Ladies from South Africa - Introduce yourselves here!

Hello, Tracey

Yes, I do understand how you are feeling. It is not an easy thing to do, to consider uprooting yourself just because you do not feel safe in your home anymore. But it is possible, and although you will lose much in making the transition, the long-term gains will more than make up for it.

I was born and raised in Stanger (small town on the North Coast, you must know it). I loved living in Stanger, but like so many places in SA now, it has lost most of its charm as people draw away from each other and concentrate on safeguarding their homes and possessions instead (it is hard to be neighbourly, friendly, and open when there is so much to lose if you let your guard down).

I'm not teaching here because currently, since the visa that I'm on doesn't allow me to work. However, this hasn't been a problem for me because I like living here very much and have lots to do. We are on a single income now, which means we are on a stricter budget here than when we were in SA but we're much happier. Also, it's much easier to live a better life for less money here because of a larger middle class (as opposed to SA, where the things we would consider luxuries, like 300 thread-count bed linens, are very expensive and out of the reach of ordinary people like me).

I've never been to Australia but many people that I know have moved there. They complain often about missing family and friends and all the other things that make SA home, but it is not impossible to adapt once you get there. The first few months may be hard, but if you keep some perspective and realise what a huge challenge you have undertaken, you will find the courage to persevere.

The best advice I can give you regarding finding jobs in Australia for your husband and yourself would be to search the internet for a recruiting agency. Often, these agencies will help both husband and wife to find jobs in their respective fields, and guide you in other ways (finding a place to live, schools for your children, etc.). Just make sure your company is reputable (read reviews, and assess the agency yourself for professionalism, etc.) and you'll be on your way!

To emigrate is not a decision that is to be taken lightly, but it's not as impossible as it may seem. Ultimately, it is a personal choice, so don't be discouraged by what people tell you. I've noticed that some people back home were very negative towards me when I said I was moving. Similarly, understand that life here is not perfect. But in many ways, it will be better than SA (for example, I'd rather be alive and lonely here, than possibly murdered and surrounded by family and friends back home).

I hope that some of this helps you in making your decision. Good luck!

Ansuya

Hi Babi
Sorry to here u are lonely.I want to move to MELBOURNE with my family.
I have two boys, a 10 and3 year old .I am in South Africa,where are u originally
from.


Can you tell me more about that place.Hows the transport system,the people,
weather,job prospects.My hubby wants to get a job there in the IT field.
It would be a big move for us but we are excited.



Crime is high and the interest rate is killing us and dont get me
started about the schools.
bi
Sorry to here u are lonely.I want to move to MELBOURNE with my family.
I have two boys, a 10 and3 year old .I am in South Africa,where are u originally
from.


Can you tell me more about that place.Hows the transport system,the people,
weather,job prospects.My hubby wants to get a job there in the IT field.
It would be a big move for us but we are excited.



Crime is high and the interest rate is killing us and dont get me
started about the schools.

Tracey

Hi Ansuya

Thanks for the support.Dont you get bored at home,do u have kids.
Understand your point about the middle class.It seems to be dwindling pretty fast.
Now the very rich and very poor.


Stanger is a place that i do know about,dont have relatives there,or atleast i think.
Every day theres depressing stories about crime and innocent people,am so sick of it.
The crimes are getting closer to home.

Chatsworth has a huge drug problem(sugers)dont know if u are familiar with it.
Thank GOD i am a stay at home mum.My husband is a little at peace that i am
with the boys. T

Hello, Tracey

No, I can't say I've ever been bored here. I manage to occupy myself quite nicely taking care of my home and husband. In addition to this, there's so much to do here, and since my movements are not restricted by fears for my safety, it all makes for a very peaceful, very fulfilling life. I don't have kids yet, but we're thinking about it. We're just a bit selfish right now and are still enjoying each other, even though it's been 4 years since we were married!

Yes, the crime in SA does seem to be getting worse, but the people in power don't seem to care. I guess their lives aren't in immediate danger, so it's not a priority for them. I've never been the direct victim of crime, but I have family and friends who have been, and that's been enough to terrify me.

I'm familiar with Chatsworth (my mother's from there, although she moved right after she got married). It stands to reason that with the economically depressed state that SA is in, the people who live in areas like Chatsworth, Stanger, Tongaat, Phoenix, and Verulam are going to succumb to such societal ills. Where there's no hope, and people aren't able to make a sustainable living, there's little incentive to try to better one's lot. The refuge that drugs and alcohol provide would be an easier alternative. I can get very depressed thinking about this, because those are some of the places I consider home, and they used to be good areas with great people.

I hope you're able to make some progress with your plans to move.

Ansuya

Hi Ansuya

How are you.Glad to there about your life.Thanks for the caring words.

Hi Ansuya

I have not heard from you in a while.Are you okay.I miss chatting to you.

Hello, Tracey

I'm just fine, thanks for asking. I'm a bit worried about all the political turmoil in SA at the moment. What is it like right now, for the average South African? Are you all concerned about what is going to happen in the common months as Thabo Mbeki resigns? Let me know what the feeling on the ground is.

I hope you're making some progress with your research into living in another country.

Thanks
Ansuya

Hi Suba

The one African vegetarian meal that we like is samp and beans. Usually it's cooked with mutton. Like biryani it's a meal in one that will provide carbohydrates, protein and even veg at one go.

There's 2 ways you can prepare the vegetarian meal. Boil 2 cups samp and 1 cup beans (sugar beans or broad beans) till soft. I suppose you can also use a pressure cooker but I'm terrified of it! Soak it first overnight - then boil for abt 2-3 hrs. Can add salt while boiling.
Recipe 1: Braise onions, dry chillies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, jeera bit of hing, garlic and add to samp. Garnish with dhania.
Recipe 2: Cook 2 cups of vegetables (frozen or fresh), soya chunks (optional) with spices and tomato. Add boiled samp.

These quantities are quite a huge portion but you can't eat samp alone. I usually invite my sister and mum and dad. You can try cutting down the quantity.

Sorry for replying so late.

Regards Neesha

Hi Ansuya

To answer your question about the president,I think the new president will turn things around for the better.At least i hope so,if you have kept in touch then you know who i am referring to.There are lots and lots of "creases for him to iron out" .Not too concerned though cos the next election is in 6 or 7 months,so he can prove himself or go.



Not sure if i will still be here then.Yes we are going to AU.
Started the process today,and decided to go with immigration lawyers.
After careful consideration we have filled the forms.Will send forms on Monday to agent
and then wait 2 weeks for an answer as to whats the best visa or if we do stand a chance.Keep your fingers crossed for us please.

My hubby is not really getting anywhere with job search cos he needs visa first.
It will be 2 weeks of hell for me.I am such an impatient person.
My sons are so excited even though moving will take place in mid2009.

Take care
Tracey

Hello, Tracey

It's good to hear from you. I'm not sure what kind of a president Jacob Zuma will be, because I'm distracted by little worrisome things about him, like his rape trial, his corruption trial, and the fact that he did not finish school. To me, those factors seem to be red flags when choosing a president of a country.

I'm very glad that you've made some solid progress in your plans to emigrate. I know it is hard to wait, but once things start moving, you'll feel like you don't have enough time to pack and say your goodbyes. Maybe you can occupy yourself now with making lists of things you would need to do, should all your plans work out.

I'm sure you'll get the visa and your husband will find a job because I know quite a few South Africans who have left for Australia and they didn't have any trouble doing those things.

I wish you the best of luck for the coming months.

Ansuya