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Advice for a conflicted South African mom


#1  2012-05-21 14:17:13

Talon
New member
Registered: 2012-05-21
Posts: 1

Advice for a conflicted South African mom

Hi everyone

I would really appreciate some advice, especially from other South Africans who have made the move.

My husband is originally from Scotland (20 years ago) and both my kids (aged 8 and 9) are british citizens. We are finding that as much as we love SA this is no longer the place we want to raise our kids.  Our primary reasons are :

1. the cost of providing them with decent healthcare
2. the cost of private schooling so that they can get the same education we did
3. the cost of owning and insuring vehicles as there is no public transport
4. the cost of security for armed response, boomed off areas, household insurance etc
5. the ever escalating crime
6. the insult of paying out 45% tax every month to corrupt politicians where we never get anything in return

On the positives though SA is really a warm country to live in.  The people are wonderful and friendly, there is lots of space and the weather is fantastic, and then there is the wildlife and beaches...

What I would really like to find out from people who have left for reasons similar to mine above is whether they found the move to be worth it. I have read lots of blogs and forums but it is quite disheartening as usually it is from locals who want to leave, and yet I wander if they appreciate everything that they have there?

I have been to visit my inlaws in Edinburgh and the borders numerous times and I think it is a beautiful, peaceful place.  I want my children to be able to play in the parks and ride their bikes.  I want them to get decent health care and education without both my husband and I having to work 18 hour days to provide for them. My daughter is asthmatic and my son ADD.

My inlaws are adamant that if we move abroad we will get support from them, the country and the locals.  They have suggested we move to the Peebles area with them and say the schools are first rate there.

So I suppose my question is, by moving to Scotland will I be giving my kids a better quality of life?

Thanks




 
 
 
 

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#2  2012-05-21 15:39:31

Harmonie
ViP
Harmonie
From: Mauritius/Ile Maurice
Registered: 2011-06-13
Posts: 19273

Re: Advice for a conflicted South African mom

Hello Talon and welcome to Expat Blog!

Do not hesitate to browse through the different threads of the forum.wink

Hope it helps,
Harmonie.




 

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