Reasons for leaving this beautiful country of ours:-
Well, I think I need to firstly count myself lucky (and my immediate family members) that neither of us have been directly affected by the horrific crime in the country.
Neither of us had ever thought of leaving South Africa, until two years ago when my sister and her husband said that they were going to NZ. As time went on, I saw NZ as an answer to prayers. My husband has been involved in a sport here in Cape Town for 30 years. He had climbed the ranks and was the 'chief'. But being the 'chief' meant the kids and I were 'widows'. Yes over the years he did less, but not enough to satisfy my picture of what a family were supposed to be.
On the work front, I eventually found, what I saw as my 'perfect job'. I enjoyed going to work and I could see endless possibilities and growth where I worked, but hubby's situation was different. He has worked for the same company for 29 yrs, (semi-government) - so if the skin colour aint the right shade - sorry for you pal!! Younger guys were getting the promotions and increases. Then a new company take over their section and promise 'profit-share' - YEAH right. My husband does call-outs, break-downs at all hours and is on standby, works 12 shifts and puts a lot of extra effort in - and what does he get at the end of the day??? A whopping R600 !!! While some other nitwit who does nothing ALL DAY - gets R2000. Explain that.
So, crime is not my MAIN reason, although it does feature. When I read and hear the stories of all the children that are being raped, beaten and hurt, it just makes me so mad. I sometimes sit and imagine what those parents must go through. I have the prettiest little 5 yr old girl (I know I'm being biased), but every now and then she wants to take the dog for a walk with her bigger brother and we cant let her. We cant let her go down to the park, or play in the front garden. Why??? It is my garden, my house and I dont feel safe in it.
And then I reckon the other reason that I say to everyone is Why Not?? Hubby and I have decided that this is going to be an adventure!! Yes, we are selling and giving up everything we have known, but if we dont try this, we will sit on the 'stoep' at 80 and wonder What If???
And live is too short for what ifs.
There are of course the other reasons:- the future of the country, the future for our children, the education, the government, the BEE and the AA, and all that, but we have decided between us that we are not going to 'run' away from SA, because then we might never be happy that side, we are going on an adventure. As I read somewhere before - our blood will always be green.
Sorry for the long post, but it is great to get this out there.
Best of luck to all.
Stuckie
