Moving to durban sa

[Juliet]

Originally Posted by Chantal

Hi Juliet - I love Durban more because of the weather more than anything else although it is quite safer than Cape Town. You would hat eliving in Durban if your husband was living in Cape Town. The distance is too far. Durban is about 19 hours drive away from Cape Town and about 2.5 hours flight between the two.
I would seriously consider you stay in Cape Town where you will have your support system of your husband.
SHOWS YOU HOW MUCH I KNOW! I WAS UNAWARE OF WHERE EXACTLY DURBAN WAS LOCATED!


Cape Town is much prettier than Durban and has a lot more to offer with over the top entertainment and the best of the best that S.A. has to offer. You have the wine lands, the mountain, the beach, the malls, the restaurant, the harbour that is so beautifully done etc. all you have to do is google Cape town and you will see that it has an entire library more than the other cities, apart fom Johannesburg (which is out of the question due to the crime rate).
Understand that I love the beach and warm weather. Cape Town is rainy in winter and icy cold. In summer the weather is great but the sea is so cold that you can't even swim in it - well you could but not comfortably.
Cape Town has plenty of great private schools but be prepared to pay BIG.

IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY, THE COMPANY WILL BE COVERING THIS EXPENSE FOR US. WE ARE FORTUNATE THIS WAY!

The traffic is not as bad as Johannesburg and the roads are clearly marked and in my opinion easier to find your way around. Cape Town has great shopping where you can even get name brand at really great discounted prices. Do you have any idea where your husband will be working?

I AM NOT SURE THE EXACT LOCATION, BUT WILL FIND IT OUT AND GET BACK WITH YOU!


Newlands is a lovely area but does get more rain than the rest of the area. If you can let me know where abouts he is going to be working then i can give you ideas for areas to live, shopping, schools ect.
Cape Town is a very young and happening city and progressing at an alarming rate. Please don't do what everyone else does and read up on statistics. Read up on the statistics of the AREA and not city in which you plan to reside as there is a big difference between the two.

~ I HAVE YET TO CHECK OUT STATISTICS, I AGREE COMPLETELY WITH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING AND THIS IS WHY I HAVE CHOSEN TO STAY AWAY FROM THEM FOR RIGHT NOW, UNTIL I KNOW MORE INFO. I MUST SAY THOUGH, ALL THE BANTER BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN PEOPLE ON HERE IS ENOUGH TO SCARE THE LIVING..@#*@$ OUT OF ME. HARD TO KNOW WHICH END IS UP.!

Everyone loves Cape Town there is not much to not like. As far as crime goes - it's all dependant on your movements in the city. Here a couple of pointers but please look into the do's and don'ts of safety in S.A. and you will be fine.
1 don't leave your hand bag unattended - they steal them to get your visas and passports more than anyhting else so when your'e in a restaurant put your hand bag on the floor by your chair but put the leg of your chair through the arm of your handbag.
~ALREADY DO IT!

2 always make sure your car doors are locked and windows are up at traffic light intersections.
~GOOD ADVICE, NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT ONE!

3 Be aware when drawing money from an ATM and don't let ANYONE assist you if you seem to be having a problem, make sure that you in turn do not help anyone else as they themselves are likely to be part of a scam.
~DON'T PREFER ATM'S ANYWAYS!

4 Lock your house up when leaving and make sure that your doors are also locked after entering.
~ALL THE DISCUSSIONS ON HERE HAVE LED ME TO BELIEVE I NEED TO BARACADE MYSELF IN MY HOUSE, NOT A GOOD FEELING!!


5 always park where there are plenty of other cars and try stay in areas that are busy and well lit at night time.
~PERSONALLY DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT, BUT GREAT ADVICE FOR THE HUBBY.


6 stay away from the surrounding areas of the locations or townships (where the poorest of the poor live). Never walk around with plenty of cash in your handbag.
~GOT IT!


7 Cell phone theft is on the increase and people are being mugged for them so only use your phone indoors or in busy areas. Cape Town has many alluring things in bad areas, do not go there, rather stick to your community no matter what.
~OKAY


8 don't go to the beach alone or at night.
~OKAY

9 don't take walks in the evening, rather wait for the weekend.
~OKAY


There are plenty of great gyms should you want a good work out. I have family all over S.A that I visit regularly. We do live the high life and are able to pay for security and nothing has happened to any of my 42family members but then again we are fortunate to live the high life and reside in expensive areas where money buys safety. The other aspetc is that we have grown up here and the rules of safety are embedded in us especially as we have grown WITH the transition of our country. If you are vigilant to your surroundings and aware of the "could happen" then you will be fine. It's not as bad as everyone makes out, it all depends on the area you're in. Do I think you will love Cape Town? Absolutley. Do I think you should live in Durban thousands of km away from you hubby? No. Will you be bored and lonely in Cape Town? No. Will your children possibly have better schooling and more job opportunities in Cape Town? for sure. If all goes according to plan for you, will you want to return to your home country? I don't think so.
But remember this is only my opinion. Should you make the leap to this breathtakingly beautiful city? Absolutley - go out there, make it work, do your homework, remeber your safety tips, should you need more then let me know.

~CHANTAL-
Thank you for all your advice. I am guessing that there are little communities within Cape Town that are better areas to reside in then others. Could you name these for me please.?!
As I mentioned in one of my other posts, I am concerned about how difficult it will be for me to find employment. I am a licensed Massage Therapist in the States, any good thoughts on this one?

The possibility of such a wonderful diverse cultural experience for my children is incredible. I just want to make sure we are safe.

Juliet

[Chantal]

Hey Juliet - the top places in Cape Town are: Newlands, Green Point, Sea Point and Camps Bay, those are the TOP there are other of plenty safe areas as well. You are very blessed that your major expences are met. You shouldn't struggle to get a job in that criteria, Cape Town is filled with Spas, Health resorts, Salons, Sports Centres and Therapist institutes. It's always good to read the news paper and to sign up with a recruitment agency as well as look for posts on line. Once you are in S.A it is generally easy to get a job, about a month or two wait if you are actively looking. Otherwise you can always do massage from home and just advertise. Bring your certificate none the less. It sounds like your hubby has got a really good job where his company will look after him well. South Africans are very hospitable (not quite sure about the neighbours) but generally in the work place they look after each other and I have a feeling your husbands co-workers will make sure that you have everything you need including VIP advise. Your children might have a struggle adjusting, it happens to every child changing schools but in private schools they are made to feel part of a family and made to feel like they are the cream of the crop of what the country has. I know, I was fortunate to go to one, you can't even begin to compare the private schools to the public schools, I know because I aslo went to a public school. You want to know which end is up? Taking advise from someone who has nothing to gain, is not bitter with the state of the country, who loves the country crime and all, who does not base life on statistics but rather on experience. who knows the country well enough to give correct advise. I think there are plenty of people who make other peoples' horror story theirs and the story gets bigger & bigger like the guy who caught a fish that was this big and each time he tells the story it gets bigger. Don't get me wrong crime is plenty here but stay aware, eventualy it becomes second nature and not too long either - after a month you'll find you are into the swing of awareness and not even aware of your awareness anymore.(did you get that? nearly confused myself there for a minute!) Another thing, don't wear flashy expensive jewelery, that's just asking for trouble. You're going to love it, I am so excited for your family.

[Juliet]

Originally Posted by Chantal

Hey Juliet - the top places in Cape Town are: Newlands, Green Point, Sea Point and Camps Bay, those are the TOP there are other of plenty safe areas as well. You are very blessed that your major expences are met.
~ THESE AREAS LOOK GREAT, BUT I THINK A BIT PRICEY!! WHERE ELSE WOULD SOMEONE ADVISE THAT IS IN A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD?~


You shouldn't struggle to get a job in that criteria, Cape Town is filled with Spas, Health resorts, Salons, Sports Centres and Therapist institutes.
~WHAT ABOUT ALL THAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ON HERE IN REGARDS TO HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR A FOREIGNER TO OBTAIN A JOB?~


It's always good to read the news paper and to sign up with a recruitment agency as well as look for posts on line. Once you are in S.A it is generally easy to get a job, about a month or two wait if you are actively looking. Otherwise you can always do massage from home and just advertise.
~I DON'T THINK THAT WOULD BE WISE WITH ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT CRIME.


Bring your certificate none the less. It sounds like your hubby has got a really good job where his company will look after him well. South Africans are very hospitable (not quite sure about the neighbours) but generally in the work place they look after each other and I have a feeling your husbands co-workers will make sure that you have everything you need including VIP advise. Your children might have a struggle adjusting, it happens to every child changing schools but in private schools they are made to feel part of a family and made to feel like they are the cream of the crop of what the country has. I know, I was fortunate to go to one, you can't even begin to compare the private schools to the public schools, I know because I aslo went to a public school. You want to know which end is up? Taking advise from someone who has nothing to gain, is not bitter with the state of the country, who loves the country crime and all, who does not base life on statistics but rather on experience. who knows the country well enough to give correct advise. I think there are plenty of people who make other peoples' horror story theirs and the story gets bigger & bigger like the guy who caught a fish that was this big and each time he tells the story it gets bigger. Don't get me wrong crime is plenty here but stay aware, eventualy it becomes second nature and not too long either - after a month you'll find you are into the swing of awareness and not even aware of your awareness anymore.(did you get that? nearly confused myself there for a minute!)
~GOT IT~


Another thing, don't wear flashy expensive jewelery, that's just asking for trouble.
~NOT MY STYLE~

You're going to love it, I am so excited for your family.

Thanks again for the continued info. Much appreciated.
Juliet

[Juliet]

Does anyone know anything about Somerset West as a place to move to? Safety, etc...??

Thank you,
Juliet

[clarewood931]

Going out to joburg on friday staying at sandton can any one tell me if there are any near safari's that we could visit, or any other places worth visiting on my short stay in between house hunting

[CarCar]

Hi Clarewood

I hope you are having a wonderful time in SA - we are going for 2 weeks end of the month.

As I'm sure you have noticed already - in SA everything is political even those things that are not. There was a time when I found it interesting but now I find it tedious.

I lived in Durban for 15 years, am married to a South African and have 3 children.

We lived in Umhlanga which is considered to be a nice area. Actually we lived on a golf course called Mount Edgecombe. It was a wonderful and safe lifestyle. There are boom gates, walls and electrical wires around the estate. The domestic staff have to wear ID cards when they enter and are not allowed to walk around the estate. There are also security vehicles patrolling the estate. Yes, Perfectly safe.

Our children went to Crawford College La Lucia - a beautiful private school with wonderful facilities. Many of my friends have moved their children from Crawford La Lucia to Crawford North Coast because they say that the new North Coast one has smaller classes. Prices must have increased during the past two years but they are not expensive compared to the UK.

If you would like more info contact
VANESSA MORGAN
ADMINISTRATOR
Crawford Pre-Primary School
La Lucia
Tel: 031-562 0057
Fax: 031-562 0059
email: vmorgan@crawfordschools.co.za
website: Crawford

There is also Durban girls College (which might be cohead by now) La Lucia which is closer to Prestondale (a lovely little residential area).

As mentioned Michael House is excellent and is much older than Crawford. I felt it to be a little too traditional for my taste. This is of course a personal matter.

The state schools have been under some pressure lately but La Lucia primary (I think that's the name - is semi private) has always had a good rep. There's also Northlands in Durban North, Danville girls - can't remember them too well but my ex knows all of them.

I used to shop at La Lucia Mall and Gateway shopping centre. There are car guards and they are very helpful so there are not to many hijackings in those car parks. Woolworths is like Mark's & Spencer and Pick & pay is like your woolworths in the UK.

Umhlanga beach and promenade is stunning and recently expanded. My ex still lives there-he has a beach front home and the boys are currently with him for the summer holidays. My ex keeps us updated on all the happenings in Umhlanga. Apparently lots of big new buildings and not quite the little seaside resort it used to be.

My eldest son was born at Umhlanga Hospital which is a private hospital which looks much like a hotel inside. Very expensive on SA terms and they refuse to treat you unless you give credit card details or medical aid details. I know this because when my mother had a heart attack (no medical aid) they refused to treat her until I paid R5000 deposit and 24 hours later another R20 000. After 5 days in hospital we had paid R50 000 and my mother had to pay additional R17 000 in doctors bills. A small price to pay for my mother's life - no regrets.

But the medical treatment is fantastic and as long as you pay they are happy to save your life.

There's an area called Sunningdale (yes, I have lived there) which is close to La Lucia - there has always been a problem with security there. Last year a young pregnant woman (7 months) was hijacked and shot in her driveway coming home in the evening. Yes, I knew the family.

Crime happens, there is a reason for all those high walls and security guards so accept it as a part of your life.

I have also lived in Berea, Morningside and North Beach (which is closer to Durban central). We have plenty friends in Ballito which is booming at the mo.

If you want any more info or some people to contact to ask questions about Durban - just let me know. Have a close friend who lived closer to the Bluff side - they are now in Ireland but always helpful.

I'm afraid I have never lived in any other parts of SA.

Oh and if you want a good dentist try Brian Busschau in Granada Centre - Umhlanga. He is excellent!

[clarewood931]

Hi to all

Just come back from sa johannesburg sandton and had a really nice time but am really confused from all the storys.

we looked at some houses in wendywood, morningside, could any one tell me what these areas are like please as we dont know or what other areas might be better and also what the best private schools would be in the area to send the children to.

[Mummy3]

I used to live in a suburb of Durban (about 10-15 mins by car). It's beautiful with a beautiful beach. The thing I'd warn you about though, is be very wary and if you take something nice like a camcorder or camera or even carrying a handbag, be careful. I don't mean to scare you, but you've got to keep an eye out anyway. When I returned from the UK to Durban for a short holiday, it made me realise how unsafe I did feel back there. It's such a shame as it's such a beautiful country

[Kircay]

Hi there,
I live in South Africa and its scary even if you live in a good/elite or middle class suburb you ARE at risk. pls don't let people tell you differently. Hi jacking is a huge worry and its the violent crime that is so scary. Robbery and petty theft without harm is still acceptable but its the hatred and the violence here that is unacceptable. If you have small children I suggest you stay away. This is a beautiful country with alot of good people but the criminals make it a bad choice to move to. Take it from a mom with 2 young daughters - the money is not worth it.....