I know that this post is going to affect people in different ways as we all have our own opinions of South Africa.
For more than 2 years my hubby and I have discussed leaving South Africa and moving to either OZ or NZ.
Many will ask why and many will say the grass is not greener on the other side. I agree it may not be greener but at least the crime is not as violent as it is in South Africa.
When Joshua and I lived on our own in our beautiful little secure town house, in a secure complex with security gates and electric fencing, we were robbed four times in one year.
Twice I walked in on the buggers. Fortunately my guardian angels protected us. BUT the invasion was awful and not easily forgotten. For months little Joshua slept in my room. I would set the alarm and put a chair against the locked door. A bit over the top some would say but when you’re scared and you have to fend for your child you’ll do anything to try and stay safe.
Today Joshua went grocery shopping with my mom. He was standing right next to her when a man grabbed his arm and demanded he go with him. Joshua just latched onto my mom in fear. The security guards witnessed the whole thing but laughed it off. When my mom approached them, they said “Oh, he was just joking”. Quite a sick joke don’t you think.
The incident was reported to management but unfortunately there are no surveilance cameras in the store.
Joke or no joke, this incident has left my mom and my son in fear.
Joshua’s first words to me when he got home were “mom get those passports ready and lets go to Australia”.
My first priority in January is to organize our passports and book our trip. We’ve been saying we are going to do this for quite some time and now it is going to happen.
Yes, we will leave family and friends behind (whom we love dearly) but this is a choice Barend and I have made for the future of our children.
I don’t feel that we are running away. I know that many will say that we are, but hey everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
It will probably take us a year and a half to two years to get the proper visa’s as we want to ensure we are legal immigrants.
At this stage I don’t mind either NZ or OZ, as I have visited both but Barend has not visited either, hence our visit next year.
I admit South Africa is beautiful but I’ve lived in two other countries and travelled around 30 countries and believe me some of those countries are absolutely breath-taking.
I hope our passports won’t take too long so we can get the ball rolling, but who know’s ………………
December 1st, 2009 - 11:45 pm
Wow! And this after my blog posts last week and the one commenter doubting my story! How frightening
December 2nd, 2009 - 10:15 am
I think I missed that post “sorry”. I think some people are very naive when it comes to crime in SA. It is very scary when it happens to you or a loved one. I think I’m still in shock. I am just so grateful my little boy is okay. PS – I loved the pic your little one drew – quite the little artist “smile”
December 2nd, 2009 - 11:13 am
I would go to another country in a heart beat if it was an option for me. Not only for the crime, but also for life enrichment, I am fasinated by different cultures.
No-one should judge you for wanting to do best for your kids and your family! Shocking that the security guard laughed it off as a joke! Good luck with the arrangements
December 2nd, 2009 - 11:16 am
You ever considered moving to a safer city? I lived my whole life in Pretoria, and NEVER anything of the sort happend to me, any of my friends or family? Maby Johies is just not the place to be?
December 2nd, 2009 - 11:39 am
Moving to another city is definitely not an option for us. There is crime everywhere in South Africa. It is sad that our children can’t even ride their bikes in the street without us wondering if they are safe. Our only option is OZ or NZ “smile”
December 2nd, 2009 - 11:41 am
“smile” thanks it is nice to know that there are other SA that feel the same way. I have quite a few friends in NZ and OZ and they are all happy. We know it will be a huge adjustment and fairly difficult for the first 2 or so years, but in my heart I know it is the right decision and we’ll make it “smile”
December 2nd, 2009 - 11:59 am
I don’t know the words and the way on this one.
December 2nd, 2009 - 12:14 pm
Your permanent residence (for NZ at least) doesn’t have to take that long. Just make sure you have ALL the documentation you need and that both of you are healthy i.e. weight, BMI, cholesterol etc. There is a new visa they’re introducing in NZ next year called a Silver Fern Visa. You need to be younger than 35 though (not sure if Barend makes it?) Unabridged birth certificates, unabridged marriage certificates, proof of your relationship – believe it or not having kids together is not enough for some agents!!
GOOD LUCK!!
December 2nd, 2009 - 1:55 pm
Thanks Susan, we already have the unabridged certificates I applied this year, took almost 6 months to get them but hey we got them! We will look at that new visa in the new year, I think my mom sent us the link which you sent to her:) Exciting stuff !!!!
December 2nd, 2009 - 1:55 pm
“smile”
April 3rd, 2010 - 8:25 pm
[...] live in PTA and we love to kuier with them until late, but that will now come to an end. I am MORE DETERMINED to save harder every month so we can afford our trip to OZ and NZ, and get the hell out of here!!! [...]