We live in Australia , in South Australia. Many South Africans are coming here because the state will sponsor migration and you than need fewer points to get in. Of the upwards of 50 families we are aware of moving here personally we are only aware of one that had to return. They did not comply with their visa requirements and in fact the local school community was upset that the government decided that they had to leave. However they basically just ignored the requirements and did everything they were not allowed to do.

Stay Phut – For some people its not an option. I tried the BBEE even helped develop a company with a few like minded people. It did not work. That isnt to say staying isnt an option but in reality you are always being faced by a society divided by race. The assumption is always that black people cannot be racists well racists are in every nation every colour every creed. The rainbow nation seemed a great idea but in reality the divisions are just the same. The country is still divided.

I have 4 daughters and as such have made a new life for us here in OZ.

I miss my family and friends and have even grieved for what I lost when I left RSA but today I embrace what I have here. The community values the fact that teachers still see their jobs as a calling. That race very seldom is an issue. That people will help each other.

This country (Australia) has given us a new beginning and as such I am thankful for that chance with all my heart.

I am now through the hoop and look forward to my life here.

Thank you for you heartfelt letter. What you say is quite true, however there is an intangible feeling about living in Africa. Africa is still a wild place, there is still a sense of adventure. I am sure there will be problems for long time to come but we all hope they will became less and less. We all hope that the serious problems (crime) are at their worst and things will only get better. There is a sense of energy here that cant be measured in terms of government benefits or low insurance premiums. It really depends on the individuals outlook, to some, safety and security is their priority in life and to others living life as an adventure is a priority. It must be nice to picnic anywhere just so long as you obey the multitude of rule signs! Bored teenagers overwhelmed with rules in “civilized ” societies like Australia often rebel and turn to drugs, the drug statistics are scary, probably as scary as our crime statistics! I suppose people choose which problems they would rather deal with. I suppose the old saying of risk and reward holds true……….We here, also all look forward to the day we can switch off our electric fences. But in the mean time we just try and put the problems aside and enjoy living on the most vibrant continent on earth!