South Africa - Why Expats Regret Leaving
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South Africa is uniquely diverse in what it has to offer. From a rich cultural heritage to an abundance of natural beauty and landmarks, it is a nation that has become renowned for its majesty and friendliness. Take the time to delve deeper with us as to why locals and foreigners alike have such a fondness for the country and why it is a place worth living in.
Cost of Living
When South Africans migrate overseas, it's usually for a better quality of life and more promising chances to pursue a career or establish a comfortable living space for the family. However, this quality of life comes at pretty expensive costs. South Africa is one of the cheapest countries where one can live, with the cost of living being cheaper than in 78% of the world's countries. Read more here.
Hypothetically, if one lived alone in South Africa, it would cost around R20,000 per month to cover their expenses, including rent, petrol, food, insurance, electricity and water. This may sound like a large sum at first, but when compared to the lower side of living costs in Europe, it is pretty tame. Most European countries typically require $2,000 a month when living alone, or more than R37,000.
Property Prices
In a previous article, we analysed and discussed what properties could be bought for roughly R4 million in Paris, New York, London, and Johannesburg. It likely wouldn't be as surprising that the European properties offered far less for their costs. Each property only provides buyers with a single bedroom and no form of private parking, and even though each property has its benefits, they simply aren't spacious enough for what they cost.
On the contrasting end, the property we found in Johannesburg costs roughly the same as the rest but offers private garages, open spaces, a patio, and four bedrooms, making it perfect for family living.
Wildlife & Landscapes
The African ecosystem remains among the most fascinating in the world, with a great deal of attention being placed on the habitats and behaviours of African wildlife. The Big 5, all of whom reside in South Africa, are a proud selection of animals that make for beautiful visages of our landscapes with fascinating lifestyles in their natural habitats.
The Big 5 include:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Rhino
- Elephant
- African buffalo
Another thing that can't be denied is the sheer environmental diversity that South Africa has to offer. It is renowned for extensive bushvelds and highveld. Still, it is home to signature mountain ranges like the Drakensberg ranges, which make up part of the Great Escarpment, and the iconic Table Mountain located in Cape Town. Up to a dozen forest groups can be found across the country, and a fair portion of the Kalahari desert also finds itself within our borders, giving us aspects of a semi-arid desert teeming with wildlife.
The Weather
The aforementioned diversity in environments is made possible by varied weather. Some would dare say that the weather is erratic, but the variety certainly isn't a bad thing.
During the summer period, average temperatures can soar as high as 36℃ and only drop as low as 15℃, offering the distinctly high temperatures that would often be associated with the highvelds and desert. This season also brings about heavy rains and wind to the western coast, helping it feel akin to the tropics for residents of Cape Town.
Winter, on the other hand, brings about layers of snow in the mountains and fog but is quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -2℃ to 26℃, and with sub-zero temperatures comes the opportunity for cosy indoor days by the firepit with a much-needed cup of hot chocolate.
Despite the broad variety of weather in South Africa, there is a charm in the fact that it offers something for everyone.
Work Ethic
South Africans are notoriously hard workers, working upwards of 60 hours per week. Operating in an economic climate such as our own, employees must push themselves further than the competition, making us the fifth hardest-working country in the world. As such, South Africans excel in their careers and prove themselves to be invaluable networking partners.
Networking is developing connections with the people you meet for long-term benefits. Taking part in such a thing can help propel your career, and the careers of those around you, forward into better opportunities for the future. There are seminars dedicated to assisting people to meet potential associates, and South Africa hosts a significant number of these to strengthen business relationships and promote local businesses.
Pride in Heritage
Heritage Day will be taking place later this month on the 24th. It is a day devoted to celebrating the incredible range of cultures that belong to South Africa, and it is a time when people are encouraged to share their cultures with others.
The public holiday holds a great deal of importance to individual South Africans, even those living abroad because it is a time when we as people get to appreciate who we are and those around us, no matter how different they may be. The occasion brings people together and helps us uncover the joys of unity, teaching us new things about the country we live in.
The South African Community
The South African community is a genuinely loving one. No matter where you go, there's a good chance that you'll be welcomed into any community you attempt to infiltrate. Locals can confirm the claim that there's a place for everyone, and foreigners coming to the country would quickly be welcomed into new communities.
South Africa is a place that is rich with different cultures. The diversity in wildlife, natural landscapes, people, communities, and the more forgiving cost of living help to make the country hospitable and friendly to locals and newcomers alike. While better prospects may be found overseas, there's no doubt that those who have immigrated no doubt miss these aspects of South Africa.
Visit our website https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/ or pop by our offices for a chat. Our friendly property practitioners are always available to assist in this regard.
Homes of Distinction CC holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.
Author: Brandon Rix
