Moving to SA
 

Hi all,

This is the first time I have used a forum so please bear with me. I am looking for information with regards to moving to SA. My husband and I are looking at the area of George or around that area and would be very interested in hearing from people who live there.

We will be visiting the first 2 weeks in April taking a look at houses, possible employment for myself etc and would really like some information on security etc.

Hope there is someone out there who can help.

Regards from Sunny but cold Scotland

Jenny

Re: DO NOT - Move to SA
 

Hi there,

Not what you want to hear – in terms of security - DON'T GO

I am Scots and lived in Africa for many years

I know you will dislike this response but seriously consider this........

Going to SA on holiday is 1 thing but living there is another.

Quite simply - you are white (very Scottish white at that)

Have a GOOD read of the posts here and in the Home Coming Revolution site and read the views of South Africa of the people that have left.

I a positive I not the only one to tell you this.

There are lots of other places to consider rather than SA.

My main reason for saying this??

The murder & slaughter of white people there. You will hear all sorts of crap & propaganda. Don't take what I say about this but DO lot's of research BEFORE you decide.

I hope you think about it.

I also advice you to look at the post I did hear with the pictures (of sun-baked SA) and the videos of the African blacks on the rampage - killing sprees.

Makes a Celtic / Rangers match look tame!!

My last words – if you do go DO NOT take your money over, go for a while & see for yourself. Remember contrary to what the ANC propaganda machine (controls the media) says, South Africa is in a very sad economic state & will open their arms to your money but hell try to get it out again if you change your mind.

PLEASE, do the research.

Cheers and sorry to be the bearer of bad news………. :eek:

Cheers :thumbup:

Re: DO NOT - Move to SA
 

Hi there, thanks for your reply I really do appreciate your honesty, as you will know us Scots like honesty and its what I need to hear. My husband s working out there for a month in April and I will just be doing my own thing and looking around and yes as you say I do need to do my research but I must admit I do have reservations, its always a nice thought living in the sun, nicer lifestyle and all that romati stuff. Anyway cheers for being frank and straight to the point I needed that wee reality check.

Still cold here though.

Regards

Jenny

Re: DO NOT - Move to SA
 

Not half as cold as a slab in a South African morgue :(

George is quite a nice area, and the levels of crime are probably lower than in other major urban centers in SA, but dont let that fool you. As a SOuth Africa living with this fear daily (I'm not in a major city) I can promise you, it is not worth it! Recently a 82 year old lady was killed and stuffed into the boot of her car by her domestic workers teenage son and another lout. This was in an area that is largely thought of as relatively safe. (but in sa relative is relative...). My point is this, can you imagine the struggle that a frail 82 year old lady would have put up during a hijacking - uh clearly not a lot. so please understand the mentality of the South African criminal, and be prepared for what you are getting yourself into - if you are a victim of crime in SA, it will be a violent experience - guaranteed

If you really have to come here, your best bet will be to try and get into a golf estate (these are as common as squatter camps in SA now days), and at least you will have some semblance of safety. But again, don’t let this fool you - you have to leave the electric fenced, security gaurded, armed patrolled compound at some stage., and then the fun begins...

I can try get you some more details of golf estate or high security complexes if you like, but please, if you can, don't risk it.

K

Re: DO NOT - Move to SA
 

\hi thanks for your reply. Well I must say I am having a massive re-think. My husband and I are obviously still going for our holiday but will be looking at the place in a totally different light now. I do appreciate your honesty its what I want I do need to hear the truth, its just sad that such a wonderful place can be so hostile. I was married in Zimbabwe a good few years ago and that also upsets me, such a wonderful place can become so sad. I would appreciate the info with regards to complex accomm. Cheers Jenny

Re: Moving to SA
 

Why do you want to immigrate to one of the most violent countries in the world, are'nt there plenty of other countries you could'nt immigrate to.

Re: DO NOT - Move to SA
 

Hi Jenny, It is very NB that when you come here on holiday that you dont come with rose tinted glasses on. I know I might be stating the obvious, but it's quite easy to come to SA on holiday and get caught up in the beauty of the country (esp george and the garden route - really is beatiful - to look at).

I was in Mauritius for a year and everybody said we were so lucky, its paradise etc etc. Yes that true, but only if you stay in the beacfromt hotels and get waited on hand and foot etc. As I was actually working there I very quickly came to the conclusion that the country was 3rd world africa, and we were actaully quite happy to come home to SA(:confused: )

So remember that in order to truly appreciate what this country is like (and you've made a good start by checking this forum), you have to look at it from a residents perpective, not a visitors.

I'll get back to you re accomodation asap

k

Re: Moving to SA
 

I second Kev's comments. Both you and your family are moving targets in the new South Africa because of your colour. Do not expect help or protection from the police force as they are too weak and too corrupt to concern themselves with your issues. You can't even really count on armed-response companies anymore as their efforts are being thwarted on a daily basis by the government. The criminal knows the odds of getting caught remote, and should he get caught, he will most likely get a slap on the hand and sent back on the street to continue his activities. Value of life is down the sewer and doubtful if it will ever come back.

Scotland may be cold but at least you have a system that still values life. Far more important in the great scope of things. Incidentally, my hubs hails from Kilmarnock.

Re: Moving to SA
 

Hi all, Thank you all so much for replying I really do appreciate the comments everyone has made, my husband is away at the moment but i will be passing this on to him to have a read. It is very worrying that most people are of the same opinion. I suppose we are very lucky living were we do in Scotland but things are not brilliant here at times. Over the weekend the youth of today in my town Arbroath were running a mock with Machetes. Sometimes I wonder if an island off the north of scotland with only animals for company would be a more sensible option.

I teach in a local college and was hoping also to secure employment if and that a big if we did move to SA, what are job prospects like out there, is it easy to secure work?? Obviously this is all the things i will be looking at whilst over there.

Kilmarnock, I have visited there once before and it was to visit a company who made carpets believe it or not, many years ago in previous employment. Does your husband miss scotland?? Its funny i lived in Czech Republic for two years in 2003-05 and i loved it and did not miss Scotland one bit!!

Anyway I have a day off work today and i am going to enjoy it, walking the dogs, allbeit in the rain (whats new).

Thanks

Jenny

Re: Moving to SA
 

Hi Jenny,

I guess the PC thing is really letting the youth do what they want. I hope nobody got hurt.

Yeah, I understand your comment re the island somewhere. I spent some time on the Greek islands and that was a “magic” place, but there again that was 15 years ago now.

When we decided to get out of SA we looked at all our options available to us and after much research ( mostly on the net) we short listed Canada & here in NZ. Needless to say NZ won.

We have a wee lad and this is an awesome country and especially for families.

I understand that SA has its attractions and at R14 to £1 it boosts your standard of living. The point is being careful not to be seduced by that and trade your safety in the process, which is priceless!

In terms of getting a job in SA I am not up-to-date with the visa requirements but the way I believe it is that if you go out with your hubby on his visa you will be granted a residence visa which allows you to stay there temporally but not work. I believe it is a nightmare getting a work visa but I am not really the one to speak on that.

I do know that SA has approximately 40% unemployment so you may have difficulty. They have a skills shortage because most people with skills that are needed in other countries have left. Personally, you need to consider this as they had the lifestyle you are seeking but gave it up and in many cases to move to a wee apartment in London.

You also need to consider that the AA and BEE etc etc means there are VERY few jobs open to whites.

We lived in an upmarket area in Jo’burg, we were mortgage free, my wife & I ran our own company’s. I drove the latest BMW my wife drove BMW we had half an acre, swimming pool blah blah blah and a border collie.

I look back at that and have no regrets. We have freedom & safety here (we have some problems here in NZ but very rare) and ultimately we have a great lifestyle which is far better than SA in terms of us getting out and doing things not to mention safety. Did I mention that ?

My wife started her own company here 14 months ago and I in Nov last year so we are moving forward.

In SA you are not only risking your financial future but your life.

Anyways, I am positive that others will respond to you.

Good luck & take care. :D

Re: Moving to SA
 

Hey,

Can you post a virtual Arbroath Smokie :rofl: - yumm. Grew up on them.

Cheers:thumbup:

Re: Moving to SA
 

Employment is not easy to find over here! Teachers must now all be the right colour for the BEE etc. So for whites there aren't a lot of work around!!!

Re: Moving to SA
 

I can do better all you need to do is let me know and I can have them vacuum packed and sent to you its not a problem I would be delighted to.

Cheers Jenny

Re: Moving to SA
 

Hi Jenny, to answer your question. My hubs misses some things about Kilmarnock, old friends, and the extended family of course. He still has his parents in Killie and his brother lives just outside of Aberdeen. We typically get back now about once a year to see them as they are elderly. I used to do the combination trip of South Wales and Scotland when my parents were still alive. Certainly got to cover my fair share of geography during that time. I enjoy visiting but would never be able to go back to live. My hubs feels the same. Can't handle the weather for starters anymore and I do confess that I find I get really claustrophobic after a few weeks. Too many folks in too little space for my tastes, and I been bounced between Africa and the U.S. for too long now to settle back in the U.K. I do miss the pubs, the sense of humour and all good things British.

We did see our fair share of thugs lousing around in Glasgow which is a bit unsettling. Lots of down and outers. Birmingham I find positively scary though by comparison so usually happier to be further up North.

I do understand your desire for change and warmer climes, but really hope you reconsider South Africa. I say this with sadness as it is such a beautiful country, but it is becoming more violent by the day.

I still have extended family in S.A. My niece and her husband just recently offloaded their armed response company as he could not handle the lack of consistent law enforcement after responding to calls for protection. Corruption in law enforcement is rife. His security people had to contend with ever increasing violent crime and all their efforts to protect and arrest became pointless when these scumbags were let out right after they were taken to jail. The government is making it increasingly difficult for whitey to possess a weapon anymore which means you have no protection whilst these thugs are coming at you fully armed.

These things I tell you come from someone that has a deep love for the country but not even I would go back again. I was there last year after my nephew was car-jacked, and I had the shock of my life seeing just how badly things have deteriorated. Again, if you must, take a short trip but I feel I could not knowingly encourage someone to head there knowing what can and does transpire.

My best wishes to you and yours. Tegs.

Re: Moving to SA
 

Excellent post :thumbup: and spot on.