wash over me.....the same remembered fear that everyone lives with in S.A. 24/7 - albeit sub-consciously most of the time.

It was awful and so very real. I'm so thankful that I've been able to bring up my kids without them having had to experience it. I'm so glad that most of you have decided to leave and move on.

Thanks RL,

Of course that was the "light" version, if I had the time could offer more detail but would probably just be branded as a scaremonger

Although I must say that the globe is starting to see SA for what it is.

An elderly Kiwi couple were held up at gunpoint in Jo’burg and robbed of everything. They were of course followed from the airport and no doubt the criminals were tipped off by their insiders.

This made front page news here in NZ and most of the Kiwis here often hear the horror stories as there is lots of Saffers moving here. We meet new arrivals from SA probably every week.

As I said, my wife (born in SA) was not too keen on leaving SA, now she is the one saying that she never wants to go back, even for a visit as she would not be able to relax.

We consider the risk way too high should our son be exposed to what many South Africans consider mild crime. Besides how can we communicate to him why he can't open the car window ? Why we can't stop at night ( at the side of the road) if he needs to make a wee. Just what do you tell your precious ones


Many folk that live in SA don't know any better or are so caught up in their material possessions that they feel trapped.

We have many South African friends here and the one couple have three children, the youngest ( a six year old girl) recently asked her mummy “ what’s burglar bars”?. Her mother said she felt such a sense of real accomplishment.

I guess it depends on your goals

Strange thing to call family.

But sometimes I feel I should make the time

Hardly, because you simply do not comprehend the issues. No doubt you will enjoy them yourself soon. Yep, this op deserves the ignore list.