Hi Chareleston

I am not sure if you have ever worked in South Africa. I have a lot of Canadian expats that love it here in South Africa and others from all over the world on my current project. In round numbers we have about 150 here on the project I am on and 90% of them have signed up for another 2 year contract.

Yes crime is a problem but not that it effects everyday life, you just have to be sensible with what you do.

One of the reasons you have lots of South Africans in the UAE is because its a global market and we get offered very good money to go work in the UAE and its tax free money.

A number of South African companies are also doing work in UAE like the company I work for.

All the Best

only a pleasure

Hi Karim

I sent you a PM, Planners are scarce hear so you can afford to be a bit fussy. Send me an email.

RSA just won the world cup rugby. They’ll be fluffy and safe for a while ;)

My experience in Africa (Tanzania, not RSA) is that camp living for expats is a part of live, mostly due to the crushing poverty. Frankly, that 10 dollar watch you wear is worth a month’s salary to some so it’s a little bit difficult to blame them for being desperate enough to want it. Thus, muggings are commonplace and best avoided by going out with very little money, no jewelry, no camera etc. That said, violent mugings, that go beyond someone taking your watch are much less common, from what I understand (I have friends who have been in Africa > 10yrs) but regions and countries will vary. Sadly camp living can lead to a sense of isolation and dislocation, which is why I didn’t stay in tanzania (enjoying my time as I did).

In 15 years in various parts of SE Asia I never once worried about my personal security, sadly this is not the reality in large parts of Africa (again, I can’t speak directly about RSA, which is statistically richer than most African nations and so perghaps better, but then perhaps worse...). That said, my understanding of the current political situation in RSA is that it is stable. Best people to contact for further details, or indeed region specific advice, would be your own embassy.

So; on a micro level I’d say be careful and follow the advice of the people around you wrt personal safety, be wary and sensible and you’ll likely be OK. On a macro level Check with your embassy about the specific area you’re thinking of moving to, but chances are it’s OK if it’s in RSA and away from borders.

Crumbs Karim!

Give people a chance, you only posted your original query a couple of days ago. If you want someone to give you advice about conditions in South Africa, you could try a private message to Philip Jonker. He’s a guy with a great deal of experience, he’s based in South Africa and he’s approachable and helpful. Drop him a line and see what he says.

Regards

Chris Oggham