Hi ZoMama
I am a Joburger myself and don't know Pretoria as well (the name has officially been changed to Tswane - pronounced a little like Swanee River!), but it is a lovely city to live in. The climate is blissful and well suited to outdoor pursuits. Safety is not really any more of an issue than it would be in an American city. Just take sensible precautions and most importantly be aware of your surroundings. I always tell newcomers what a safe place this is - no hurricanes, tornadoes or blizzards. No earthquakes, volcanoes or tsunamis. Most importantly no terrorists or suicide bombers. We only have robbers, and they are not targeting expatriates in particular, just looking for an easy target - you just mustn't be that.
As to finances - this is no longer a cheap country to live in. As an American you will find lots of things expensive - cars, fuel, consumer durables, and clothes are all more expensive here. Groceries and fresh food are much the same as The States. Accommodation is what you make of it, but remember to be safe and choose a decent location, and a home with good security.
Winter is coming so you will need jerseys, but certainly not parkas!

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Thanks for the feedback. When I read the stories of how unsafe it is, I do try to keep in mind where these perspectives are coming from.

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10abuse

Hello ZoMama,

I am a Black American, who is thinking about moving to South Africa, Kenya or Ghana in 2013. I have a teenage boy, and I do not have a clue where to start. All I know is, I love Africa, I was in Kenya in 2007, and Africa is all I think about. I heard South Africa is a lot like America. So I still want some of America lifestyle, but a more simply lifestyle. I am the lady your son would have seen when he comes to a clinic - the bad lady who gives shots in the thighs. I am a 57 year old lady with a adopted son who is 14 years old. Let's keep in touch. If you guys need a good babysitter - I could be the one. Look up on your computer - "Blacks without Border", after looking at that DVD - South Africa is on my list of places to live.

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