What is Port Elizabeth like?

Hi.  Jo'Burg and surrounds is very busy and fast-moving. Trouble is, it's also quite crime-ridden and everybody has high walls and are security conscious. The best place in the country is the Western Cape. Cape Town is also very busy, though not as much as Jo'Burg, and it's also comparatively very safe. The interior and coast of the W.Cape is beautiful and dotted with small villages and towns which are arty and great destinations for tourists. From a job point of view, White people are at a disadvantage here because of Black Economic Empowerment policies, so, unless you are Black, it might be better to look at buying a small business. On the subject of crime, bear in mind that the overseas press hugely exaggerates any incidents here, and that in fact it's not nearly as bad as you might have heard. Cost of living is pretty much the same wherever you live. Hope this helps.

Roddy Rhodes

Hi Roddy. Many thanks for your response. Its a great help in our decision making. On the subject of business, any idea on the small business opportunities available.

Regards

You could try businessesforsale.com. Or Aldes Business Brokers also are big in SA

Roddy

Thanks Roddy will have a look athe websites.

Is there anyone who can comment about PE? Would be grateful.

Hi - I live in PE which has a much slower pace than JB or CT or Dbn. I guess opting to live in PE depends on what type of lifestyle you are seeking ? As with previous comment, BEE policy makes it very difficult to secure employment - market is flooded with IT specialists, own business would be the best way to go. Local newspaper is The Herald (check website & mype.co.za). Prices here are rapidly catching up with the major cities. Pe is a growing city with a new port (Coega) & a refinery pending (plus huge industrial developmemt associated with a new port). PE is the heart of the motor industry in SA with VW & GM being based here & Mercedes in East London, hence a multitude of satelite businesses. Politically, depending on your views - CT is DA - PE ANC; suggest internet research. PE has excellent private schools. Climate is awesome. Currently, we have v little water & have severe drought conditions. Yah, we have the big 5 (7)- game viewing is brilliant. Hope this helps ?

Dear Zijji,
Thank you so much for your helpful answer. I really found the information useful.

From the responses so far it seems securing a job might be difficult,which I thought would be easy being in IT. I read somewhere that Cape Town is the next silicone valley.

I will also start my research on starting a business.

Thanks once again.