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South Africa Expat Forum

possible move to Cape Town/UTC

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CrimsonTide89

12/14/2011 16:35 EST

Whats up all!

I have the chance of going to the University of Cape Town for grad school and had some questions about CT and the rest of SA. I have 3 friends who live in SA (Bloem, Rustenburg & Centurion) but I would rather get a lot more opinions besides theirs.

1) Is crime REALLY that bad?? I have read places that its like the end of the world and others that its bad but mostly only in townships, which is it? Cause this might help me decide if I want to live there for a year.

2) I understand UTC is in Rondebosch, are there places to go out at night there? is it safe to go out?

3) Do you have to know another language? I am pretty proficient in Afrikaans thanks to friends but not enough to use it as a second language.

thanks all!

jeba

3/30/2012 08:01 EST

Let me share my view: I lived in Cape Town from 2005 - 2011 (in the presumably safe , "white" southern suburbs. During that time my car was broken in twice, my girlfriend was attacked (lost two front teeth) and robbed when coming out of a bank in the center, my gardener was stabbed and robbed, my maid was robbed of her cellphone (gardener and maid were in their township, when it happened), the security guard at the entrance of the gated community we lived in was shot and severely wounded and the father of a classmate of my son was shot and killed at his driveway in Rosebank (which is the neighboring suburb of Rondebosch).

I don't know what those who say that it is the same as in every big city regard as normal - I would say it's worse. Of course, it's even worse in the townships where people cannot afford security.

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richard1972

12/15/2011 04:52 EST

The crime is nowhere near as bad as some people make it sound. In Cape Town you can walk around safely, even at night, provided you don't venture into dodgy areas (same in any other big city around the world).
There are lots of places around UCT and Rondebosch to hang out.
If you speak English you are fine. Everyone can speak English, and most speak English anyway (even those who are Afrikaans or Xhosa as first language).
I would say go for it and have fun!
Richard

IntergateImmigration

12/15/2011 02:40 EST

Hi, here are some answers to your questions ;-)

1) Is crime REALLY that bad?? I have read places that its like the end of the world and others that its bad but mostly only in townships, which is it? Cause this might help me decide if I want to live there for a year.

# Yes there is crime, mainly in Townships, nevertheless if one sticks to the security rules it is not more dangerous then other parts of the world.

2) I understand UTC is in Rondebosch, are there places to go out at night there? is it safe to go out?

# Yes, yes and yes.

3) Do you have to know another language? I am pretty proficient in Afrikaans thanks to friends but not enough to use it as a second language.

# In Cape Town everyone will understand and speaks English.

Please visit our website for 500 Q&A about SA http://www.immigration-south-africa.com/

Best regards

Claus

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Living in South Africa Guide

The reviews of expat life in South Africa are mixed. Some expats feel that crime is a big problem and causing an expat exodus. Others debate that the crime rates match those of other big cities in the world.

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Get a quotes for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE

Living in South Africa Guide

South Africa Forum
Meet other expats and talk about living in South Africa.

4 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in South Africa

Expats living in South Africa talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in South Africa and more.

Cost of Living in South Africa

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in South Africa.

Moving to South Africa Guide

Our guide to moving to South Africa with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in South Africa

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in South Africa.

Retiring in South Africa

Advice for people retiring in South Africa.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in South Africa.