What I’ve come to realise, over the past few weeks, is that there can be no angrier, more unreasonable person on the planet than the South Africa expat who is told that the country has not gone up in flames (yet) and that we actually spend a lot of time camping, hiking, hanging out on the beach and drinking very nice, inexpensive wine on our expansive lawns in the sunshine while somebody else does the ironing. I think it is fair to say that a goaded bull with a punctured testicle being shown 42 red flags simultaneously could not be more enraged than the (ex) South African who sold up, spent all their money on relocating their family to Wellington before the Swart Gevaar put a torch to the entire country only to find that it’s not quite the utopia they imagined and that their life is actually kakker than before.
When I wrote On Moving Back to South Africa I really did it for myself. It was a way of coming to terms with my own feelings, and trying to make sense of this country I choose to call home. Never in my wildest imaginings did I think it would get over 40 000 views in the first few weeks, get posted and re-posted all over the world, appear on the official South African Homecoming Revolution website and that I would get inundated with comments, thoughts and opinions. And while most, by far, have been extremely positive and a few have politely but vehemently disagreed, there is a small contingency who were made so cross by my allegations that South Africa is still a rather nice place to live out ones days I could practically see the spittle flying from their mouths as they did Rumpelstiltskin dances of rage and shouted abuse at me from their couches in Queensland.
And it’s a curious thing, because if you’re really, really happy in your new home abroad and you’re really, really pleased to have left this cesspit of hell, why would you care enough to get so emotional? All that their comments told me (which were, unfortunately, verging on abusive so I had to trash them) is that they feel deeply conflicted about their decision to leave, and that my story of settling well and loving what this country has to offer seriously messes with their heads. And I can understand that – it must be a fuck up of note to have convinced yourself that we were on the verge of apocalypse and that leaving was the only sensible option only to come back in December and find that your friends are doing very nicely in their holiday houses in Onrus, rump steak costs next to nothing and Woolworths dips keep getting better.
I have friends who left for Canada a while back and come back every summer, and their confusion is tangible. Because it’s the same old place it ever was. Even with that mad bastard JZ in power. We still go for picnics on Clifton 4th; hang out on the café strip; drink bubbly and watch the sunset; swim in our pools; have lekker braais. The story they had to tell themselves (and keep telling themselves and everyone who’ll listen) about why they left the country they loved gets a bit frayed at the edges when their buddies invite them over for fresh kreef and the kids have a jol being outdoors all day and half the night and Spur sauce still tastes good on everything. I’m not saying this country doesn’t have serryass problems, but for now it’s the same old place and sheesh, you have a cool life.
And neither am I saying that some people don’t leave South Africa happily and settle well and never look back, but they aren’t the ones writing me cross letters. And I feel for them, I really do. For me, leaving South Africa permanently would break my heart. Maybe their hearts got a bit broken and the only way they know how to deal is by running the country down and calling those of us who still live here – or, god forbid, came back – names. A writer whose name I forget once said in a novel, ‘Africa is not easily forsaken by her children.’ I never forgot those words. For whatever reason, this country gets under your skin. It holds you in its grip, and I see a kind of emotional attachment I haven’t witnessed in any other place.
A journalist friend of mine went to Australia to interview South African expats, and many had had to undergo some kind of therapy in order to come to terms with leaving. You hear of South Africans going down on their bended knees and kissing the tarmac when they get off the plane. I did it myself when we moved back permanently. Maybe it’s because our country has suffered so much, and we have witnessed its turmoil and anguish and then danced in its (rather short-lived) victories. Or maybe it’s something else; an intangible, indefinable quality that inspires this deep love and reverence.
So, I say this to the expats who need to sound off and be haters in order to justify their choices: let us love our country if that is what makes sense to us. We don’t yell at you and accuse you of abandoning ship because you’re living in Maida Vale. We are happy that you have homes in London because now we have somewhere to stay when we go overseas with our tragic Rands. You made a choice to go, like we made a choice to stay. No amount of shouting is going to convince us that we’re deluded. We read the papers; we get it. You don’t have to point out crime stats to us. For better or for worse, we have made peace with our decision, as you are going to have to make peace with yours.
And the thing is this: you talk about not being ‘free’ in South Africa. I lived in Sweden for eight years and as I ventured out, day after day, under a low-hanging grey sky to take my children to school in a gloomy, high-rise building where everybody I encountered seemed chronically depressed, that is when I felt unfree. Where there were so many rules I was afraid to do anything; where the weather was so crap we spent our lives watching TV, and where everybody lives for the end of the year so that they can get the hell out and feel like they’re alive. Now, I feel alive every single day. And it’s freaking awesome. A moment of shameless sentimentality, but I love this so much. And, like old Thabs says, today it feels good to be an African.
The Disco Pants Blog 
Absolutey bloody well said. If life is so much better where you are then stop your incessant bleating!
haaaahahahahhahaha OMG!!! If I was with you right now I would honestly kiss you full on the lips (and no, I ain’t gay hahaha) With each new paragraph in this response to your initial story and every Tom, Dick and Poppies response to it, I honestly got more and more butterflies throwing punches in my tummy. Love it, love your writing and goddamnit I LOVE OUR AFRICA!!!!! From a Zimbabwean who chooses to stay and flick down to good old Joburg now and again to buy lekker things at Woolies!
:-)))))) xxxxxx
Hi Susan, Just read a few of your blogs, the first of which appeared on my FB page -“On moving back to South Africa”. I love the illustrations on your page. They make me feel like the sea breeze is blowing straight into my face and the sand`s between my toes. When I think of Cape Town where I grew up, I think of Mother Table Mountain which meant a lot to me when I lived in Bellville, cos we could see her for 20 whole kms (those days, 12 miles) on the National Road before we hit the city. Now, whenever I visit , which isn`t often enough, I just look at the lilac rock, close my eyes and in one second , feel I`ve come home again. I live in Israel and believe it or not don`t feel at all conflicted about my choice. There are such similarities – the political situation – don`t forget I grew up in Apartheid times, the warmth of the people, the naturalness of their behavior, the sense of humour and ability to laugh till the tears run down your cheeks and you beg to stop cos your tummy hurts so much. When I travelled to Europe in the 70`s, my disclosure of my nationality was met with the same sympathetic looks that I get these days when I tell where I`m from. I would only choose to live and work in two places in the world – here or there where you are now. I wish you happy days, a spirit that doesn`t stop enjoying and a mind that allows you to keep your thoughts on the even keel. Best.
Well said!
Sjoe, hoe lekker huil ek nou! Once again, Susan, your expressive writing has touched me deeply. 17 years ago I left beautiful SA to follow my love . . . never, ever planning to stay away. But life happened and well, here I am. SA will forever be my home, my husbands, home and a very strong heritage for our children. This morning, my 9 year old will present her very first 4th grade speech – on her heritage. She took along a Zulu basket, my HHH blazer (yes, I proudly still own this!), some SA tribal art and jewellery and books and boy, is she proud to talk about HER South Africa! I AM PROUD to say we have never tainted our girls’ love for the South African people and this special country. Portland is now our home, it is very like the Boland – happy, friendly, outgoing people in land that is green, green, green, surrounded by farmland, forests and gorgeous mountains. But South Africa will forever be our home, too.
Brava!! You have said it all in a ‘nutshell’…big nutshell. I think that you touched some very sore points for all expats that they didn’t or still don’t understand fully and just maybe it can help them live in a more serene way, where-ever they are. Your article for me was an eye-opener..or as I said ‘it illuminated me’ .. and who knows..no kids its easy to move back. Enjoy wonderful spring and let the angry words just wash away….thank-you. Anna ps if u need a bed near Venice-Italy you are most welcome…hahaha…… ;-)
AMEN!!! :)
I am an expat, a little jealous of my saffa friends, but never vitriolic, I think you (again) hit the nail on the head.
I still yearn to come home, just trying to figure out the logistics, but I’m glad you’ve done it. Gives me hope!
I get this, I am a happy wanderer. I left, came back, and left again because I wanted to and I wanted my children to experience the world. This is over a span of 22 years. I understand that I am privileged to be able to indulge the adventure of country hopping and that many people do not have that choice. The grass is only greener if you continue to nurture it wherever you live.
Loved this post. So true. Although I’ve lived away for 25 years now (never an intention) and my sons were born in the UK, in their heads they’re South African – as am I – forever.
:))
That may be very true, and part of me dreams of coming ‘home’ but I left as a child – at age 15 in 1975. Africa is imprinted in my soul. But when I hear the atrocities that have happened to many peole I know, the senseless deaths and dismemberments of friends’ father’s, and brothers and in the case of a family member of mine who is suffering from PTSD after finding his father dead under awful circumstances, and the people I know whose children have been raped. Knowing I can walk down a street in the dark without being afraid, or drive somewhere and not be afraid to get out of my car to pee are some of the many reasons people leave. Don’t be too harsh. We each have our own journeys to fulfill and we can’t judge others until we walk in their shoes. I personally prefer to do my own ironing too. SA will always hold a special place in my heart, the colors, the sights, sounds, the music, the scenery, the smells, the food, the flake bars, fruit pastilles, biltong, potje food, mieliepap etc. So many wonderful things about SA, If I could go back I might jump at it, but I still don’t want to judge others who made the very serious decision to leave.
Boy do I hear this rant! I left to PhD in the USA and became good friends with the British son of 2 Saffas. When I told them I was going back home with my newly minted degree all I got was horror and scare. Boy it was really offputting. Hubby had to talk me off a cliff to get me back to SA but 4 years in we are happier than ever here. Then again when I told people I was moving to New York to study at Columbia all I heard was how dangerous it is living there and how it is a police state. This from people who last set foot in NY in the 80’s. Maybe something similar at work? Anchoring to whatever made them leave.
Yay for you. When I was living abroad, it was because I was offered awesome, career-enhancing work. And I loved my poky little Notting Hill flat, and my life there, and the weather. And when I came back, I loved being back. And if a similar job offer comes up again, I’ll joyfully up-sticks and go and do that for a while, even if it’s somewhere I’m not interested in, like Taipei, because there is amazingness to be found wherever you go, especially when you’ve got awesome work. What’s with the right-wrong, forever-and-ever absolutes? The world is full of “otherness”. So glad you wrote this.
i wonder who wrote that those words for thabs
very thought-provoking words indeed
but i dont think he has/had
the intelligence to do it himself
he was only a puppet
like the rest of them
those words he’s speaking
are the words that hit home
to every SA citizen especially caucasian
knowing that what lies before us
is having those wonderful memories
wrenched from our very hearts
through the greed of the politicians
the absolute lawlessness that abounds
with total disregard for the people
who voted the government into power
their wellbeing, or that of the country
& for our constitution
what happened to the rainbow nation ???
madiba must be a broken man
after all the years he suffered
& ALL he worked for
just to see it crumble the way it is
what a fantastic country !!!
into which we were all born
but the lovely words of the video
have a very hollow ring to them
my heart is heavy
i can see what’s coming…
Reblogged this on Returning to Camissa and commented:
Dear friends
I really enjoy this lady’s writing and blog, and there is a lot of truth in what she is saying. This is very relevant to my situation, and I think you will enjoy reading it. I didn’t leave South Africa initially because of the politics, and if I leave again, it will not be because of the politics. I have never been able to sit around at braais with other South African expats in Muscat, Germany, London or where-ever and bitch about “Home”. I am a South African, and I love my country with a passion. I am especially a Cape Townian, and love my mountain with all my heart! You will love the video too.
Thank you! Xxx
Love it!! After living overseas for 14 years, I have never been happier being back home in SA. Yes, this country does have Seriyasss (LOL!!) problems but here I feel I can really make a difference and utterly love being home. The grass is never greener – but as long as the green is the green you love and want under your feet, then thats the one for you :)
I am happy where I am and it is not in SA
happy for you and your point?
There is nothing wrong with being happy in new country. Being a Zimbo, I have never really loved SA but realised that it is where I made my living. there are different benefits to different countries if you can get away from the lack of a “comfort zone”. I don’t run down SA and frankly, I haven’t come across any ex-south Africans who do. There are problems in the country and if you can live with those, good for you. I have family still in Zim who have emigrated to Aus but still live in Zim, they are lucky to be able to do that and good for them as that is their choice. I advise all people that I speak to that they should visit SA but I also point out the problems. I am very happy living overseas and find it easier each time I leave SA.
Susan I also discovered your blog via a friend sharing your brilliant post On Moving back to South Africa, and I LOVE your little space on the internet. I read somewhere once that “The opposite of Love is not Hate, but indifference”, and I think about that line so often, especially when I hear people being super scathing about SA after they have left. Because I totally agree with you that anyone who is 100% delighted and at peace at having moved away from home does not feel the need to be so scathing about it! On the contrary though, I am often faced with friends at home saying that they think we are crazy for wanting to return to SA from the UK. And the ironic thing is that the majority of these people haven’t ever ventured further than Mozambique from South Africa! I feel that the more I travel, the more I realise that there is only country that will ever by my home. Warts and all, South Africa, I love you!
Great post to get the tongues wagging… but the nail has been hit right on the head by a firm grip on the hammer. Well done.
My friends husband was just murdered. He was blungend to death and her mom was forced to watch. Its all fun and games until it all goes horribly wrong…
You write so well, and it is clearly from the heart, which makes it all the better, so thank you for this.
I have left. Am I happy where I am (Sydney)? Yes, I love it, it is the most incredible lifestyle centered around outdoor living on the harbour and the beaches. Do I miss South Africa? Achingly so, I would love nothing more than to come home. Am I conflicted? Clearly! I miss the culture, I miss my friends and family, I miss braais and the Boks, I miss so many things!
I’m born and raised South African, but my folks both grew up in Zimbabwe, and come from large families of farming stock. I saw first hand the devastation that Mugabe’s policies wreaked in our extended family. Practically overnight they were left homeless, and with the majority of their savings worthless. A family member was murdered for daring to run as a local independent candidate against the Zanu PF.
A few years ago my wife and I did an overland trip around Africa. Worried for the future of South Africa, a large part of the reason behind the trip was to try to find somewhere in Africa to settle. After what we saw, there is only one country I would be able to settle in, and that is South Africa. However, what are the chances that South Africa will not follow suit? I pray the proverbial shit doesn’t hit the fan, but if you look north of our borders, the status quo in the overwhelming majority of African countries says otherwise.
You said “you’d have to be pretty naïve not to know we’re on a downward spiral which has little chance of ending well.” It is this legacy that I am trying not to leave for my children. Right now I’m doing the hard yards, attempting to set up a new life in a new country without the support of my family or childhood friends. Having kids here will be incredibly difficult without the help of mum and dad and, as you put it, someone to do the ironing, but I can’t run the risk that my children will lose everything.
Hi Steve, I feel your pain, I really do. I wish you and yours everything of the best. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been in tears reading some peoples’ comments this morning. Whichever choice one makes, it aint damn easy.
Beautifully written and well said.. My voice could not help cracking as I read this to my newly-acquired Irish husband. I left because I couldn’t afford to live in my beloved Cape Town any more.. to earn British pounds and to feel some distance between myself and a life broken in so many ways. I’ve now settled in Ireland after getting married on a beach back home.. yes, home.. because it will always be that to me. My children are there, my heart is there and tears spring to my eyes and a lump grows in my throat every time I think of home. There is something about Africa which is in your blood if born there and touches you even if you weren’t. It’s something wild and free. I still could not afford to move back home and am making peace with living away.. but I will always go back, as long as I am able to. It will always be home. And I have no animosity towards anyone either way, whether they leave or stay. Many people have been personally affected by stuff which means they carry anger and resentment.. I can understand that. But you’re right.. the fact that they get so emotional shows how their homeland still holds their hearts. And it’s heartbreaking. Namaste to those who left and to those who stay or return.. Namaste South Africa.
Oh my goodness, Linda, I have tears in my eyes reading this. Darling. Sending you the biggest, warmest South African hug, and your country will always be right here waiting for you when the time is right for you to return xxxx
I just wanted to reply to your comment as it brought tears to my eyes! I too, am living in Ireland, and am about to marry an wonderful Irish man in January 2014, in the Drakensberg – my favourite place in SA! I too, miss home every day, and while I have made peace with living in Ireland, and am very happy over here, do get sad when I think that our children (hopefully one day!) will not grow up with the beautiful South African childhood that I was lucky enough to have… I find the best way to think about it positively, is that if we can continue to visit home regularly, we will get the best of both worlds – experiencing SA in the summers, on holiday, with none of the stresses of every day life… It was lovely to hear someone else’s thought who is in the same position as myself! x
Great post Susan. I think that anyone who was born, raised or spent any amount of time in SA will always have a very soft spot for the country and her people. As an ex-pat there have been many times over the past 15 years, that I have questioned my decision to leave SA, mainly when things on this end of the world were not going so well for my family and me personally, but at other times when I have just missed the people who were and still are my friends and the lifestyle that is so uniquely South African. I think that is just human nature. SA like any other country in the world has it’s challengers and casting off the robe of one’s youth and wearing the cloak of a new country, is no easy emotional transition to make. Deciding to stay or leave, or go back, or whatever the case may be, is ultimately a very personal decision and will vary from person to person and family to family. As conditions change both within SA and internationally, so to will one’s perception of the pro’s and con’s of staying within her boarders, or venturing out to try a new country and life (with it’s many challengers) or even perhaps returning back to her African shores.
Absolutely, Barry. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Eish! I have been away permanently since 92 and temporarily since 87. I firmly intend to move back to retire, but every visit I make my mates say “Eish, you’re crazy to want to move back here. Alles is opgef_k”. When I read the Telegraph and other online papers, I cringe at the state Die Land is in.
Dear Abby, what advice would you give me? Hart_se_put_Pretoria.
Well, when I moved back there were quite a few of my friends who made the same decision round about the same time, and not one of us has looked back. We lead beautiful lives, and we’re happy. It is a bit fucked up, but it always was. It would be hard to convince me that it’s MORE fucked up than it was when the Nats were in power. There’s been a lot of progress, and the atmosphere is immeasurably improved since the bad old days. Ask your friends what, concretely, has changed in their lives for the worse. I would be curious to know. I would also warrant a guess that most who hold this opinion have not lived abroad and don’t have perspective. Speaking personally, I find it to be the same place it always was offering the same opportunities. We also read those papers, but it doesn’t impact our day to day lives. Abby says to follow your heart. It’s the only way.
I’m not an angry ex-pat. Very happy where I am. I have had numerous encounters in discussion groups with very angry pats who still live in South Africa who are quite nasty and vitriolic about us leaving. In the scheme of things one cannot generalize. We are like licorice all-sorts and every sort has an opinion.
And differing experiences. We just have to respect each other’s choices and deal with our own failings without blaming people who make different choices from us.
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Well said, you hit the nail on the head..I moved to Queenstown, New Zealand three years ago, having lived in West Africa for ten years previously. Africa will always be in my blood, I miss it everyday. But my children are happy and are able to study at Universities here. I will never lose my accent, very proud to be a South African living here in New Zealand. The grass is never greener on the other side, it comes with its own set of problems. I too get sick of South Africans running down our awesome country but they are trying so hard to fit into their new country and I often wonder if we will ever be accepted??South Africa will always remain home and the Springboks my team..
Thank you, Charmaine! All the best to you and yours xx
Perhaps – too – these expats find it difficult to admit they do really want to come back. And then, take the leap to uproot and relocate again? In many ways, I feel sorry for them, because it takes guts and courage to return to SA. More perhaps than leaving in the first place. After nearly 15 years abroad, I have dragged my foreign husband from the Norwegian tundra back to the African plains … it is tough going looking for jobs, but at least the sun shines everyday and people are so friendly and helpful!!
Susan, I don’t know you but I would just like to say. Bravo!!! Since moving back to South Africa after 9 years in Europe, my life style has improved 10 fold. I would never consider living anywhere esle but South Africa. My home.
Yaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!! We should get everyone together and have a We Live Loving Back Here party where we talk non-stop about how cool it is and consciously counter the moany, whiny energy that still comes from certain quarters :-)
Africa remains in our blood. We are here they are there – each has his reasons and there are no excuses. Love it or leave it, that goes for Joburg, CapeTown – Sydney or Perth -Toronto or Dallas ———snap out of it this is not a practice run, you have but one life ` ` ` ` ` ”Live it”
Having lived in Germany for a number of years, I really related to your fear of doing anything in case you broke some unknown rule and were reported to the “Wheelie Bin Gestapo”! (God forbid that you put the wrong colour glass bottle in the recylcing container or try have a wood braai in a smoke free zone – Mein Gott!!) While we had a wonderful time there and we made good use of being so central in Europe – there is no place like home. Over there you are never one of them, there is always the feeling that you are an outsider. AND they don’t have Niknaks! SA Rocks!
Ha ha ha! Indeed. Viva Niknaks! :-)
Great article. We are one of those ex-pats, now living in sunny California. We love it here and have made a life here …but still have Africa in our hearts. We dont bash it and stand firm when others here do attack it. I think the country of your birth will always be home. The country you choose to live in needs to make you feel happy – if it does not,then pack up and go back to sunny SA , cause you can still live a wonderful life there.
Thank you, Tracey! x
I also enjoyed the blog, but come on people one does not have to emigrate that far, I am living in Zambia and I am touroughly enjoying a non-racial society here…….
I am euro import, and moved to South Africa nine years ago – consciously. I decided to stay because of my love and fascination for this country (not for love or a job or whatever. I was single and jobless when I decided to extend my 6-month stint and sign up for a more permanent adventure). South Africa has become my home. Much more even. It has embedded itself in every fiber of my soul, despite its issues and what not.
Over the past years, quite a few South Africans, both expats and people still residing within our borders, have expressed their doubt and confusion around my decision. “Why on earth wouldn’t you want to live in Europe? What makes South Africa so special? Why on earth did you decide to stay, with all the crime/poverty/corruption”.
Let me tell you this: Europe is not the promised land where the streets are paved with gold, job, opportunities and equality. Europe is not the Holy Grail of living. No, you will not be accepted just like that, just because of your ability to speak English/ Dutch or/and some very distant ties to said host country. Far from. Europe has her own problems, very serious ones as a matter of fact, and Europeans will therefore not receive you with open arms amidst the tunes of a brass band serenade. To Europe, you are a foreigner, who will compete for jobs, resources, etc. e same counts for other popular host countries. The large number of Saffas returning to the Motherland proves that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere.
South Africa has her fair set of problems, without a doubt, but so has Europe. Europe too has crime, corruption, bad politics, and other shit. So has Australia, the US and Canada.
What I have learned over the past years, while building up my existence from scratch, is this: life is what you make of it. If you are unhappy here, chances are you will be unhappy elsewhere too. I think the angry expats prove that. Instead of being happy they are somewhere else, they are miserable in their guest country, probably because South Africa hasn’t crumbled to pieces Like they thought it would. Me and thousands of fellow import Europeans, are very happy this side of the world. it has given us opportunities because we saw and grabbed them, often made them. And the weather is better here too, which is a massive bonus.
Love. You. So. Much. THANK YOU for this comment. It’s really important for we South Africans to know and understand the things you just said before they imagine everything will be better on the other side. Thank you for making this country your home, sharing your insights and spreading such positive energy. Miriam for president! :-)
Living in the moment and being happy with where you are is a wonderful thing! I am happy to be living in Canada, but enjoy my visits back to South Africa to see my family and a handful of great childhood friends. I think it is wrong to wish anything less than a rosy future for SA especially if it is merely to justify relocating. With so many people that I love and care for still in South Africa I constantly hope for less of the bad and more of the good.
Aaaah, a voice of reason! Thank you, Craig. We need your good wishes :-)
My thoughts exactly!!! Well said!!! The world is so turbulent at the moment, with environmental disasters and financial meltdowns plaguing First World Countries. I have chosen to stay in my beautiful home, with my family around me and my amazing lifestyle and I am 100% happy with that!!!!!
Awesome article!
It is great that you had the opportunity to leave the country and experience different cultures, which brought you to the realisation that South Africa is a beautiful place and that there truly is no place like home.
I immigrated to Australia (Queensland), two weeks ago and don’t know if I will ever be able to call it home. It has it’s own beauty but nothing beats the lifestyle we have in South Africa. There are moments where I think we made the wrong decision but honestly feel that if we didn’t take the opportunity to immigrate when it was presented to us, we probably would have regretted it for the rest of our lives. I am not an angry “expat” and honestly don’t down South Africa, I only wish the best for SA and really hope that the downward spiral that you mentioned takes a very long time to hit rock bottom. I have friends and family in South Africa that I love dearly and would hate for anything terrible to happen to them, they do not have the opportunity to leave SA, and experience a different life, they as we did have learned to live with the bad as well as the good. I am all for the rise of the new South Africa and wish for peace and harmony between the different cultures daily!!
All the South African’s who have left the country are not all bad and don’t all down SA at every chance, they were just given an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. The truth of the matter is we can always come back home to the country we truly love but people can’t always leave!
Totally Tanya, I would not change my time away for the world. It’s such a gift having the opportunity to live abroad and really experience the other side. I wish you an incredible adventure, wherever your journey takes you :-)
True, all true. We have friends and family that have left and tell us all the things they have but I think its toooo “ruled”. Yes crime is rough but with our wits about us we are fine. JZ won’t be in power forever. I just keep praying for our land. God was with us in 1994 and is still with us. The sunshine is amazing and life is fine! I wish all the expats would come home and help make the country Fantatic again. I dare them!!!!
Amen to that. (there’s NO religious connotation to that Amen by definition..’1. Amen: uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn, meaning ‘so be it.’
Thank you I’m so happy, after 16 years away to be home, you articulate so well it felt like I was speaking.
I find it a little disappointing that you flout all the positives, sitting on the beach, drinking wine and most disturbingly, someone else doing your ironing as reasons for staying in the country.
The disparity between the people that can enjoy such a lifestyle and the majority of the country living in poverty is massive. I for one am not okay with contributing to increasing this economic and social divide and blindly living in the small, protected social elite which you describe. It is not right.
It’s not right, Nathan, I never said it was. The blog is a counter to the expats who insist life is awful here – it’s not a piece about the social disparities and how fucked up the divide is between rich and poor. I will write that at some stage when I have the mental energy.
Although I was born and grew up in South Africa, in my heart, even as a child, I knew I didn’t belong there.. beautiful as it is, and even with my family still there.
I now live and work in Cardiff, Wales and am happier than I have ever been with my decision. While I miss my friends and famly, they understand that this was my choicen and I have accepted that it is their choice to remain behind. I will get my citizenship next year and look forward to my nephews and nieces coming over to use my home as a launch pad for their lives.
keep wel
l and happy with your decision.
you rock sistah! *high five*
Excellent! Well said!
Well said Susan!!!
My wife and I lived in Jhb and were all set to move to NZ but I got an opportunity to move to Cape Town and the company paid for the transfer. It was an option we took and are glad we did.
Moving to CT is like moving to a “new” South Africa. It makes a big difference living in a part of the country, that for the most part, is actually being run pretty well.
I’m sure, Mark. I’m very aware that I write from the limited perspective of a middle class white person living on the Atlantic Seaboard. But we can only write what we know. Glad to have you in town :-)
We have lived in Ireland for the past 14 years and we have never encountered angry ex-pats, neither here nor in Brisbane or America. Our fellow expats seem to have embraced their new homes and cultures and have inter grated well into the communities in which they have chosen to live. Is it possible that the cross ex pats are in the minority? It would be so interesting to do a study on this subject. I think we found the move to Europe easy because we were first generation South African, that is, our parents and families were European, therefore we were raised within culturally diverse families and found the transition into a foreign country really easy. Is it possible that South Africans who have only had a South African cultural experience their entire lives (and for generations before them) would find the transition into a new country very difficult – especially if they are not accustomed to taking care of themselves re housework, children and gardening? It is impossible not to love South Africa and hold her dear to our hearts, and it is only human nature to feel home sick. We have such a wonderful time on our visits ‘home’, as you say, picnics on beautiful beaches and braais in the bush, however, I am also always happy to get back on that plane and get back to our adopted home, where we and a number of other ex-pats happily leap out of bed everyday, and thankfully encounter cheerful people. It is true that we don’t have someone to do the ironing whilst we frolic in the sunshine (I wonder how that person feels about having to slave over the ironing whilst you have fun? Many of the places mentioned in your text refer to Cape Town, which is such a beautiful place, but not all South Africans are able to live there, I don’t believe that people living in the squalor of Johannesburg townships would have the same happy outlook as you and I doubt that they have someone to do their ironing, me thinks you write from a position of privilege). However, in Europe we have many other pleasures in life, for me its the easy access to the rest of Europe and the amazing culture, history and natural beauty on offer. Sometimes we have dreadful weather here too – but it’s just a short plane ride to the Costa Smarelda and the sparkling sunshine and warm Meditteranean.
We left SA as we wanted to avail of the opportunity to travel within Europe and to experience the diverse culture on offer, not because we were running scared. We work incredibly hard to maintain our lifestyle here, much harder than we ever worked in SA, but we are not complaining, we absolutely love it and also always know that SA is just a plane ride away.
Couldn’t agree more, and it is time to start talking about the other side of this country – I’ve had a good idea this morning for how to do that in an interesting way. Thanks so much for commenting.
I don’t agree with much of what you say, but wow, you say it so well :)
Of course there are still loads of fabulous things about living in South Africa, but everyone has a different experience living there. I agree with paulsdv, it is all fun and games… until something goes horribly wrong. And unfortunately there is more chance of it “going horribly wrong” in RSA that many other countries. There is always that possibility that something bad could happen…. but if one can live with the crime (plus corruption andgeneral incompetence), then it is a great place to live!