Comments on: Experience the South African countryside http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/ Live where you want to live... Live how you want to live... And make money doing it! Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:29:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Carlton http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-2/#comment-509 Carlton Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:35:04 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-509 Well, here it goes again. As an African-American I want to visit, and perhaps resettle in South Africa at some point. However, coming from the NYC area, the crime sounds 100 times worse. C'mon, give me a break, things can't possibly be that bad or else the country would be at a complete standstill. I have to see for myself. Well, here it goes again. As an African-American I want to visit, and perhaps resettle in South Africa at some point. However, coming from the NYC area, the crime sounds 100 times worse. C’mon, give me a break, things can’t possibly be that bad or else the country would be at a complete standstill.

I have to see for myself.

]]> By: Jamez http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-365 Jamez Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:11:24 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-365 Expotential, I am looking to get to SA for a 2 week perhaps 4 week trip. I like the way you make your place and area sound. I would like to know more about that area and the possible accomodations for that area for my trip. Purpose of my trip is pleasure just as it is business. I work for a residential land planning company that is seeking to offer our services in that region of the world. Put me up on any websites or any areas that are as nice as yours sound. Hit me at Jamez.Staples@gmail.com. any information helps for I am in the fetal stages of planning my trip and the way I move is like water (able to change anything at any given time), Main focus is to have a good time make contacts and truly experience SA. Anyone else who may be able to assist me with info shoot it to me and we can chat. Expotential,

I am looking to get to SA for a 2 week perhaps 4 week trip. I like the way you make your place and area sound. I would like to know more about that area and the possible accomodations for that area for my trip.

Purpose of my trip is pleasure just as it is business. I work for a residential land planning company that is seeking to offer our services in that region of the world. Put me up on any websites or any areas that are as nice as yours sound. Hit me at Jamez.Staples@gmail.com. any information helps for I am in the fetal stages of planning my trip and the way I move is like water (able to change anything at any given time), Main focus is to have a good time make contacts and truly experience SA. Anyone else who may be able to assist me with info shoot it to me and we can chat.

]]> By: Steve http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-359 Steve Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:22:21 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-359 I can only say that living in central Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, or even the peaceful appearance of Phoenix can be just as deadly as anywhere in S Africa. For the most part, SA is fairly safe IF one uses caution and some intelligence in chosing where they travel. Certainly the black townships are a definate 'No Go' anytime of the day and even outside of Capetown can be very dangerous. But this is also true of the ghettos of the above cities with the exception of Phoenix where gang violence has made Phoenix unsafe in the recent years. I have many friends in J'Berg and know whats going on there. To live halfway safely one needs to be in a gated community or a guarded community. Even the malls and shopping centers have limited entrances that are guarded. Sharp turn obstacles with armed guards in those retail areas ensure that carjackers cannot speed away without being discovered and stopped. It is foolish and naive to believe that SA is all peaches and cream. With the absence of the apartied government, the ANC has let SA run itself into a crime infested nation. With no real authority to hold back the township street criminals, the gun toting youths have robbed and raped their way into all levels of SA society whether one is rich or poor. Bringing these people to justice is very hard as once a suspect or stolen vehicle makes its way into a ghetto township, not many cops will go in after it or the car. Knowing this makes the criminals more bolder. However in all fairness, the judges who now are mostly black are very fair and straightforward in sentencing criminals. The problem is getting the lawbreakers into court or jail. This is one thing that any future prospect should realize when planning a move to SA. Now there are nice pockets of areas to live in. The western coast from Capetown north is nice and kind of crime free and so is the area around Durban. Pretoria, due to the heavy police presence from the central government, is also a nice place but gets cool to cold in the winter months due to its elevation. Also the biggest concern was not addressed yet. That is the way the government has set up the currency regulations and the exit of currency from SA. You simply cannot take much money out of the country. Any person who has got out of SA has stories of paper bills hidden under photos of albums or stashed in clothing. This was after much search and hassle to convert Rand into US$. To those who say this is nonsense that I am saying.............I ask you this.............why are there security cages around elevators in apartments in the nice suburbs? Is this to protect the occupants in case they run into a robber waiting at the bottom floor? Wy do the new cars now have an option to have anti theft propane gas flame burners installed on each side angled upwards to burn potential hijackers? Why in every jewelry store in almost every town or city have one or two shotgun or assault rifle toting guards? The answer is simply that law and order have taken a hard left turn. Under their breath and in trusted company, many older blacks will readily tell you that they wish the Dutch were back running the show. Thats a real no brainer to any casual observer. I am not being racist, just a realist. SA living is risky at best. Unless you are in a secure compound and / or a guarded community, you roll the dice with every outing and errand. Gun laws are restrictive more so now than in the past and this is due to the ANC government wanting a list of who has what. The ANC does not want an uprising of any kind, especially one that would involve remnants of the former government. This most likely would never happen or even get off the ground but it makes for easier arrest and detain status for anyone caight putting down the president. With Mandela, there was hope for all races but now its very one sided. The current president does not condone the antics of Mugabe across his northern border. This should tell you all something. Now is there beauty and possibility in the lush farmlands and the low veldt? Sure..........nothing like it. Is there a feeling of grandeur and beauty to see the blue waves crashing on the rocks at Africa's most southern point? And to enter Kruger Nat'l Park and see animal life as it always existed? Most definitely. I must admit that most definitely the lure for a better life and better dreams lie all within SA's border but until major league changes come about, making a move there is purely a pipe dream. I can only say that living in central Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, or even the peaceful appearance of Phoenix can be just as deadly as anywhere in S Africa. For the most part, SA is fairly safe IF one uses caution and some intelligence in chosing where they travel. Certainly the black townships are a definate ‘No Go’ anytime of the day and even outside of Capetown can be very dangerous. But this is also true of the ghettos of the above cities with the exception of Phoenix where gang violence has made Phoenix unsafe in the recent years. I have many friends in J’Berg and know whats going on there. To live halfway safely one needs to be in a gated community or a guarded community. Even the malls and shopping centers have limited entrances that are guarded. Sharp turn obstacles with armed guards in those retail areas ensure that carjackers cannot speed away without being discovered and stopped. It is foolish and naive to believe that SA is all peaches and cream. With the absence of the apartied government, the ANC has let SA run itself into a crime infested nation. With no real authority to hold back the township street criminals, the gun toting youths have robbed and raped their way into all levels of SA society whether one is rich or poor. Bringing these people to justice is very hard as once a suspect or stolen vehicle makes its way into a ghetto township, not many cops will go in after it or the car. Knowing this makes the criminals more bolder. However in all fairness, the judges who now are mostly black are very fair and straightforward in sentencing criminals. The problem is getting the lawbreakers into court or jail. This is one thing that any future prospect should realize when planning a move to SA.
Now there are nice pockets of areas to live in. The western coast from Capetown north is nice and kind of crime free and so is the area around Durban. Pretoria, due to the heavy police presence from the central government, is also a nice place but gets cool to cold in the winter months due to its elevation.
Also the biggest concern was not addressed yet. That is the way the government has set up the currency regulations and the exit of currency from SA. You simply cannot take much money out of the country. Any person who has got out of SA has stories of paper bills hidden under photos of albums or stashed in clothing. This was after much search and hassle to convert Rand into US$.
To those who say this is nonsense that I am saying………….I ask you this………….why are there security cages around elevators in apartments in the nice suburbs? Is this to protect the occupants in case they run into a robber waiting at the bottom floor? Wy do the new cars now have an option to have anti theft propane gas flame burners installed on each side angled upwards to burn potential hijackers? Why in every jewelry store in almost every town or city have one or two shotgun or assault rifle toting guards? The answer is simply that law and order have taken a hard left turn. Under their breath and in trusted company, many older blacks will readily tell you that they wish the Dutch were back running the show. Thats a real no brainer to any casual observer. I am not being racist, just a realist. SA living is risky at best. Unless you are in a secure compound and / or a guarded community, you roll the dice with every outing and errand. Gun laws are restrictive more so now than in the past and this is due to the ANC government wanting a list of who has what. The ANC does not want an uprising of any kind, especially one that would involve remnants of the former government. This most likely would never happen or even get off the ground but it makes for easier arrest and detain status for anyone caight putting down the president. With Mandela, there was hope for all races but now its very one sided. The current president does not condone the antics of Mugabe across his northern border. This should tell you all something.
Now is there beauty and possibility in the lush farmlands and the low veldt? Sure……….nothing like it. Is there a feeling of grandeur and beauty to see the blue waves crashing on the rocks at Africa’s most southern point? And to enter Kruger Nat’l Park and see animal life as it always existed? Most definitely. I must admit that most definitely the lure for a better life and better dreams lie all within SA’s border but until major league changes come about, making a move there is purely a pipe dream.

]]> By: exponential http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-352 exponential Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:43:42 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-352 well moved to south africa in kwazulu natal. think its an excellent place live in umhlanga after coming from wimbledon in the uk. what i get in umhlanga for R8000pcm is unreal. a 200sqm fully tiled ,duplex with ,granite kitchen tops,fully furnished,fully gated, security guards who are more for show and to talk to,lock up underground parking with huge bays and my own garage. good neighbours too. the same appartment puts anything i have seen the uk to shame and i have seen alot of luxury appts. used to work with city traders and they were constantly **** sizing on the size of their places. closest was my ex bosses place in greenwhich which he paid £2000/week during the hey days of 2008 when trading derivatives was at its peak. safety loads of young children and couples walking about even late at night. tennis courts play for as long as you want for R30 golf courses,driving ranges,horse riding the gateway shopping centre puts anything i have seen in the uk to shame in terms of cleanliness,size,space,organisation and feeling of safety. no hooded youths here boozing up. the beach is walking distance, food is cheap 1kg of prawns at adegas an excellent restaurant again which puts the uk to shame in terms of service,cleanliness and especially food cost R100 well moved to south africa in kwazulu natal.

think its an excellent place

live in umhlanga after coming from wimbledon in the uk.

what i get in umhlanga for R8000pcm is unreal.
a 200sqm fully tiled ,duplex with ,granite kitchen tops,fully furnished,fully gated, security guards who are more for show and to talk to,lock up underground parking with huge bays and my own garage. good neighbours too.
the same appartment puts anything i have seen the uk to shame and i have seen alot of luxury appts. used to work with city traders and they were constantly **** sizing on the size of their places.
closest was my ex bosses place in greenwhich which he paid £2000/week during the hey days of 2008 when trading derivatives was at its peak.

safety loads of young children and couples walking about even late at night.
tennis courts play for as long as you want for R30
golf courses,driving ranges,horse riding the gateway shopping centre puts anything i have seen in the uk to shame in terms of cleanliness,size,space,organisation and feeling of safety.
no hooded youths here boozing up.

the beach is walking distance, food is cheap 1kg of prawns at adegas an excellent restaurant again which puts the uk to shame in terms of service,cleanliness and especially food cost R100

]]> By: Maja Dezulovic http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-348 Maja Dezulovic Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:18:23 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-348 I'd like to apologise to Dave Kropelnicki and anyone else who might hold a similar opinion for my above, emotionally-driven response. I did mention that crime is an issue, but in my opinion, shouldn't be a reason for one not to travel. There are enough safety measures in place to keep you safe. As for the statistics, I do realise that the ones currently on NationMaster are dated back to 2002 but those are currently the most recent world crime statistics (that you can find online, anyway) so they remain valid. Available crime statistics on South Africa are dated until March of 2008. There is a rumour that the statistics of the past year have been withheld but there is nothing to substantiate this. Therefore, there is no evidence out there indicating that South Africa has the highest crime rate. That aside, I don't know how accurate any of the world crime statistics are anyway due to errors and a vast amount of unreported crimes globally. What I do, however, know is that South Africa is a beautiful country and many of its residents are accustomed to the crime rate and take the necessary measures and therefore stay safe. One should always inform themselves of all the relevant factors before traveling anywhere. That said, it is always wise to stay out of the 'danger zones' but there is no need to drive around in a convoy to stay safe. Crime is bad but not in such a way to limit citizens in such a drastic way. I’d like to apologise to Dave Kropelnicki and anyone else who might hold a similar opinion for my above, emotionally-driven response.
I did mention that crime is an issue, but in my opinion, shouldn’t be a reason for one not to travel. There are enough safety measures in place to keep you safe.
As for the statistics, I do realise that the ones currently on NationMaster are dated back to 2002 but those are currently the most recent world crime statistics (that you can find online, anyway) so they remain valid.
Available crime statistics on South Africa are dated until March of 2008. There is a rumour that the statistics of the past year have been withheld but there is nothing to substantiate this.
Therefore, there is no evidence out there indicating that South Africa has the highest crime rate. That aside, I don’t know how accurate any of the world crime statistics are anyway due to errors and a vast amount of unreported crimes globally.
What I do, however, know is that South Africa is a beautiful country and many of its residents are accustomed to the crime rate and take the necessary measures and therefore stay safe. One should always inform themselves of all the relevant factors before traveling anywhere. That said, it is always wise to stay out of the ‘danger zones’ but there is no need to drive around in a convoy to stay safe. Crime is bad but not in such a way to limit citizens in such a drastic way.

]]> By: Maja Dezulovic http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-347 Maja Dezulovic Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:35:42 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-347 Error: South Africa is actually 7th for total crimes, not 5th. Error: South Africa is actually 7th for total crimes, not 5th.

]]> By: Maja Dezulovic http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-346 Maja Dezulovic Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:15:52 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-346 Thanks for the input Rob. I am not a property agent so my property reference was gereralised based on my own experience and what I've observed in the market lately. The article is afterall about Walkerville and that is why I am refering to the property there. I know of several families living in the area who have relocated from places such as the UK and Belgium. It is an attractive place for foreigners as well as locals. My family has lived in the Midvaal area comfortably and securely for the past 5 years. Many people living in the area have spent more than 20 years here, without considering to relocate anywhere north. Originally the plan was to move to the Northern country you mentioned, but the idea was rejected. In my opinion, properties in the North can seem over-priced and an expat can get better value for their money, should they seek it, in the Southern country areas. To Dave: In other words, you're saying that South Africa was a superb country during Apartheid! I'm sure millions of people around the world would beg to differ! As for South Africa having the highest crime rate, it does not! Please visit NationMaster.com (http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri-crime-total-crimes) and the CIA World Factbook before making these statements! South Africa ranks 5th in total crimes and 10th in crimes per capita, after countries like the United States, UK, Netherlands, Finland, Russia, France and Japan, who dominate the top of the list. Crime is always a factor in any country with a high population and economic growth. As for the 'new' guns law you write of, please check your facts. The new firearms law prohibits citizens from owning a firearm without the required licence, which has become more difficult to obtain. In previous years, any Tom, Dick or Harry could own a gun as long as he registered it. Now, you have to pass a written theoretical test with regards to the Firearms laws, precautions, etc., and you are tested practically in a shooting range. Therefore, only people who prove that they can successfully fire a weapon and know the ins-and-outs to responsibly owning one may do so. This decision was made with the overall safety of citizens in mind. As for breaking down on the highway... There are numerous insurance, security, towing, and emergency numbers to call. A friend of mine recently broke down after 12pm on a dark freeway, called the number and safely arrived home. Wow! Please check your facts before making unjustified statements that may create a negative impact on others. Thanks for the input Rob. I am not a property agent so my property reference was gereralised based on my own experience and what I’ve observed in the market lately.
The article is afterall about Walkerville and that is why I am refering to the property there.
I know of several families living in the area who have relocated from places such as the UK and Belgium. It is an attractive place for foreigners as well as locals.
My family has lived in the Midvaal area comfortably and securely for the past 5 years. Many people living in the area have spent more than 20 years here, without considering to relocate anywhere north. Originally the plan was to move to the Northern country you mentioned, but the idea was rejected. In my opinion, properties in the North can seem over-priced and an expat can get better value for their money, should they seek it, in the Southern country areas.

To Dave:
In other words, you’re saying that South Africa was a superb country during Apartheid! I’m sure millions of people around the world would beg to differ!
As for South Africa having the highest crime rate, it does not! Please visit NationMaster.com (http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri-crime-total-crimes) and the CIA World Factbook before making these statements! South Africa ranks 5th in total crimes and 10th in crimes per capita, after countries like the United States, UK, Netherlands, Finland, Russia, France and Japan, who dominate the top of the list. Crime is always a factor in any country with a high population and economic growth.
As for the ‘new’ guns law you write of, please check your facts. The new firearms law prohibits citizens from owning a firearm without the required licence, which has become more difficult to obtain. In previous years, any Tom, Dick or Harry could own a gun as long as he registered it. Now, you have to pass a written theoretical test with regards to the Firearms laws, precautions, etc., and you are tested practically in a shooting range. Therefore, only people who prove that they can successfully fire a weapon and know the ins-and-outs to responsibly owning one may do so. This decision was made with the overall safety of citizens in mind.
As for breaking down on the highway… There are numerous insurance, security, towing, and emergency numbers to call. A friend of mine recently broke down after 12pm on a dark freeway, called the number and safely arrived home. Wow!
Please check your facts before making unjustified statements that may create a negative impact on others.

]]> By: john k lindgren http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-336 john k lindgren Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:11:11 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-336 Hi Interesting piece. But nothing about Pinotage or any of the fine South African wines. Regards, John K Lindgren Bangkok Hi
Interesting piece.

But nothing about Pinotage or any of the fine
South African wines.

Regards,

John K Lindgren
Bangkok

]]> By: Dave Kropelnicki http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-330 Dave Kropelnicki Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:51:29 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-330 South Africa used to be a superb country until the ANC took over the government! South Africa has the worlds highest crime rate and it is so bad that the government has blocked the release of crime statistics! Having spent a lot of time in Sub-Saharan Africa and with may friends that live there, I can honestly say, "do not think about moving there"! You are not allowed to own guns for protection as the "new" government has put draconian gun laws in place. Of course the thugs all are armed and they have the blessing of the ANC. If you decide to take a trip across country via car, you had better go in a convoy. If you happen to break down on a highway at night, your chances of survival are in jeopardy Look before you leap!. South Africa used to be a superb country until the ANC took over the government! South Africa has the worlds highest crime rate and it is so bad that the government has blocked the release of crime statistics! Having spent a lot of time in Sub-Saharan Africa and with may friends that live there, I can honestly say, “do not think about moving there”!

You are not allowed to own guns for protection as the “new” government has put draconian gun laws in place. Of course the thugs all are armed and they have the blessing of the ANC.

If you decide to take a trip across country via car, you had better go in a convoy. If you happen to break down on a highway at night, your chances of survival are in jeopardy

Look before you leap!.

]]> By: Rob Wellman http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2009/06/experience-the-south-african-countryside/comment-page-1/#comment-317 Rob Wellman Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:19:50 +0000 http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?p=847#comment-317 I have lived in South Africa my whole life - 53 years, born and bred here. I am involved in property development and construction. The prices given in the article regarding "nice houses" and land are WAY OF THE MARK, for the type of area which a financially comfortable expat would choose to reside. I live in Johannesburg and would certainly NOT recommend Walkerville (south of Johannesburg) as a safe place to live. The prices you give for purchase of property would point to lower middle-class areas, which, I believe would not be suitable. Typically the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, onto the Southern side of Pretoria would be the ideal choice for expats. In a good area, an average 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom suburban home, with pool and entertainment area would see for between 1,5 Million and 2 Million rands. Rents on these would vary between 8 and 10 thousand rands per month. A nice one bedroom apartment would sell for between 500k and 600k rands and would rent at approximately 3000 to 3500 rands. A 2 bed 2 bath cluster (townhouse) in a good area would sell for approx 1 to 1,3 million and rent would be in the region of 6 to 7 thousand rands. In a golf estate (where I build and do business) a good piece of land to build on would be in the region of 1 million rand and a typical 450 sq metre house would cost an additional 3 million to construct with top class fitting, finishes and fixtures and including garden irrigation system and pool. Houses of this type that were built 5 years ago would sell for approx R3,5 milllion. Gated secure complexes are very popular and dependant of the size of your unit, ranging from 2 bed/2 bath to 4 bed/4 bath one would pay between 1 million and 2 million, if buying "off plan" which represents good value IF one works with a good development company. I have travelled extensively in Europe, USA, Asia and Aus. Without a doubt the lifestyle and very low cost of living make South Africa and wonderful place to live. English in the norm, contractual law is solid, weather is great, food is good and cheap, and expats are made to feel very welcome, with all the rights of local citizens, including ownership of land. It's a mix of first world and third world, dependant upon where you live. Shopping malls are pervasive and good, but not to the standard of the larger, better US malls. The SA people are mostly warm and friendly. Crime is an issue but again, very largely dependant on where you live. Like any large city, it's not a good idea to wander around in badly lit low class areas after dark. SA nas received very bad press on crime, but by far the vast majority of crime happens in high density low class areas. SA - great place to live. I live on the edge of the city and yet, within a 30 minute drive I am viewing lion, rhino and other game. GIVE IT A TRY! Anyone wanting further info on SA may contact me on rob_wellman1956@yahoo.com I have lived in South Africa my whole life – 53 years, born and bred here. I am involved in property development and construction. The prices given in the article regarding “nice houses” and land are WAY OF THE MARK, for the type of area which a financially comfortable expat would choose to reside. I live in Johannesburg and would certainly NOT recommend Walkerville (south of Johannesburg) as a safe place to live. The prices you give for purchase of property would point to lower middle-class areas, which, I believe would not be suitable.

Typically the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, onto the Southern side of Pretoria would be the ideal choice for expats. In a good area, an average 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom suburban home, with pool and entertainment area would see for between 1,5 Million and 2 Million rands. Rents on these would vary between 8 and 10 thousand rands per month. A nice one bedroom apartment would sell for between 500k and 600k rands and would rent at approximately 3000 to 3500 rands. A 2 bed 2 bath cluster (townhouse) in a good area would sell for approx 1 to 1,3 million and rent would be in the region of 6 to 7 thousand rands.

In a golf estate (where I build and do business) a good piece of land to build on would be in the region of 1 million rand and a typical 450 sq metre house would cost an additional 3 million to construct with top class fitting, finishes and fixtures and including garden irrigation system and pool. Houses of this type that were built 5 years ago would sell for approx R3,5 milllion.

Gated secure complexes are very popular and dependant of the size of your unit, ranging from 2 bed/2 bath to 4 bed/4 bath one would pay between 1 million and 2 million, if buying “off plan” which represents good value IF one works with a good development company.

I have travelled extensively in Europe, USA, Asia and Aus. Without a doubt the lifestyle and very low cost of living make South Africa and wonderful place to live. English in the norm, contractual law is solid, weather is great, food is good and cheap, and expats are made to feel very welcome, with all the rights of local citizens, including ownership of land. It’s a mix of first world and third world, dependant upon where you live. Shopping malls are pervasive and good, but not to the standard of the larger, better US malls. The SA people are mostly warm and friendly. Crime is an issue but again, very largely dependant on where you live. Like any large city, it’s not a good idea to wander around in badly lit low class areas after dark. SA nas received very bad press on crime, but by far the vast majority of crime happens in high density low class areas. SA – great place to live. I live on the edge of the city and yet, within a 30 minute drive I am viewing lion, rhino and other game. GIVE IT A TRY! Anyone wanting further info on SA may contact me on rob_wellman1956@yahoo.com

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