Hi - I'd appreciate any advice from South African/expat families in SA about relocating there for a yr or 2, in particular to the Cape Town area. My husband would be posted out there by his company and we'd rent so no issues there.
I have read through loads of threads on here and other sites but still got a few more questions, if you could help me!
1) I know it's always asked but how safe do you feel day to day as a family in a good area of CT? Is it like living in Fort Knox? Are security measures such as armed response/dog etc essential?
2) how much do kids get affected by this - is it ok for them to walk to school if nearby, walk & play in the street etc?
3) I'd be going on a spousal visa so wouldnt' have the right to work and husband would be away most weeks for half the week in Jo'berg- I'm therefore worried about being able to build my own life and fear being rather isolated compared to my life in the UK.
Would I have the freedom to be able to go out for a walk/coffee by myself or is this a no-no? Ditto, I love running and generally do this alone in the UK, is that even possible in SA?
How about driving - would I be stuck at home after dark or is it ok to drive out?
4) How about having help in the house, is this generally someone who lives in (how does this work?) or on a daily basis? What are the costs involved?
5) How easy is it to get work as a white non-South African? I have a degree and yrs of experience in adult education and then health management but no exceptional skills such as nursing, IT. Would I stand any chance or should I assume that I wouldn't be able to work for the duration of our stay? In that case, is it easy to get worthwhile voluntary work?
Thanks in advance for your help!