Should We Move To South Africa

Hi,
Help needed. My husband has been offered a year's contract in Pretoria. We'd love to go but we're really worried about safety esp as we have two young kids (1 year & 3 years)and don't know anyone in Pretoria who can help us. The contract doesn't come with any accomodation or help getting set up and we only have four weeks before we go- if we do go at all!!

So far I've read about car jacking, gang rapes and attacks esp around airport and bus stations and not going out at night at all. Other websites talk about needing to employing armed guards to protect your home or living in gated estates. I wasn't expecting everything to be lovely and tranquil but we don't want to be prisoners in our own homes- we want to explore and enjoy being in Africa and not be too scared to venture out.

Also some advice about local hospitals/ GP's would be great as we're likely to have baby no 3 whilst in SA but I'm very worried about the high HIV rate esp as I need frequent blood tests.

So far we can't find anyone who'll tell us the real truth about living in Pretoria and exploring SA. This is the best site I've found so I'm hoping you'll tell it to me straight so we can either pack our bags or settle down with our slippers!! thanks

P.S. Does anyone know a good place to start re properties and areas to live in esp where there are likley to be other mums with young kids and playgroups etc.Thanks

P.P.S Any tips about getting set up and living in Pretoria would be great as well-- many thanks DD

Like you, my wife and I are still trying to decide whether to proceed to Pretoria, and after weeks of reading and contacts w/ colleagues and other people who are or who have been to Pretoria lately, are findings are that it's like any big city, and if you stay in safe areas and practice recommended precautions, you'll be o.k.

One thing you have to consider is the differential that people get if they get posted to Pretoria. Most companies and embassies give between 30 to 50% additional pay plus yearly paid R&R to another country. It's not cheap in S.A. Cars alone can cost about double. If you are from the U.K., I'm not sure if they'll let you bring a car, but they only allow RH cars that meets EU standards and must have been registered in your name six months before your arrival. Importation of car is very restrictive even for the diplomatic corp. LH and cheap 2nd hand cars from Japan must be re-exported if allowed.

SA's medical facilities are good if you can afford them. Good and safe private hospitals, medical care and dental facilities are available. Public facilities are another issue.

We were in Botswana in the early 90's and enjoyed our posting. We visited by car South Africa, Zimbahwe, Namibia and Swaziland without any major problems.
It would be a great opportunity if you could come, but if you are a little bit paranoid about safety and easily threatened by unusual and different situations, I'll think twice. Like you said you don't want to be a prisoner in your own home. You have to be able to get out, explore and feel safe to enjoy what SA and Africa in general have to offer.

For estate agents try Aida; Seeff; Pam Golding; Waterkloof Properties (if you are looking for a place in Waterkloof; very upmarket area)

I can't tell you to come or not. It is difficult to move your whole live to a different place. I know it is difficult with small children but it might be wise to first rent an apartment so that you have time to look around before you decide on something.

A few answers (also look at the answer at Filboy's question about pretoria)

The airports are safe. Bus stations are not very safe and so are train stations.
Not everywhere though.

Medical is no problem if you can afford medical aid.
Armed response companies are about R400 + a month and it gives you peace of mind. IT's linked to an alarm. We have had ours for over three years and never used it up to now for an emergency.

Car jackings happen. You will learn to be alert. They don't just hijack a car for the fun of it. It is on order. We go out at night even into JHB city to the Civic. Everybody I know in Pretoria goes out at night. If you look at the amount of people in the restaurants and at the theatre, malls and cinemas everybody goes out at night.
Intersting fact about rapes it that most of the time the victim knows the rapist.

I think the first thing you have to do is to find out if it will financally be worthwhile. Houses in Pretoria are quite expensive. Measure your husband's salary against your expenses and then decide.

You are welcome to ask again if you want more info.

Annette

Hi, I lived in Pretoria for about 40 years, and although you do have to play it safe, its a lovely city, South Africa is a wonderful Country to visit, and I am sure you will eventually be glad you came, but you do need to be careful, estate agents will advise you of suburbs which are more safe, Waverley is a nice suburb, lots schools, library, gym , big shopping centre, but do hire a watch and if you do go out at night, dont go to dangerous areas, In the waverley area are restaurants etc, go local at night.
mail me if you need more info..ok

Thanks Filboy for your help and advice. It's great to hear you've been researching the same type of things aswell- although you've had a lot more success with your answers ! Didn't know about the cost of a car- we'll have to factor that in.

I've always wanted to experience living in Africa- I was born in Uganda but we had to flee when Idi Amin took over. I just want to make sure we know what to expect before we make a decision as opposed to learning the hard way. thanks again, DD

Wow! lots of great advice. I was hoping you'd reply cleocat as I've seen your emails before and you alway provide great insider tips- you've not disappointed ! Lots to go on- Many thanks.

Re working out salaries do you know or can you point me in the direction re info on the tax system- we've been lead to believe we'd only pay about 6-8% tax- is this true?

thanks
again,

DD

Many thanks for your advice and tips. So far everyone seems to be agreeing on SA being a wonderful country to explore however you need to be aware and take precautions- like Filboy said Pretoria is like any big city. Thanks for taking the time to help us. DD

Hi,

In terms of the tax you will have to pay. Cleocat is correct, however, if you are only here for one year, and maybe you visit home at some stage, the tax might work differently, and you would be taxed according to some international agreement between countries.
Obviously there are some "tax reducing" things that can be done in this case and i would thus advise you to consult a tax person who knows how local and international tax systems work.

Lastly, cars are not that expensive --- unless you want to drive the latest BMW.

Best regards
Sampie

With regard to car prices, I have researched some dealers and here are some price comparisons on 2 popular medium priced cars:
2006 Camry - SA List R225,710 = $37,000 U.S. List Price - $20,000
2006 Corolla -SA List 201,476 = $33,000 U.S. List Price - $15,315
Compared to the U.S., car prices are expensive, but it might not be compared to EU where people are paying way too much, and quite a bit higher rates on loans. People are being ripped off.

Hi Di. Sorry I haven't come back earlier. Been in Cape town for a week. If you decide to come to SA make sure CPT is your first holiday destination. I've been there many times and every time there is something new to do or something old that you never get tired of.

You asked how I know everything. I don't know I suppose I'm a bit nosy I like to know a little bit about everthing but the memory is getting so bad lately....
You must let us know if you decide to come to Pretoria.