Discussion
TomBo said:
Come on guys you can mention a horrific news story from every country and make that country look bad.
For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
That is one viewpoint and what I used to say to myself but here is the thing:For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
I left SA in my 20's and lived in small town of about 100,00pl considered safe and my list of experiences:
Car break in - cannot remember exactly - at least 5
House break ins - x 4 and we had an electric fence
Catching intruders in our backyard during the day x 2
Car hijacking x 1
Assaulted by a mugger in broad daylight at the entrance to a major super market x1
I also know 2 people who have been murdered in cold blood - 1 mate my age stabbed by an intruder in house on a Sunday afternoon the other an 80 year old shop keeper.
3 of our ex-employees have aids
Friend killed by hit and run taxi driving in the hard shoulder instead of the road x 1
The most shocking and disgusting thing is that I have met a girl of 6 years old who was raped and witnessed her parent getting killed in their farm house.
This I think is a pretty average list as I am from a small town.
I live in Greece now and have been nearly killed countless times by the crazy drivers and I know 2 people who have been mugged.
Yes, any country can be dangerous and you could die of anything but you do increase your chances by being in certain places.
TomBo said:
Come on guys you can mention a horrific news story from every country and make that country look bad.
For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
Yes, every country has crime and is at risk of terrorist attacks of some sorts. However, crime in SA is more than just anecdotal, and being a victim of crime (not terrorism) is a very real possibility. For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
We're not just talking the occassional attack here or there, we're talking about statistics which consistently places SA as one of the worst in the world.
Why the desperate need to downplay SA's crime?
Are you trying to condone the actions of the criminals, police, politicians, etc? Or are you trying to pretend it's not as bad as it is, so that you feel better about it? Or have you not experienced much/any time in other civilised parts of the world to know that saying it's just the same anywhere else is complete nonsense?
Ultimately, handing SA over to the criminals of the ANC was the worst thing to happen for the average South African.
Pints said:
TomBo said:
Come on guys you can mention a horrific news story from every country and make that country look bad.
For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
Yes, every country has crime and is at risk of terrorist attacks of some sorts. However, crime in SA is more than just anecdotal, and being a victim of crime (not terrorism) is a very real possibility. For instance terrorists are constantly trying to bomb and kill innocent people in America and their allies (UK) just to get a message across; add to that there is also a bit of crime and murder going on not as much as SA but there is some. Thieves in third world countries such as SA and other African countries will kill just about anyone and steal just about anything to get their next meal, or to feel wealthy.
Other countries have natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and so on which claim hundreds of lives.
It actually does not matter much as to where you move in the world, cause chances are you might just die from terrorism, murder, natural disasters, diseases, viruses, drowning, fire etc. in any country these things happen. Sorry for the grim reminder that life is very vulnerable.
If you want to move somewhere, just decide where is it that you want to go? where can you have fun? where can you make a comfortable living, etc etc. If safety is your biggest concern then dig a bunker, get some canned food, some porn, and some medicine, and you'll be a little safer... just a little.
We're not just talking the occassional attack here or there, we're talking about statistics which consistently places SA as one of the worst in the world.
Why the desperate need to downplay SA's crime?
Are you trying to condone the actions of the criminals, police, politicians, etc? Or are you trying to pretend it's not as bad as it is, so that you feel better about it? Or have you not experienced much/any time in other civilised parts of the world to know that saying it's just the same anywhere else is complete nonsense?
Ultimately, handing SA over to the criminals of the ANC was the worst thing to happen for the average South African.
I grew up in a small city,and left SA 6 years ago to come to the UK.Where I lived was,compared to others places,relatively low crime.Saying that though,burglaries weren't uncommon,neither was car theft.You'd hear of the odd shooting now and again,but where I came from I'd not want to go live again.
I miss the good things in SA (Bushveld,the wildlife,the weather etc.),but the bad bits are enough to make me not want to go live there again!
As though another reason was needed NOT to move South Africa (or even visit), I've just had a phonecall from my MiL. Their house has been broken into by 4 black men and they've done their darndest to clear my in-laws of all their possessions. 
I was on the phone to them while they raced back to their house (having had a call from neighbours that there were 4 men taking stuff from the house to a pick-up). To hear a woman in her fifties screaming and crying in hysterics is terribly sad.
We're just grateful they weren't at home at the time, otherwise it would no doubt have been much worse. It's terrible for Mrs Pints to hear her mother in that state.
Whatever you do, don't go to that country. South Africa is a s
t-hole, pure and simple.
I was on the phone to them while they raced back to their house (having had a call from neighbours that there were 4 men taking stuff from the house to a pick-up). To hear a woman in her fifties screaming and crying in hysterics is terribly sad.
We're just grateful they weren't at home at the time, otherwise it would no doubt have been much worse. It's terrible for Mrs Pints to hear her mother in that state.
Whatever you do, don't go to that country. South Africa is a s
t-hole, pure and simple.In my very humble opinion there are two types of Saffa's on forums the " SA is pucked and a sthole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life.
My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
thole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life. My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
lenandsons said:
In my very humble opinion there are two types of Saffa's on forums the " SA is pucked and a sthole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life.
My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
In my opinion, the sacrifices you have to make in SA are just simply not worth the rewards. The "fantastic life" of which you speak is looking very much at only one end of the life you live there. It's so much more than that.thole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life. My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
Why is it that the latter group of Saffas to which you refer (yourself included) are so desperate to try and get the rest of us to give it a try?
And if you're calling me a sissue, you're calling any other South African who fought for that land, all those years ago, and yet today are packing up and leaving. I'd dare you to call any one of them a sissie to their face.
Pints said:
lenandsons said:
In my very humble opinion there are two types of Saffa's on forums the " SA is pucked and a sthole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life.
My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
In my opinion, the sacrifices you have to make in SA are just simply not worth the rewards. The "fantastic life" of which you speak is looking very much at only one end of the life you live there. It's so much more than that.thole" ala pints ( maybe some have justification majority of the others fall into the heard it via a mate down the sports club who heard it 2900th hand from some guy at work) the other grouping is that in many ways SA is hard and daily life there defo has its challenges, however if you accept the challenge and go for it, you can have a fantatsic life. My advice to all who is - try it on for size, leave a bolt hole open for yourself if it doesn't work out and reember Africa is not for sissies!!!!
Why is it that the latter group of Saffas to which you refer (yourself included) are so desperate to try and get the rest of us to give it a try?
And if you're calling me a sissue, you're calling any other South African who fought for that land, all those years ago, and yet today are packing up and leaving. I'd dare you to call any one of them a sissie to their face.
I left SA in 1996 on a job transfer from Woolies to M&S met my wife in the UK just before heading back to SA as I had had a gutfull of pom land. We ended up in Canada again due to work offers. For 12 years I put up with little runaway Saffa's complaining about SA and when pushed the simple truth came out ... like the Whenwe's of Rhodesia they were hacked that they were no longer " Die Baas "
lenandsons said:
I fought for it to ... also was a member of Uncle Magnus's happy tourist group so please do not try that crap here.
I left SA in 1996 on a job transfer from Woolies to M&S met my wife in the UK just before heading back to SA as I had had a gutfull of pom land. We ended up in Canada again due to work offers. For 12 years I put up with little runaway Saffa's complaining about SA and when pushed the simple truth came out ... like the Whenwe's of Rhodesia they were hacked that they were no longer " Die Baas "
Not trying any crap. My point was that calling someone a sissie just because he/she doesn't agree with your opinion is rather poor.I left SA in 1996 on a job transfer from Woolies to M&S met my wife in the UK just before heading back to SA as I had had a gutfull of pom land. We ended up in Canada again due to work offers. For 12 years I put up with little runaway Saffa's complaining about SA and when pushed the simple truth came out ... like the Whenwe's of Rhodesia they were hacked that they were no longer " Die Baas "
My family were not of "die baas" ilk, and we didn't have the usual view on the non-whites which was so prevalent among those from Pretoria/Bloem. It's worthwhile remembering that things have got a lot worse since '96 and some of us have left the shores of our homeland because we were being left terrified prisoners in our own homes (and not even there were/are we safe).
It's also worth remembering that just because you couldn't cut it in Pomland, doesn't mean the rest of us can't.
I'd love to be able to bring my daughters up in the beauty of South Africa, but with the rate of rapes, murders and robberies - currently directly affecting my family who are still over there, in areas including Cape Town, Jo'burg, East London - I cannot in good conscience return, or convince others to go there either.
I hope you can apprecaite that this view has nothing to do with your allegations as to why we couldn't hack it back home, but because I was not prepared to live in constant fear.
Pints said:
TomBo said:
No! What you have to consider is whats your profession, which area would you live in, do you know atleast 2 of the languages (You can stumble your way around some)
Going to a foreign country for holiday is great, you are always having fun but living there can be different.
You know who should move to SA ?
Someone with a job, preferably in a growing industry, and a medium to senior level job: Marketing, IT, Finance; Someone who has a job prearranged.
Someone who can afford to get a car in SA as soon as you land, and can afford a place (house, flat, cottage) in the suburbs as soon as you land.
Someone who can speak and/or understand atleast 2 of the languages (english & afrikaans or zulu would be best)
If you meet those top three criteria, then come to SA!
If not, your first few months/years will not be very "fun" or comfortable.
Do NOT listen to this man. SA is a sGoing to a foreign country for holiday is great, you are always having fun but living there can be different.
You know who should move to SA ?
Someone with a job, preferably in a growing industry, and a medium to senior level job: Marketing, IT, Finance; Someone who has a job prearranged.
Someone who can afford to get a car in SA as soon as you land, and can afford a place (house, flat, cottage) in the suburbs as soon as you land.
Someone who can speak and/or understand atleast 2 of the languages (english & afrikaans or zulu would be best)
If you meet those top three criteria, then come to SA!
If not, your first few months/years will not be very "fun" or comfortable.
t hole, run by some of the most corrupt, unintelligent politicians known to man.Your chances of being mugged, murdered, a victim of crime, etc. are far higher than living in almost any other country in the world.
Life is cheap, you can get mugged an beaten in UK, and mugged and shot dead in all the big cities in SA.
Most of SA as a huge s
t hole, and run by corrupt officials.I won't be going back in a hurry.
V.
I am an ex Soutie having arrived in S.A. in 1966. Funnily enough, when I sold all my business interests in 1985 we (my family and I) packed our bags and moved back to Pommieland. After two awful Summers and one terrible Winter down in Somerset and the second Winter approaching, we sold up in 1987 and went back to Durban. Fortunately, the huge house we purchased near Taunton had doubled in value so we did not lose money, but gained in experience. Even though I was born and brought up in England, there is no way I could live back there where the youth have no respect for people or property and the left wing media controls how people think.
My son, now 39, obtained his degree in I.T. in Durban and moved to the U.K. for ten years. He used to get extremely depressed every Winter and he and his new wife, who is a Civil Engineer, decided to move to Sydney in Australia where they have now been for 5 years and loving every minute of it. They can afford to live on his salary and she stays at home to look after their two children in their own house.
My daughter, now 37, trained at Unisa to become a teacher and worked up near Jo'burg. She and her husband, also a teacher, decided to make the move and they landed up in Taupo in North Island, New Zealand, where they have been for 5 years now and loving it. At least there, she can be a house mother with her two boys and they can live on her husbands salary as a teacher. They have also purchased a lovely house in Taupo.
Both of these children have no wish whatsoever to return to South Africa, not even for a holiday.
Things are different for the wife and I though. We have been retired from commerce for over 20 years and have a large house in Plettenberg Bay. I have a collection of classic cars and we get very good interest on our investments. If we moved to Australasia our lifestyle would drop drastically. We would have to downsize on our house. I could not afford to have a large car collection as the WOF and insurance would be prohibitive. No we are stuck here, but if I were a younger working man there is no doubt in my mind that I would move to Australia. It is just like South Africa but without an incompetent and corrupt government.
My son, now 39, obtained his degree in I.T. in Durban and moved to the U.K. for ten years. He used to get extremely depressed every Winter and he and his new wife, who is a Civil Engineer, decided to move to Sydney in Australia where they have now been for 5 years and loving every minute of it. They can afford to live on his salary and she stays at home to look after their two children in their own house.
My daughter, now 37, trained at Unisa to become a teacher and worked up near Jo'burg. She and her husband, also a teacher, decided to make the move and they landed up in Taupo in North Island, New Zealand, where they have been for 5 years now and loving it. At least there, she can be a house mother with her two boys and they can live on her husbands salary as a teacher. They have also purchased a lovely house in Taupo.
Both of these children have no wish whatsoever to return to South Africa, not even for a holiday.
Things are different for the wife and I though. We have been retired from commerce for over 20 years and have a large house in Plettenberg Bay. I have a collection of classic cars and we get very good interest on our investments. If we moved to Australasia our lifestyle would drop drastically. We would have to downsize on our house. I could not afford to have a large car collection as the WOF and insurance would be prohibitive. No we are stuck here, but if I were a younger working man there is no doubt in my mind that I would move to Australia. It is just like South Africa but without an incompetent and corrupt government.
Sorry, but I forgot to add a post script to my post.
I have lost 5 close friends in South Africa who have been murdered. Peter and Peddie Dodds who were murdered by their Gardener in Plettenberg Bay. Jessica Wheeler who was 18 and murdered by a drug peddling DJ in Knysna. Tony Sprong who was shot and killed by an unknown assassin in Knysna and one elderly lady, a very good friend who I cannot name who was murdered by an odd job man in her house in Parrow. At 80, she was raped before being strangled.
When we had a farm on the airport road at Plettenberg Bay, our neighbours who were in their 70's were attacked by a Xhosa and 5 Coloureds who used axes and bush whackers on them. The wife managed to phone me after the attack and I had to go and look for her husband who was left for dead in the garden. Both eventually died from their trauma. Another couple, who lived close by, but I was not friendly with them, were murdered last year also by their gardener.
How many people in England, Australia or New Zealand know even one person in those Countries who have been murdered?
I have lost 5 close friends in South Africa who have been murdered. Peter and Peddie Dodds who were murdered by their Gardener in Plettenberg Bay. Jessica Wheeler who was 18 and murdered by a drug peddling DJ in Knysna. Tony Sprong who was shot and killed by an unknown assassin in Knysna and one elderly lady, a very good friend who I cannot name who was murdered by an odd job man in her house in Parrow. At 80, she was raped before being strangled.
When we had a farm on the airport road at Plettenberg Bay, our neighbours who were in their 70's were attacked by a Xhosa and 5 Coloureds who used axes and bush whackers on them. The wife managed to phone me after the attack and I had to go and look for her husband who was left for dead in the garden. Both eventually died from their trauma. Another couple, who lived close by, but I was not friendly with them, were murdered last year also by their gardener.
How many people in England, Australia or New Zealand know even one person in those Countries who have been murdered?
An interesting thread because I have just returned from my sixth trip to SA since I first went there 8 years ago. SWMBO's mother and sister live in Bryanston and I can certainly agree with the posters who have highlighted the violence in the Johannesburg northern suburbs. Two violent burglaries of friends or distant relations 10+ years ago, and only a couple of weeks ago I saw a guy who had clearly been knocked around a bit in broad daylight in Four Ways Mall.
In my experience, however, the Cape is like a different country. Sister lived in the Cape from the time she went to University there in the 70s, and has only gone back to JHB to keep an eye on mother, who is 90 this year. She has made no secret of the fact that, when the inevitable happens, she's going back down south.
Why I am telling you all this on a public forum is that an idea has been germinating that we (the UK contingent) put some brass towards sister's purchase when she goes back (Fish Hoek/ Simons Town areas are the odds on favourites at the moment). This would give sister a bigger house than she could afford by herself, and would also give us a bolt hole to escape the UK winter. As the UK contingent is very close to retirement and sister is not far behind, then finding gainful employment in SA is not an issue for any of us.
I would appreciate some constructive thoughts on this idea from those "in the know" in SA
In my experience, however, the Cape is like a different country. Sister lived in the Cape from the time she went to University there in the 70s, and has only gone back to JHB to keep an eye on mother, who is 90 this year. She has made no secret of the fact that, when the inevitable happens, she's going back down south.
Why I am telling you all this on a public forum is that an idea has been germinating that we (the UK contingent) put some brass towards sister's purchase when she goes back (Fish Hoek/ Simons Town areas are the odds on favourites at the moment). This would give sister a bigger house than she could afford by herself, and would also give us a bolt hole to escape the UK winter. As the UK contingent is very close to retirement and sister is not far behind, then finding gainful employment in SA is not an issue for any of us.
I would appreciate some constructive thoughts on this idea from those "in the know" in SA
rs1952 said:
An interesting thread because I have just returned from my sixth trip to SA since I first went there 8 years ago. SWMBO's mother and sister live in Bryanston and I can certainly agree with the posters who have highlighted the violence in the Johannesburg northern suburbs. Two violent burglaries of friends or distant relations 10+ years ago, and only a couple of weeks ago I saw a guy who had clearly been knocked around a bit in broad daylight in Four Ways Mall.
In my experience, however, the Cape is like a different country. Sister lived in the Cape from the time she went to University there in the 70s, and has only gone back to JHB to keep an eye on mother, who is 90 this year. She has made no secret of the fact that, when the inevitable happens, she's going back down south.
Why I am telling you all this on a public forum is that an idea has been germinating that we (the UK contingent) put some brass towards sister's purchase when she goes back (Fish Hoek/ Simons Town areas are the odds on favourites at the moment). This would give sister a bigger house than she could afford by herself, and would also give us a bolt hole to escape the UK winter. As the UK contingent is very close to retirement and sister is not far behind, then finding gainful employment in SA is not an issue for any of us.
I would appreciate some constructive thoughts on this idea from those "in the know" in SA
The Cape is lovely but not immune from it. Friends of mine live in a lovely 750 home gated development in Somerset West. When I was down last year they had the garage door open for the cats at night, it has no burglar bars and they do not switch on the alarm. The development has only two entrances (manned 24hrs), security patrols, electric fence, tall walls but no cctv.In my experience, however, the Cape is like a different country. Sister lived in the Cape from the time she went to University there in the 70s, and has only gone back to JHB to keep an eye on mother, who is 90 this year. She has made no secret of the fact that, when the inevitable happens, she's going back down south.
Why I am telling you all this on a public forum is that an idea has been germinating that we (the UK contingent) put some brass towards sister's purchase when she goes back (Fish Hoek/ Simons Town areas are the odds on favourites at the moment). This would give sister a bigger house than she could afford by herself, and would also give us a bolt hole to escape the UK winter. As the UK contingent is very close to retirement and sister is not far behind, then finding gainful employment in SA is not an issue for any of us.
I would appreciate some constructive thoughts on this idea from those "in the know" in SA
How nice I thought but I commented you are only as safe as the security guard at the entrance is good - how do you know he want take 1000 Rand to let in a gang or his mates or have his family taken hostage in the township and forced to cooperate (anything goes in the townships so not far fetched).
This month the supposed secure gated development has had three robberies, one at knife point in broad daylight and they have no idea who done it so now they live in a gated development but with alarm on at night, windows shut etc etc. Pointless..
When you out there again look around you at the really poor, go out to the townships in the day and see what poverty and desperation the majority live and just be aware of the many millions of people out there who have nothing to lose by committing violent crime. They sit around all day seeing the the rich (both black and white) fly by in expensive cars. The ones do work as domestics, gardeners etc go and work in palaces and then return to their shacks every night for a whopping 1500 Rand a month. Now wonder many just get fed up and resort to taking what they want. Not all the poor are like that but it takes one to harm you.
It's great to have cheap domestic staff but you never what their home circumstances are - my brother neighbour had his maids son and mate break in to their house in broad daylight and that was is a small town in Easter Cape.
I do not know anyone of my friends or family that have not been affected by crime be it hijack, murder, house break in, car theft etc. I know at least 4 that have or had domestic staff with Aids. On there other hand I am sure there are millions out there that have not been harmed or robbed form or murdered or raped, I just down't know any.
It is great out there and making money seems easier there too - it's booming and 'quality' of life is awesome leaving crime out. If you are prepared to be very careful and aware of the risks then go for it. It still is an awesome country and I do love it but not for me right now..
A little bit more from my post earlier up this page.
I was on a short holiday back to Cape Town in September 2010, and had a hire car from one of my friends who has a car hire company in Cape Town.
I thought how nice it was, driving around, seeing some of the old mates etc.
Having a braai with relatives etc.
When the time came to give the hire car back, they refunded my R6000 deposit, in cash, (as I gave a cash deposit)
Any way, on return, so I drive into the compound, which is just off the main road in Mowbrey,
Then he had his security guard close and lock the front door.
Then he checked where all the staff where, then he gave me the R6000.
I was amazed at the length of security he was going to.
It was only R6000, not huge money.
Here in China, I see several people going to the cash desks, and taking out what looks like quite substantial cash money.
Like a "brick" of cash. A full 12 inches long.
Talking equivalent of R100,000, probably closer to R250,000
The man or woman will just put it into a carrier bag she is carrying, and out of the bank they walk.
Not a care in the world.
Very safe.
So after living in CPT for just on 16 years, I do like the place, it has some great places, but don't like it enough to be hijacked, mugged, shot, or any of the other nasies that go around.
Plus, have you noticed the price of stuff in Pick&Pay these days?
Frighteningly expensive, even by UK standards.
I am afraid, 1994 was a turning point, adn a turning point of no return.
I am glad I am out of there.
vette
I was on a short holiday back to Cape Town in September 2010, and had a hire car from one of my friends who has a car hire company in Cape Town.
I thought how nice it was, driving around, seeing some of the old mates etc.
Having a braai with relatives etc.
When the time came to give the hire car back, they refunded my R6000 deposit, in cash, (as I gave a cash deposit)
Any way, on return, so I drive into the compound, which is just off the main road in Mowbrey,
Then he had his security guard close and lock the front door.
Then he checked where all the staff where, then he gave me the R6000.
I was amazed at the length of security he was going to.
It was only R6000, not huge money.
Here in China, I see several people going to the cash desks, and taking out what looks like quite substantial cash money.
Like a "brick" of cash. A full 12 inches long.
Talking equivalent of R100,000, probably closer to R250,000
The man or woman will just put it into a carrier bag she is carrying, and out of the bank they walk.
Not a care in the world.
Very safe.
So after living in CPT for just on 16 years, I do like the place, it has some great places, but don't like it enough to be hijacked, mugged, shot, or any of the other nasies that go around.
Plus, have you noticed the price of stuff in Pick&Pay these days?
Frighteningly expensive, even by UK standards.
I am afraid, 1994 was a turning point, adn a turning point of no return.
I am glad I am out of there.
vette
Pints said:
<snip>
I was born and bred in one of Cape Town's suburbs (Durbanville) and studied at Rhodes University in East London.
<snip>
Pints, what year(s) were you at Rhodes?I was born and bred in one of Cape Town's suburbs (Durbanville) and studied at Rhodes University in East London.
<snip>
My late wife used to work there, and my brother in law still does (he lectured business stuff - accountancy / finance IIRC).
TonyRPH said:
Pints, what year(s) were you at Rhodes?
My late wife used to work there, and my brother in law still does (he lectured business stuff - accountancy / finance IIRC).
1998-2001My late wife used to work there, and my brother in law still does (he lectured business stuff - accountancy / finance IIRC).
I'm trying to remember the name of my economics lecturer (possibly the same guy) - he was fantastic.
ETA His name might have been Rob.
Edited by Pints on Saturday 12th January 09:06
Thread resurrection!
About ten or twelve years ago I devised a plan that involved me retiring to SA at the age of 40, which would have been three years ago. Needless to say, I chickened out and am still here in the UK.
My plan involved either moving to a smallholding, or a small rural town, in the Natal Midlands - or buying a share on a game farm/reserve in the greater Kruger area. These seemed to be safe options back in 2002. Are they still safe now - or indeed were they ever safe?
About ten or twelve years ago I devised a plan that involved me retiring to SA at the age of 40, which would have been three years ago. Needless to say, I chickened out and am still here in the UK.
My plan involved either moving to a smallholding, or a small rural town, in the Natal Midlands - or buying a share on a game farm/reserve in the greater Kruger area. These seemed to be safe options back in 2002. Are they still safe now - or indeed were they ever safe?
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