The other side of the South African postcard

Julien

Founder

Member since 11 March 2005

Grand Baie

17 years of happy life abroad

Julien

21 February 2014 13:16:51

52415

Julien

21 February 2014 13:16:51

52415

Grand Baie

Hi,

As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover.

Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face.

When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I then tend to say that one should also look at both sides of the postcard.

As an expat in South Africa, how would you describe the two sides of your South African postcard?

Thank you for sharing your experience,

Julien

MiaCulpa

Serial expat

Member since 16 August 2013

Tel Aviv

MiaCulpa

02 March 2014 05:10:48

402

MiaCulpa

02 March 2014 05:10:48

402

Tel Aviv

South Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the universe. The postcards show the abundance of natural scenery and wildlife. Sometimes they show the people, amongst the friendliest in the world. If one could hear music and taste food in a postcard, South Africa would be inundated with tourists and expats on a daily basis.

The other side of the South African postcard is far less attractive. The level of corruption from the current government is impressive in its breadth and creative accountancy. Tribal mentality and superstition allows this great country to have the highest AIDS rates in the world. Crime is not nearly as endemic as tourists are told but it is still a far greater problem than it should be in such a vibrant country.