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MS

South Africa
News24 User

Time to say goodbye

by MS
2009-11-12 07:28

I am leaving the country with my family in three weeks time. Many of you would say good riddance, just another expat idiot. Who needs them?

I love South Africa, we have family and roots here that go back to 1750 and I am nothing else but African. I hold only one passport; I grew up on a farm and can talk Zulu like one of the many locals that depend on me for a monthly salary.

Like Arnold Vosloo said in blood diamond: "Africa is in our blood".  Africa will never leave you, even if you leave it. I have two world recognised professional qualifications and I am fortunate enough to live anywhere in the world.

I chose to live here for many years, but I am fed up. I can't really say what the last straw was that broke this camel's back. I pay seven figure taxes every year, yet I have to fund my own security, private health, private postal services, I have to fix my own roads and sometimes remove my own waste.

I fund part of SAA, Eskom and all my local councillors'' failings, and subsidise many people's houses, water and electricity and soon their health as well. Wrongs of the past? No, these are wrongs of the present, but paying for all of this is not the problem. I suppose we get used to it, even if you get nothing in return.

They say all marriages are based on two important pillars, trust and respect. I think that is also true for a citizen's relationship with the government. I do not think this government has any respect for the working class. We are just the cheque book for their crooked habits, failed policies and incompetence.

Has any politician ever thanked the working class once for subsidising the masses? NO. In fact, we are treated like second rate citizens and not only will I get blamed for everything that went wrong in this country, so will my children.

I love this country but many of the people that live here have a sense of entitlement just because of their skin colour - black and white. We are going backwards as a nation. Black and white people despise each other now more than ever and hatred is rife, even amongst the new generation. "Will God ever forgive us for what we have done to each other"?

I will not expose my kids to hatred spewed by people like Julius Malema and many others who use the race card as an excuse for spreading hatred. I do not want all this hatred to infect the minds of my children. They need to be respected, so that they can respect in return.

Many will say - Go, leave "our" beautiful country, we don't need you. I understand your feelings, but remember we all have a certain tolerance level and yours might not be that far away. The people that fund and believe in this country are beginning to turn their backs on it. All the best and May God indeed bless Africa.

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ITpro 11/12/2009 7:35:08 AM
You go and be blessed. I feel exactly the same and wish I have the opportunity like you do. All the best...

marcel 11/12/2009 7:37:50 AM
Good luck to you and you family Miela, I really do wish you all the best. May I ask though, why did you choose to write this letter?

Tears run freely... 11/12/2009 7:37:57 AM
Oh Miela, what a sad yet poignant article.Expresses what so many feel in these times.
I too love my beloved country too but fear that the time to leave is getting closer.Being rung out like a sponge for so long leaves feelings of exhaustion and sadness, too few are supporting too many and the result will not be a good one I fear.
We are on our knees, supporting too many families and staff and it is just no longer sustainable, either on an emotional or financial level.

I wish you love and strength and may you forever hold a warm place for Africa somewhere in your heart.

JACK 11/12/2009 7:40:45 AM
Ye, just remember what Julius said - All people leaving SA must make sure they transfer all their skills before leaving!

BAAS 11/12/2009 7:41:50 AM
it is always sad to hear of educated people leaving this country. it is true what you say. but some of us cannot leave. goodluck on the other side.

Tracy 11/12/2009 7:43:00 AM
You've said what I havent been able to put in words. I wish you and your family well.

Max 11/12/2009 7:43:03 AM
No worries mate. It may be difficult for you to adjust, but your kids will have a better life. You doing the right thing, and anyone who believes you are not are either too stupid to see the warning signs, or are benefitting from our corrupt government. Seriously, if the government could take every person who didn't vote for them and drop them in the middle of the pacific, they would. That's how they see us.

Juan 11/12/2009 7:43:34 AM
Good Luck. I am also just waiting for the economy to pick up before we also leave for Australia. Hope you have a wonderfull time where ever you are going. Please do visit us when you can


Juan

arfie 11/12/2009 7:43:37 AM
Good luck and all of the best. Although I rather wish that you would stay. My motivation being selfish I suppose. Having TWO WORLD recognised qualifications you are indeed what this country needs direly! Your knowledge and experience will be sadly missed and dare I say ;) your seven figure tax payment will also be missed by the masses :)

NJ 11/12/2009 7:44:34 AM
I applause you. I have travelled the world and work all over Africa. Nowhere on the African continent do I feel so much hatred and racism as here in S.A and lately Zimbabwe as well. My point is, I am more respected , appreciated and rewarded for my contribution in central Africa, than here, back home. We have fallen so far behind, we cannot make up for the intellectual neglect of the country caused by term after term of bad leadership. Don't take the insults to heart. You will thank yourself when your children begin to flourish in social and intellectual freedom.

Bon Voyage to Miela 11/12/2009 7:45:33 AM
Miela, good luck to you and I sincerely mean that. If I could I would also leave. My children have just finished school and they do not want to have children in this country at the rate things are going. Their future is not here. They've often been overseas and are convinced that the good quality of life is anywhere else but here. I hope all your dreams come true and that your children grow up without the corruption and crime that is so rife in this country. I will stay here and hope that things improve only because I have no alternative.

Jan 11/12/2009 7:45:51 AM
Usually this would be where I would tell you to "not let the door hit you in back", but I am also slowly reaching my limit. I like to think that nobody is more of a patriot than I am, and at present, I can't imagine leaving the country. But slowly my limit is creaping closer... I pray that government can realise it errors and fix them before another mass exodus hits the country, which I believe will be both black and white. People are feeling betrayed by the government. Sad to see another patriot leave. If I may echo: May God Bless Africa!

ashk 11/12/2009 7:46:04 AM
I blame the ANC for this. The ANC is every bit as nasty and racist as the National Party under it's worst leaders.

da Brudda 11/12/2009 7:47:05 AM
I echo your sentiments exactly. However, I am not in a position to leave my country. I would at the drop of a hat if I could. My daughter, son-in-liaw, and my grandchild are leaving soon though. they have reached the point of saying" No mnore of this".....similare sentiments as you. I support their decision whole heartedly. Let them assist another country'e economy. Here it is not appreciated. The idiots running this country and their brain-dead followers who contnually vote the ANC into power do not see wht's on the horizon.......need not look far - Zimbabwe is just over the hill.........and we are going the same way.

Koos Venter 11/12/2009 7:48:56 AM
" fund part of SAA, Eskom and all my local councillors'' failings" Why are everybody always so negative. I always say, for every school built, or road fixed, they used MY tax money. As for your "not expose my kids to hatred spewed by people like Julius Malema" that is thanks to the media. They know papers will sell if Malemas face is on the cover with a headline "WHITES MUST LEAVE"

spaceballs 11/12/2009 7:49:11 AM
Agreed, I refuse to apologize for the colour of skin and be denied opportunities based on that while at the same time I am expected to fund governments wasteful expenditure and socialist ventures to ensure votes.

I will take education, experience and tax money to a country that does not champion incompetence, racism, communism, socialism and Julius Malema.

Africa can kiss my @ss.

Sipho 11/12/2009 7:50:07 AM
It is true that things are getting worse, unfortunately as long as the masses believe the idiots in power actually care about them we are doomed to becoming just another mediocre African country.

Just Plain Phil 11/12/2009 7:50:11 AM
Live Long and Prosper

Mike 11/12/2009 7:50:55 AM
Well said !!!

craig - also leaving 11/12/2009 7:51:28 AM
Well written, you can see that you leave with a heavy heart - I too am leaving for Canada - Vancouver, where i know that safety, education, medical care and general government accountability on all levels gives hope comfort and patriotism. This government is another African failure. I ask any black person on this forum to show me just one African success story when measuring social services, inventions, wealth, contribution to the world and team work. Its just killing, corruption, poverty, disease etc. Sad but true. Blame coloniasm?? No.... The east also suffered under coloniasm, world wars etc - but bounced back beyond Africa's wildest dreams. My son will not be part of what I call the dark disease ridden continent of Africa. our forefathers should never have come here. Africa would be herding goats still, but better off. I leave 20 families without work, income and security - 18 of them black - my tax money now goes to Canada. I so hope that the educated black people understand economies, social development, health advancement etc and move on from what is the boring ''struggle''... start looking after yourselves and the people around you. Robert Mugabe was given independance, viva!! but still begs the white man for a loaf of bread for his children. Viva!!!

Andrew 11/12/2009 7:53:02 AM
What a powerful piece, I feel exactly the same, except, I cant live anywhere in the world except here, luckily you have the choice..It's an almost certain fact that you are going to fetch abuse in response to your letter..probably white people who just wish they could go anywhere and are jealous and black people who think you are colonial scum anyway so good riddance..I concur Nkosi Sikelele i Afrika.

Des 11/12/2009 7:53:23 AM
Well done Miela.The children are our future but in this country of ours we are nothing but a number. I wish you and your family well.At least your children will be able to switch on the telly without having to listen to airhead Malema.God Bless

Dr_Evil 11/12/2009 7:54:12 AM
Could not have said it better myself. Just watch how many people call you a racist for writing this honest piece. Sad really that everything has to be about race, it really does show a complete lack on intelligence, and smacks only of ignorance and arrogance. As soon as ANYONE plays a race card in my mind their point is no longer valid! No race is beyond reproach when it comes to actions. Drop it, and lets get on with making things better. It’s all about attitude.

Observer 11/12/2009 7:54:36 AM
The world is infested with racism. I happened to come across a website of a very large news network, and the article was on the execution of a person in the US. The comments relating to the article was absolutely horrifying. If you thought spewing racism on the site was the ultimate in SA, guess again "cant take no more" you will be shocked as to what happens out there. Blacks and Whites will always be at each others throat playing the racer card against one another in every part of this globe.

Wesley 11/12/2009 7:55:50 AM
That is unfortunate that you are leaving.

Who knows what the future holds for SA? Will we soon overcome this disparity between the haves and have nots? Not in the short-term. But with patience and understanding from both sides. I would love to have the opportunity to have a one-to-one discussion with Julius Malema to better understand how I can better serve and help the country to move forward. Death and taxes are a given (across the world), but it is how we are able to enjoy the in-between that we truely live.

Never 11/12/2009 7:58:01 AM
Hi
I agree with much that you say. How can I not agree?? But it goes deeper than that. I cannot "just give up" and run away. What about the rest of the family, older parents, etc, etc. Have the White population not always stood up and fought for what they believe in? Why must we now become a nation who "cant take it anymore" and take the easy route. You are right, this is also our country, and I will not run away from it and thereby just had it over. Good luck to you though...

Michael 11/12/2009 7:58:19 AM
I salute you. I did what you have decided to do, but had to return for family reasons. I too have the option to go anywhere I like and I can assure you I am thinking of doing it once and for all, as personal problems have been sorted out.
God speed and I wish you everything you wish yourself and your family. It is going to be hard (ask me, I know) but perseverance and constant reminders of what life is like here under this total mismanagement will help you to realise you have done the right thing.

My daughter lives abroad and would never return. The rest of our family (brothers sisters etc) have all recently got their passports ready. Tells you something hey? They too are all Africans, having been born and bred here, but the constant race card being flung in their faces has prompted them to start looking.

Go well and tons and tons of luck to you. You have made the right decision.

Simon P 11/12/2009 7:58:20 AM
Good luck and all the best! I feel exactly the same as you, and can't wait to leave the country. As much as I will miss it because I truly love the place, I also can't live here anymore with what is happening and will continue to happen...

Dawid 11/12/2009 7:58:26 AM
Well written article, and I do agree that there is no trust and respect in the relationship between the working class, and the goverment.

This is not an issue of race, this is an issue that we are failing at what was done in the early 1990's

I wish I could go, but allas, don't have the money to leave this country, even if I have work abroad waiting for me

Aloguerra 11/12/2009 7:58:55 AM
Thought provoking and well written article. Government is failing but I also see a lot of good things. I am from Brazil, and I can tell you that our government is 10 times worse in terms of delivery than South Africa. I came to SA first time in 1997 for business and stayed for 2 weeks, let me say this, I was absolutely amazed how the country has changed in just 12 years. The growth and development in infrastructure and business is amazing. I am not sure why South Africans keep bashing their country down like this. Let me tell you lady, South America is worse and gets worse everyday, but what you cannot kill is the spirit of the people. People there are patriotic, no matter how messed up the government is. this is what keeps Brazil afloat, it's the people's spirit. In South Africa though the seemingly well off people are the ones who complain the most, which is sad. If I understand your history correctly, Mandela and his poor people had to forgive for the country to progress and avoid a bloody civil war? Now, transition is not always easy, race is institutionalised in this country, but I can tell you that from a Brazilian perspective, all we see is progress. Good luck to you South Africa, God has really blessed you country, just count you blessings.

John 11/12/2009 7:59:04 AM
Yawn.... same drivel, different day. Nobody cares if you leave or stay Miela. Tell us something we dont know

Francois 11/12/2009 7:59:42 AM
We are indeed sorry to loose another hard working, tax paying citizen. I'm sure all the black racists on the blog will say "good riddance" and "we don't need you". Fact is "the masses" needs you and your tax money but affcourse they choose to hate you because of the colour of you skin. I say good luck to you and I wish you all the success. I also admire your courage to leave your mother land. God bless.

ace 11/12/2009 8:02:28 AM
I am glad you can see where your funds in terms of SA tax is going. As a matter of interest how much tax would you pay in Aus for example and can you see where it is going. My kids ave seen 6plus years in overseas schooling and now back in SA for the past 3 - I will let them make their own decisions - I have seen more unhappy SA kids in Aus than happy ones.

Show69 11/12/2009 8:02:30 AM
So true, and well written. Yesterday I thought about it a lot and told my finace, as soon as we get married next year. We move....This is really getting to much, a beautiful country ripped apart by hate, corruption, murder, rape and so much more.
Really I know so many will have something to say about this letter. But your doing the right choice in this matter, you are putting your kids infront of everything. May you all be happy where ever you go. Best of luck.
Damn SA has gone to sh*t.

MikeF 11/12/2009 8:03:20 AM
Miela, everything you say is true. it's really sad to lose people of your calibre and character. In fact we need more people like you to help heal this beloved Country of us. We need people like you who are sober and clear in our thinking when we engage our fellow Country men/women in issues which affect our Country. We need people like you who will influence the negative conversations of fear and fault in our families and our communities. Our conversations should be all about possibility. Because South Africa's future is all about possibility. But right now the conversation of possibility are too overshadowed by conversations of fear and fault. Whose to blame, apartheid legacy, or the overwhelming evidence of corruption, looting of state coffers, poor or non-existent service delivery, the continued marginilisation of the poor, disrespect, conspicuous consumption, self-important politicians, whose only vision is to enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of those among us who deserve a better life. Sad to have you leave Miela. May the spirit of Africa and South Africa remain with you always. That spirit of Ubuntu, forgiveness, reconciliation and Nation Building. Go Well.

GD 11/12/2009 8:03:25 AM
Very well written article!

JustMe 11/12/2009 8:03:55 AM
We too are in the process of taking our 5 degrea's, many years of experiance, ambition drive and hard work ethic and will be applying this in a country that appreciates it, and rewards it accordingly with service delivary. We too will always love this country, and will always miss it, but as the saying goes "keep a dog in the dogbox long enough, and he will go bury his bone elsewhere" I only wish Juju and his pack of morons realised what effect this will have on the masses that depend on us to get them through each day.

Xero 11/12/2009 8:04:57 AM
Never has it been put better, hopefully soon i too can escape the prison i was born in. Good luck!

monyobi 11/12/2009 8:04:58 AM
Whilst on your leaving please do not forget to take along your all your brothers and sisters who thinks along your lines for peace sake. Please refrain from writing articles that you are living instead of simply leaving quitely. In short stop making a noise about leaving whereas your brothers and sisters dont make noise when they arrive from Australia with their tails in between their legs.

cuba - @author 11/12/2009 8:05:52 AM
good luck to you Miela, i hope everything works out for you... i am also considering leaving as soon as the world's economy stabilizes again

Jacoj 11/12/2009 8:08:28 AM
I want to go with!!!

Topdog 11/12/2009 8:10:29 AM
All the best Miela. I envy you and your family, but if you do get an opportunity to go you must take it. I know I will.

Paul 11/12/2009 8:11:03 AM
Hi, Miela. Good luck, hope you and your family are going to be very happy. Sad, thing is, that even people that a year or 2 back were very possitive about SA are slowly starting to talk about leaving. Seeing Julias "Soundbite" Malema, on the news every night is also not making the situation better!

TT 11/12/2009 8:11:09 AM
@Miela, good luck and everything of the best, you wasted your time in this country more especialy with your qualifications, you should have left long ago. No body is forcing you to saty, this is a free country

Xavier 11/12/2009 8:11:11 AM
Good luck, Miela. You will not regret your decision. I have been out of SA for nearly a decade and it was the best choice I have ever made for myself and my family. We now live in Thailand. Same cultural diversity as South Africa, almost no crime, higher pay, better opportunities for my children, less tax, friendlier people. Best of all, when something goes pear shaped where I live now I am not to blame for it unlike SA where my skin color makes me responsible for all that is wrong. By the way, all you expat haters out there, you better wake up. You can either be an expat by choice now or refugee by circumstance later.

Sad in SA 11/12/2009 8:12:47 AM
My feelings are reflected in your words. Sad indeed but true. May God bless you and your family. Please keep us in your prayers. We are unable to do the same.

Dries 11/12/2009 8:15:09 AM
My family arrived in South Africa in 1690, I know the responsibility of selling all your possessions, resigning from a great position and leaving for the unknown because you are sick of ANC racism. Good luck to you, allways keep your kids furure in mind, it will keep you strong though the many many hardships ahead. Though emmigration is not for sissies, I am sorry to say there is no longer an alternative.

Eles 11/12/2009 8:16:24 AM
I share your frustrations but I insist on been positive yet realistic. We can make this work - the ANC can stay in power I just plead that they appoint credible people it is not too late clean up your house. Education will breach the poverty gap not sharing of wealth that can never be done fairly and is done to distastrous results. I like to think we have too many thinkers left in this country to go the way of Zim, if we do I will hop on a plane too. Having said that if that day ever comes and if I am not in a position to sell my property and land i will personally destroy it. No lazy entitled person is going to sit back and benefit from my hard work - those people advocating this do you really think people will just give up their land freely - do some thinking! I do agree that we are treated as second class citizens I think the attitude is bleed them dry and make them pay - sadly that could blow up on government in the sense that those that can leave will and the funds will decrease therefore I hope government has the good sense to put emotions aside and make intelligent decisions. All this nonsense about nationalising mines (after all ANC please be reminded that you have stuffed up every dept except SARS) hasn't helped for the record I would like to point out though the UK is taxed most heavily consider the excellent healthcare, police, security and public transport I am not saying they do not have their problems but their politicians are held accountable. You also get tax back calculated if you are a provider, have kids and how many etc - anyone care to make the comparison as to what you get here for that? PS for further excessive waste can someone explain why a deputy mayor even needs a bodyguard? I thought the ANC was the people's party why on earth would this person need a bodyguard?

jwhero 11/12/2009 8:16:35 AM
Thank you Miela, you are brave and you have the right to do what is best for your family. Good luck and God Bless.
Black people dont understand whites leaving, they think it is because the country is run by blacks, and we are racist now. We are not and we do want to help, but we are not given the chance, and we are pushed and pushed until we say enough and leave...

Joh 11/12/2009 8:17:33 AM
I'm crying while I'm writing this. Our beautiful country. What is happening? I cannot leave. I'm too old. Thankfully my kids don't want to leave, but I wish they would. Then I look at my friends who's children did leave and I see the pain and broken hearts. Expensive visits to grandkids they only see once a year, if they are lucky. Today 11:00 my Dad's body will be cremated. Son of Africa, born here and died here. How you loved your country. How can I leave you, how can I leave my mom, old and dependant on me. How can I leave my beloved country, even if I could, but Miela I don't blame you. I believe that where ever you go, there might just be a way that you can contribute in making South Africa a better place.

O 11/12/2009 8:19:39 AM
Good Luck Miele...May you find the happiness you are looking for...I'm a young girl trying by all means to make a difference in this country & I'm sure there are many like me out there.I strongly believe that happiness has nothing to do with the country you are living in but has everything with self. If you are not happy here ,what guarantee do you have that you'll be happy wherever you go. Remember every country's got its problem,I hope you have taken that into consideration...

Willie Senekal 11/12/2009 8:19:46 AM
Big smile and many tears. Our flights to the UK happen on Friday, 27 November 2009. We also grew up in KwaZulu and will miss our (the few remaining) friends sorely.

Sinudeity 11/12/2009 8:19:59 AM
WHENEVER someone uses the race card against you, it simply means you are ON THE RIGHT TRACK. Dont back down! Simply strenghten your resolve and your point! DO NOT BACK DOWN! The more people throw the race card against me, the more I know Im doing the right thing. DO NOT BACK DOWN! WE (THE GOOD PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA) CAN WIN! Those that throw the race card are normally incompetent, and its their only recuse.

@john 11/12/2009 8:20:04 AM
there always has to be some person like you who just has to burst the bubble of others, what, do you find some perverse pleasure in saying what you do? i for one know how it felt like to be free, even if it only was for a year (Visa expired), and i miss it so damn much, if finances wasnt so bad as it is, i would leave again in a heart beat, alas, i cant. all the best to you Miela, may you find happiness that most of us can only dream of!

Peter 11/12/2009 8:20:15 AM
Whoever thinks this article is well written is a dumbass. We all know whats wrong with the country and everyday we have these expats reminding us about. If you are not part of the solution the get the hell out instead of writing rubbish like this on our websites!

LAF 11/12/2009 8:20:37 AM
@Never
I am with you on this one. How can I leave? My country, my people, my world. We have to find ways of making it work here.

Lou 11/12/2009 8:21:16 AM
Well I've chosen to stay, and my tollerence levels have been reached. Alec Irwin gave me exactly what I needed last night whne he was interviewed about ESKOM and the race car played against Godsell. I quote him verbatim: "the race card was thrown in as a red herring by people who know very little about anything". We've reached the end of the line on a few things: accountability, racism, corruption, crime, to name a few. This year marks the year when things will change. Those opportunists who choose various underhand ways to get things done will be exposed and removed. We are setting a new level of respect, we are redefining the rules of engagement. Our current social structure is unsustainable and we can not waste one more day with entertaining these opportunistic political fools who know very little about anything. Our constitution requires our country to strive towards equity in every sphere of society. That means equal opportunity, equal means, equal status as citizens, equality before the court, and so forth. The constitution was written very carefully: it protects these ideals. What we now have is a bunch of crooks who choose to circumvent these ideals for their own gain. Mark my words: this is the year when we make it change. South Africa will never be the same from now onwards. It is up to us to define tomorrow.

GeorGe 11/12/2009 8:21:47 AM
I truly respect the authors view and wish her all the best to wherever she and her family are going. I as a white would also like to leave but my age is against me. If it is any consolation then I must say that there is a race issue in ALL countries throughout the world. England and the Pakkies. America and the Niggers and Red Indians and Pakkies. Australia and the Abbos. New Zealand and the Maoris. The list is endless. I have always said that no matter where you go there is a division and it is only natural as there is a huge difference between the different cultures. There are black people working for me and if they could they would linch the Zimbo's walking our streets. They say to me: "What do these savages wnat here?" I reply, "It is your governments fault - you voted for them - so next time put your cross where it matters."
Amen.

TT 11/12/2009 8:22:01 AM
When you do come back,please write to us

kamster 11/12/2009 8:22:15 AM
I thoroughly support your decision. Please take me with you!!

johann 11/12/2009 8:22:28 AM
For the first time ever on this forum, I have new hope when I read the responses. With exception to one or two monkeys everyone here understands your sentiments... This could only mean one thing. That is that everyone else also feels fed up. That's what gives me hope. When you have so many likeminded disgruntees, it means that change is near. Good Luck Miela

Clifford 11/12/2009 8:22:55 AM
I wish you all the best.
But once on the other side, please do not completely abandon us? We will need people with real skills in the near future.
God bless.

Darren 11/12/2009 8:23:14 AM
One is left either feeling sad or angry. Eitherway, resistance is futile, and brave decisions need to be made. Face facts, or face certain poverty and desperation.

Ryan 11/12/2009 8:23:43 AM
Good luck my friend! I too have plans to leave in a couple of years. Unfortunately, I will probably have to live slap bang in the middle of a huge city instead of in the country like I do now, but I suppose the sacrifice is worth it in the end. I will miss SA.

Ndizvozvo 11/12/2009 8:26:15 AM
God speed and happiness for you and your family Miela. I believe that you are truly blessed in being able to leave.

@monyobi 11/12/2009 8:26:36 AM
Next time there is corruption in municipalities, and no services delivered, can your brothers and sisters who burn stuff down to get their point across, please do it quietly. How about protesting election results at universities. Can your brothers and sisters please not burn the place down, just do it quietly. What about juju? Can he please do his antics quietly.

Horza 11/12/2009 8:27:02 AM
"I am fortunate enough to live anywhere in the world". What does that mean? Don't we all have this opportunity? Do you have some ancestral passport it the pipeline?

spaceballs 11/12/2009 8:27:12 AM
I am willing to bet, that all you people chastising the author are not in a position to leave this hole... hope,bla,make it work... common... you know it's rubbish..

Adrian 11/12/2009 8:27:14 AM
Take me with! Good luck, I'm jealous.

kolobe 11/12/2009 8:27:43 AM
running away wouldnt sort out problems but goodluck with australia.this is the result of apartheid denying blacks skills and wealth.anc is not a world class party but in sa it is best of the worst.

chris 11/12/2009 8:27:58 AM
You go live in luxury exile while the rest of us make this country better and when you return don’t think you can be in parliament. The government is a minority group thought with international educations in the countries where we are all running to, to be able to influence and deceive the masses. It makes you wonder who will really benefit when this country is burned to the ground and our riches are there for the picking. I really would have hoped that people will stay and fight (in a legal way). Eleven million votes last elections, five million tax payers, see the opportunity?

Commiseratrix 11/12/2009 8:28:07 AM
I agree with you 100%. Many wish they could do the same, however not all are as fortunate as you, but we wish you every success in your new venture.

Mart 11/12/2009 8:28:13 AM
Good for you Miela, unfortunately all the commentators that say leave, dont realise how many educated people are doing or contemplating the same. Good Luck

@monyobi - me thinks you shud not speek for peace takes, sakes

chris 11/12/2009 8:28:25 AM
You go live in luxury exile while the rest of us make this country better and when you return don’t think you can be in parliament. The government is a minority group thought with international educations in the countries where we are all running to, to be able to influence and deceive the masses. It makes you wonder who will really benefit when this country is burned to the ground and our riches are there for the picking. I really would have hoped that people will stay and fight (in a legal way). Eleven million votes last elections, five million tax payers, see the opportunity?

Esme 11/12/2009 8:28:32 AM
Miela, I have done the same,almost 4 years ago. Yes we all feel like it, and I have said this many times, the people who has not done it do not know what it is about. Its all about our children, we as parents want to protec them, give them the best. the price we pay for leaving our country and family. Still today I have family that do not talk to me, because I have left. But seeing my children going to school, riding their bikes to school, that is priceless. That is what it is about.

Shawn 11/12/2009 8:28:42 AM
I'll see you on the other side, my family has left last year, I'm leaving in 2 months, can't wait to get out of here with all my money and skills. I was so fortunate to evade tax most of my working career in this hell hole. Good luck to you and your family.
One day, when africans has all starved and died of aids, then we can come back again and rebuild SA to what it is suppose to be

O 11/12/2009 8:30:40 AM
@ Aloguerra...People who are complaining mostly are the people who had it easy in the past ,they enjoyed the fruits that South Africa bear alone ,now its time for sharing they just can't take it...One thing I like about black people is that they stood up for what they believe in,even under the darkest moments of their lives they stood up & fought. We are going to make sure that this country suceed,we may trip & fall but watch at the end of the day we will succeed,with or without the people leaving this country. To me its less negetivity...

POST MY COMMENTS PLEASE 11/12/2009 8:30:54 AM
Hello Miela lots of truth in your article :) We all feel the same as working class people, being drained to death by the greed of our government, and the minute anyone challenges it the answer you get "IS IT BECAUSE I AM BLACK" it has become a tiring and boring. I wish you and your family all the best in your new country, it must of been a hard decision for you to make, but it had to be done as you said, you will not bring your children up in this. Not all of us are lucky enough to leave. To Willie Senekal, all the best to you as well :) My best friend emigrated to the USA with her family about a month back and she said it was the best decision she ever made. A very skilled person with degrees upon degrees, government will wake up one day and realise that the skilled have left and the unskilled have remained. Whoever thought that South Africa will end up like this :(

JURIE 11/12/2009 8:31:32 AM
You are doing what is right and what every reasonable person would do, and that is to create an optimistic future for yourself and your family. A stable future for SA is becoming more unlikely by the day.

Simon 11/12/2009 8:31:52 AM
You'll soon find out that other countries are as messed up as we are.

Lilian 11/12/2009 8:32:55 AM
Good luck with your move. My oldest son is overseas already and as soon as my younger son finishes university he is leaving as well and then I will follow. Fortunately I married a man from overseas and have a passport for that country. I can't see a future in this country for my children. I lived overseas for 5 years and came back in 1994 in the firm belief that freedom was achieved and we were going to build a wonderful country. Sadly, once Mandela stepped down the rot set in so quickly that politicians don't even realise they are thieving liars. They truely believe that they are entitled to everything they steal. They spew racial hatred as it deflects attention from their behaviour.

FRANMAN 11/12/2009 8:33:14 AM
I saw a video the other day about the history of our country...Do you know how far we have come? Right now people are just happy to have a more than nothing - very soon they will demand accountability from their leaders.

patriotic me.. 11/12/2009 8:33:30 AM
I don’t think it’s the best place to raise children, but we all have to work hard at it and not give up. I also agree with you when you say that there's a level of ungratefulness in this country, people just sit on the sorry behinds and expect things to be provided for them. I also don’t understand why the government is marginalising good working class white people and justifying it as fixing the wrongs of the past.. What about the wrongs they are doing to you.. Two wrongs don’t make no right. That said don’t forget that us brown people also work and also pay taxes, and also like you do not like the way that the government is spending our hard earned money and how they are letting people like Julius say whatever bull they want..
Question though, did you also feel you'd had enough of the racism during apartheid times, and how come you didn’t leave then?
But if you feel leaving the country is the right thing to do for you and your family, all the best..

But if you feel leaving the country is the right thing to do for you and your family, all the best. Question though, did you also feel you'd had enough of the racism during apartheid times, and how come you didnt leave then?

wakeup 11/12/2009 8:33:50 AM
It's disappointing that most people don't understand were this country is coming from. There's wounds to healed. You going to the countries were they have dealt with this situations years ago. My take is that you cannot stand the heat. Why don't you stay and correct this wrong doings. Long ago the struggle was racism, now is has change to service delivery which is the real struggle and only us can fix this. Good luck and don't come back we don't need you

Lewis 11/12/2009 8:34:12 AM
Good luck Miela to you and your family, you're very fortunate to be going to an enlightened country. Wish I was you!

E.Nuff 11/12/2009 8:34:22 AM
So sad. Wishing you peace and happiness in your new life. God Bless Africa, Guard her People, Guide her Leaders and Give her Peace.

Declyn@miela 11/12/2009 8:35:35 AM
I picked up my three week up little boy the other day and thought,"I need to get you out of this country" As fas as I can see, he has nothing to do with the past, and I dont think its fair to him that he grows up in a country where he has to pay for the sins of others. If the ANC has no sunset clauses on its AA and BEE policies, then it proves that we are just going headlong into another kind of Apartheid and people like my son will be hamstrung based solely on their skin color. I know that many people in the country will say, "well its your turn now" and I dont think I will change their minds, so the only thing to do is leave. It is a sorry state that this attitude persists even though the rainbow nation was supposed to be exactly that.
Good luck Miela

guess... 11/12/2009 8:35:46 AM
GOOD LUCK, wish you all the best, I'll also be leaving soon, rather pay taxes to a goverment that will use the money to make my life better, not worse or even take more from me cause all the BEE and AA people they are hiring for top jobs are messing everything up. Cant wait to be out of this stupid place. GOOD BYE fools. And for the people who want to leave and cant, if you try hard enough you can, trust me, its taken me 3 years to finally get to this position, saving money isnt easy but can be done.

POST MY COMMENTS PLEASE @Miela 11/12/2009 8:35:57 AM
I also wanted to state in my earlier post, that there are lots of emotions in your article as well. @Sinudeity 11/12/2009 8:19:59 AM....I like your comment
@John 11/12/2009 7:59:04 AM I am sure behind this cynical comment of yours you are hoping it was you leaving, hence why you could not come up with a comment to at least wish her and her family the best, did you read the article and sensed the emotions, I dont think it was an easy decision for her or any person to make, just to pack their backs and leave the country of their birth, with what is happening in our country people are leaving by the droves, I would love to if finances was not the problem

jackey 11/12/2009 8:36:06 AM
@ JUAN...Did I hear you leaving ???? Please do not wait for the economy to pick up, What if it doesnt ??? Just pack & leave & call me as i'll make sure you get on that Quantas plane personally... The best news ever,Its gonna be a great day...Finally

Tarras Bulba 11/12/2009 8:36:57 AM
A few years ago, my friend ased me: "Would you emigrate?", I told him "If it's required of my career, sure. What about you?". Without hesitation, he said "No, I love my country too much." . . at which point I pondered and responded with "That's noble, but it's not our country anymore."

Dee 11/12/2009 8:37:29 AM
May the wors be with you.

ChapStick 11/12/2009 8:37:48 AM
I echo sentiments of other readers and wish you well, happiness and prosperity. I am one of the fortunate few who can leave at a time of my choosing and many of my mates, who are highly skilled have left taking with them valuable contributions that could have been made as well as those all important tax's. There comes a time though, as the author said, when we all have our breaking point.

max 11/12/2009 8:38:35 AM
Well said, I'm sure that 99,9% of tax paying South Africans feel that way. We are another Zimbabwe 20 years back, going down fast

Nick 11/12/2009 8:40:37 AM
Very poignant and sad and I feel the same way. I can easily get transferred to Toronto with the company I work for, but I love this country so much. Every time I go to North America I realise even more why I love Africa. But there will come a time when love alone cannot keep me and my family here.

I wish you will in your future endeavours.

The sad thing is, that only the skilled and intelligent people will leave for greener pastures.

@Shawn 11/12/2009 8:40:48 AM
Tax evasion is a criminal act, I'm glad another country will have to put up with you and your criminal ways. Dont even dream of coming back because the demise that you have predicted will never materialise.

FRANCOIS 11/12/2009 8:41:06 AM
understand how you feel. felt like that yesterday driving home. can't leave our elderly mom behind. so have to remain on the titanic

fedup 11/12/2009 8:42:02 AM
what do you mean may god forgive all of us??ask God to forgive you and your kind, you are the ones who are responsible for this mess, deny that all you want!!! hope you included all your relatives in your exodus, good riddance, hope you never come back.

LAF 11/12/2009 8:42:53 AM
@monyobi
Your reaction astounds me. Does it not bother you that the situation in the country is causing your fellow countrymen to feel this way? And it is not a few people at the fringe of society, it is valuable, skilled and economically active people who feel this marginalised in their own country. Surely you can see the danger and negative consequences of this situation? And what about those of us who are not leaving? We are fighting injustice and inequality in our own country. Ever heard of something like that before???

Human 11/12/2009 8:43:00 AM
I leave on the 25th for a look see decide tour of New Zealand. I hope to be there permanently by April. I'm tired of lying in bed wondering if that noise is another burgler. Tired of being the scapegoat for the countrie's ills when I was too young to vote in Apartheid. Tired of name changes and high taxes for no services.

Imax 11/12/2009 8:43:00 AM
God bless Miela. I think for the sake of your children you are making the right decision. I know I should also leave for the same reasons you stated. I just find it so difficult to leave family behind. What would become of them? This whole situation is heartbreaking.

Annie Rennie 11/12/2009 8:43:20 AM
Good luck Miela, you owe it to your children to let them grow up in a better place, I agree to what you said your kids doesn't need to hear that because their different in skin colour, they are racists. My kids are 21 and 23 and I promise you as soon as they can, they WILL also leave behind the rest of their family and go. I'm not sure how I will be able to go on living knowing my kids are so far away, but in my heart I know with God by their side they will make their dreams come true. Don't worry about people getting upset because you're leaving South Africa, if some of us could we would be leaving to, I refuse to buy a house, cause before the goverment take it to give to the previously disadvantage, I will burn it down to the ground, cause that's just where we're heading, another Zimbabwe. God Bless.

kibo 11/12/2009 8:44:04 AM
I can't wait for all you guys to all leave, maybe we will have peace after all.Our motherland hasn't seen peace since the first sailor came to our shores.I say good riddance.I hope you do not call on our government to come and rescue you when you run into trouble.And yes once more Good riddance

BEYONCE 11/12/2009 8:45:29 AM
Miela Good Luck,Almost everyone is fedup with the current situation in S.A,except ofcourse the 'mini'and his Tokoloshes,
The days of the Rainbow Nation seem to be gone,Thers no better life for all,We're not doing anything Together,even in this forum we always listen to people preaching divisions.During 2004 Elections ANC Manifesto "...working together to build a better nation for all.....ensuring that the next generation is well informed and prepared to take this country foward...." today its better nation only if U agree with Malema....

Oomleeu 11/12/2009 8:46:01 AM
Done it myself eight years ago - never looked back. The writing on the wall cannot be read if you're standing with your back to it. A little distance givws one a hell of a lot of perspective.

sad 11/12/2009 8:46:01 AM
Another family ripped apart because of the failings of the system. I am sad for you all but wish you loads of luck. You are indeed lucky you have the means and inclination to be taking such a brave yet necessary step. Go well and G-d bless

@monyobi 11/12/2009 8:46:24 AM
The author states the dire state of the country is why she is leaving and you want it hushed up. Why cant you face reality? Why must you sweep everything real under the carpet?

Claire 11/12/2009 8:46:36 AM
What is getting really sad is that all the people that were saying a few years ago that we could be a great country all now want to leave... and Im included in the bunch

Yucca 11/12/2009 8:46:58 AM
I am tired of the people who point fingers at those that leave. I doubt many of these "patriots" would go to war for this joke err.... I mean country. It amazes me that every year we come back here on holiday and the streets are more unsafe. We have almost been mugged by the same thugs hanging in the company gardens in Cape Town 3 times in the last year. We are unable to report them to the police as one must first be mugged. So much for crime prevention. Good luck to you but most of the luck goes to the ones that cant leave as they are the ones who really need luck the most.

Sean D to Miela and Juan 11/12/2009 8:47:04 AM
So said to hear you say you are leaving. But goodluck.

Juan, you are poison. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see you off. Now only if I could wave a magic wand to get that economy to pick just for you to pack and go poison the race relations of australians for a change

Go ahead 11/12/2009 8:47:06 AM
Heres a bright idea why dont all those educated fools who have gone for greener pastures and come BACK!!! enlighten the fools who still thinks the outside world is all a bed of roses, this might diminish some unrealistic expectations and people would actually do something constractive to make SA better other than crying becouse their favorite toy has been taken away from them .....bored

Mimi 11/12/2009 8:48:10 AM
Go well, make sure you never come back.... Traitor, The thing is about white people, they alway have will have Europe to run to whether they have roots in Africa going back to 1750, So Meila make sure you take everything with you. True Africans will never desert an African Dream, may be you dont know what is an African dream, you are just an African by default... Thing is about white people they want to practise RACISM, Malemas views may be said in a bad manner but there is an underlying truth in what he says, for as long as we are not open to debate and are not talking about about the race issues that are present in our society we will never deal with this problem and get over it. There must be a debate about race for us all to put it behind. Typical Whites

dj 11/12/2009 8:49:51 AM
Well Said. Wish I was as fortunate as you...but alas not.. will just have to save for more trellidors.

Heavy heart 11/12/2009 8:50:02 AM
Thank you for this very accurate State of the Nation Address. You are one of the fortunate who has a "ticket to freedom". I really feel for those who cannot leave this country. There is an old joke about the following words that were painted accross Table Mountain in 1835: "die wat kan lees - ons trek more!"
Sadly, the same writing is on the wall throughout this beautiful country.

Mavhayisi 11/12/2009 8:50:28 AM
Good luck. However, you must have the contact numbers of Homecoming Campaign and Khumbul Khaya for in case.

Sganja 11/12/2009 8:51:52 AM
Good bye author,hope others will follow you soon.

Sarel 11/12/2009 8:51:54 AM
Miela
I agree whole heartly with you. I was lucky enough to be able to find work outside SA and have not regretted it since. Yes my roots are in SA and so aremy children which I will be visiting soon. I read everyday on news 24 about all the crime in SA and what takes place. Wehave complete peace of mind where we are at present. The children play outside in the yards and street untill about 11 at night without fear, we can stroll around and go for walks at night without looking over our shoulders and wondering when crime will strike.
Believe me,you and your children will be better off where you are going and they will not have any of this horrible stuff in their faces.
If the government could not kurb the crime 5 years ago, how are they going to be able to do it in the future. Read about it. the people that must protect you (Police)are involved in crime and rape your wives.
So please, itis better outside SA

Larry 11/12/2009 8:53:14 AM
My Mind is gone??? but my body is still here.

Stephen 11/12/2009 8:54:02 AM
I feel for you, my wife and I are in the same boat. We leave at the end of January,these goes one more mechanical engineer and an accountant. My kids are 7 and 9, they will also not be exposed to the hatred this country has to offer. We leave with mixed feelings but we are gone for good, future tourist if circumstances here permit.

Good Riddance 11/12/2009 8:54:23 AM
I admire the use of flowery language to mask your inner feelings of racism. You say black and white hate each other more in the new generation, how more wrong could you be, i have 2 kids that go to different schools in the surburbs of cape town and if you look at the diversity and interaction between the races, you would actually come to believe that these kids dont see any colour at all. You are living a cowards life by running away from a challenge that is living in a developing country. I too have lived for 3 years in the Netherlands, and to be honest that type of rigid to the point way of living will never appeal to me. Go ahead and leave this beautiful land that is full of hope. It is our shortcomings that should be see as a challenge to improve. Every tom dick and harry said our country will fall to anarchy and zimbabwe like crisis when Zuma took over, yet more than 6 months later the country has not come to ruins. so finally i will say good riddance....

cbr 11/12/2009 8:55:40 AM
I agree with you 100%. I don't even have enough energy left to vent my frustrations and seem satisfied to slip quietly out of the country. We are ruled by a bunch of autocratic blacks who impose reverse racism upon us, playing the race card every time we open our mouths to express our views, racist or not. We are constantly told by overenthusiastic, and probably overpaid, black diamonds to bugger off out of the country. It is a sad day when one is not wanted in their own country. What really surprised me was when Canada actually granted asylum to one such refugee, the fuss that South Africa put up. What an absolute FARCE!

It is a tragedy to see all of the hard work go up in flames, but sometimes you need to know when you have failed and then have the strength to move on.

Good luck to you and your family and hopefully you will keep us posted. Godspeed.

Dries 11/12/2009 8:55:49 AM
@ ace, perhaps those kids were unhappy because they saw you. My kids enjoy the freedom in Aus, where they can truly be free range children.

@monyobi 11/12/2009 8:56:23 AM
monyobi 11/12/2009 8:04:58 AM...take a close look at Zimbabwe and see how the masses had to escape starvation and crawl under the fences to find a "better" life in SA, those that remained are still starving and dying, and STOP POSTING GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!! The skilled are leaving this country in droves, and let me tell you this foreign countries are welcoming them.

steve@monyobi 11/12/2009 8:56:43 AM
Because of the likes of you that enforce the points made in the article, I am busy winding up my company and leaving; I feel sorry for the 35 people I employ that will be without a job but I'm tired of swimming against the current of cronyism, corruption etc,... South Africa is not a place for hardworking honest people, they are simply not appreciated.

Fred B 11/12/2009 8:58:07 AM
Hi Miela, I truly wish u happiness where ever u go. But please never forget ur home, we will always be here for u and ur children. Oh and please could u give Julius a hug on ur way out...He so needs it...

@Horza 11/12/2009 8:58:49 AM
"I have two world recognised professional qualifications and I am fortunate enough to live anywhere in the world." in case you did not understand why the writer is fortunate enough to live anywhere in the world, her credentials speak for themselves

Michael 11/12/2009 9:00:09 AM
I am an expat but there is not a minute that passes by that I do not want to go back home. I know SA is going through some turmaoil but, as South Africans we need to join hands and find a solution. I am aqualified skilled person and as soon as I get a job in SA I am coming back to give back to Mama Africa. We overcame apartheid did we not ... The issues we have now will be sorted out and if we band together we can fight it head on.

Wisdom 11/12/2009 9:01:05 AM
Slapgat

Aha 11/12/2009 9:01:16 AM
oh dear, you don't know what 'working class' means.
good luck

Oom Piet to Oomleeu 11/12/2009 9:01:27 AM
Aha! but here you are looking back my old buddy...

Are you just a barman that side and can't even come back because you have no skills?

Tebza Ngwana to Sean D and Juan 11/12/2009 9:03:13 AM
Well put Sean D.

BobbeJuan why not try next door (ZoOranjia) in meantime? I think you will be less miserable there don't you agree?

Tsosti 11/12/2009 9:03:38 AM
It is time for the youth of this country to stand up and be counted! (Malema you do not qualify as youth - Just as waste.. I mean weight!). I am to old to leave. I'm highly qualified and will inspire SA citizens till the day I die. If everyone just reach out to one person every day - You'll be surprised. Do not listen to the incompetents currently in power positions.

Fred 11/12/2009 9:03:45 AM
Godspeed Miela and all the best for you and your family. Soon we will all be refugees.

The only appreciation their government has for the tax paying citizens of this country is a televised threat of "though new penalties on late tax submissions" What a crock. What horribly sad crooked people they are.

I used to consider myself liberal, but now every time a politician or trade unionist opens their mouth the hair on the back of my neck stands up and my blood begins to boil. So many things HAVE improved, then again many things are far worse. I'm not sure whether it is because for the ANC or in spite of the ANC. I wish I had a two internationally recognised degrees and mountains of cash like you.

You will be sorely missed.

@guess... 11/12/2009 9:03:53 AM
@guess...11/12/2009 8:35:46 AM I am saving as well, it is hard cutting down here and there and realising I could do without certain things, I have set my mind to do that as well :)

SimonP@Mimi 11/12/2009 9:05:14 AM
You obviously realise the country is completely screwed up, you did not argue against it.....YOU PLAYED THE RACE CARD.

cecilia 11/12/2009 9:07:43 AM
Hi Miela - I wish you all the success going forward... your letter is spot on - there is little future here for our kids. They will be blamed for the sins of their grandparent until they leave, or die.

Koochie @ Dries 11/12/2009 9:08:28 AM
Free range children??? are they edible?

@fedup 11/12/2009 9:10:44 AM
Please define "you and your kind" and how they are resonsible for "this mess"
Interesting that you admit there is a mess but no surprise you do not blame it on the 16 year old government, go on say it, it will take 350 years......

Estelle 11/12/2009 9:11:07 AM
My children left 3 years ago for NZ and never looked back. Her niece and her family are leaving on the 19th Nov. for the same reasons. With two small girls they cannot take any chances. I KNOW you and your family will be ok - God bless!

Edeano 11/12/2009 9:11:32 AM
Fare Well, as much as it has it's ups and downs, it's still has one of the best democrazies in the world, "it's a FREE COUNTRY"

mampara 11/12/2009 9:11:49 AM
At least you have options to leave to somewhere, some of us don't

TheKing 11/12/2009 9:12:00 AM
This outpouring of negativity by the author and all of the teary-eyed commentators above is not going to solve anything. If you want to leave, GET GOING ALREADY. Sure this country has its problems, but so do all the others. This sort of victim mentality only contributes to SA's woes. We need to be more resilient and determined in the way we approach life. Rolling over in a blubbering heap of self-pity only worsens the problem. This country does not need nay-sayers, it needs robust leaders who have positive and constructive mindsets.

Raymond 11/12/2009 9:12:08 AM
"Two world class qualifications..." Typical. Earned right here in SA and then you piss off with them. Don't you think that is part of the problem? And please don't give me the old AA BEE excuse. It is possible to work around that. Cheers.

qaqambile 11/12/2009 9:12:19 AM
why do you feel the need to justify your trechery? you are a sell out and as in one of our counties infomous idiots "finish and klaar" i am not saying my country is an Utopia but i am certainly not leaving and believe you me i am a qualified indivudual. this is my country and my land and i will stay and fight and make it a thriving society.

PAR 11/12/2009 9:14:31 AM
And all the others like you will be leaving as soon as they can - then S.A. will be like Zimbabwe and the masses will be dumfounded as to WHY? It is a very sad tale.

Mart 11/12/2009 9:15:20 AM
@Kibo,@Sganja - on my way too,carefull just now there will be no tax payers left! who will pay for Vip protections, BMW's etc..
@mimi - Your comment just shows who is the real racist.
@ all negative commentators - FACE REALITY, THE author makes valid points .

Jorg 11/12/2009 9:16:10 AM
Dear Miela, go well and may you find what you are looking for.I can not agree more. I was also one of those that voted YES in the referendum...Silly of me! I am just waiting for my 2 children to qualify and will quietly take my goods, that I paid for, and leave, as I am alos on of the fortunate that will find work any where in the world.Pity those that I support will be without a job.So be it. I will ensure that I will transfer all my skills to Malema so that he can them teach the rest. Saddly they will go hungry after his teachings.

BrEnt 11/12/2009 9:18:23 AM
I agree with the author on her views If I had kids I definitly would do the same. Im lucky enough to be staying in the UK and I can honestly say I do prefer the quality of life here and its amazing to stay in a country where the government is held accountable and all races are considered equal, yes there is still crime here but its not as violent and people arent getting picked off one by one as it is in SA. All that considered, The people I love matter more to me and they are all in SA,I would rather struggle with them than live in comfort without them. I'll save up my cash and come home and if the country is going down, I'm going down with it but definitly not without a fight first! Whether anyone wants to stay or go is their own decision at the end of the day and no matter which one they choose you cant blame them. Good luck Miela!

Mongezi 11/12/2009 9:19:47 AM
Respect. Imagine if everyone lived every day expecting to be respected before they could respect others.

Don 11/12/2009 9:20:12 AM
Well written, this article brings tears to my eyes as I too consider leaving this magnificent country. My wife is pregnant with our third child and the thought of having them exposed to this debauchery is sickening. If only the power drunk pigs that run this country could see what they are doing to the most beautiful and divers country on the planet they would change, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sad 11/12/2009 9:20:14 AM
I have thought so many times of leaving. I am fortunate enough to also be highly skilled and educated. This was due to MY own hard work, I was not taught any of it by the govenrment, so why should I feel bad for "taking my skills somewhere else". I just hate that the only reason I dont want to go is cos of the poor health in SA causes my precious dogs to be in quaratine for up to 6 months. Why should my innocent pets be put "in jail" while so many ral criminals run free...

Steven 11/12/2009 9:20:20 AM
We left a year ago. It's very tough. We miss the family, friends, culture, easy life, our roots, the weather. And if I had to choose again - I'd still have left SA. I am much happier in NZ. Better for my family and my future generations. There is just so much opportunity overseas. So much more to life. And you only realize it once you live outside SA.

taxman 11/12/2009 9:23:57 AM
I am still scratching my head about that "seven figure taxes". WOW! That's a LOT of money girl!

J 11/12/2009 9:24:00 AM
@Miela you one of the elite that robbed us in Africa now you living, i say dont come back SA will do with one less racist, and all those who keep on moaning and whining can follow him you all cowards we dont need you in SA.

Sunshine 11/12/2009 9:24:28 AM
So the grass looks greener on the other side huh?! all the best to you then. and those that actually want to make something of their lives in SA - stop the pity party. what's killing sa is actually the "us against them" mentality, instead of citizens uniting for the greater good. at the end of the day we're all human and want the same out of life

Chris 11/12/2009 9:24:29 AM
Many are still to follow, and yes all you have said is true, one just hopes that the European Countries will stop feeling that they have to keep funding this corrupt government and when it reaches the level of poverty as in Zimbabwe the Malema's of this world must not think that they will be welcome or safe elsewhere, because we will be waiting to drive them out of which ever country they tries to visit. i think God gave up on South Africa the day it Gave up on God.

Anon234 11/12/2009 9:24:57 AM
Good grief people!!!! Get a grip on yourselves. Miela we all wish you the best of luck. I've also travelled the world I can tell you the grass isn't always greener.

Kenroid 11/12/2009 9:25:14 AM
My parents recently moved to Australia - and its like living in paradise...yes they both work extremely hard but they dont have to wake up in the night at a sound of a bang in the house and fear they are about to be murdered for a TV! Good Luck Miela! Africa will be with you always!

Uncle Bob 11/12/2009 9:25:27 AM
All of the best to you and your family! My family are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and have now started the immigration process. Sorry SA, but I do not see any hope for my children's future the way things are exponetially getting worse every day...

Marc 11/12/2009 9:26:07 AM
@Shawn. You evade tax, and then complain about service delivery, state of roads, health etc??You want excellence when you arent prepared to paty for it?? Muppets like you must leave, your'e a disgrace

Suzie@Mimi 11/12/2009 9:26:30 AM
I will pray for you that you will see people like GOD has created us. I don't discriminate against people with a different hair colour that me, or eye colour. What makes the skin so special. Mimi God created us to his image. Let us stop thinking of colours (typical white people). I work hard on myself and pray often that God will take ALL racism out of me. Will you do the same? That will change our country.

Gerald 11/12/2009 9:26:59 AM
Come Zizo and Halfwise(say no more), where you boys this morning....? Cat got your tongue? Chops!!!

Well writen.

Balls of steel 11/12/2009 9:28:47 AM
It takes far more guts to leave your homeland than to stay. Go with God!

JJ @ Goodriddance 11/12/2009 9:29:20 AM
You proved her point to the T, You stupid racist bastard!! & Kolobe, please enough is enough just go and play on the highway, PLEASE!!!!

Johan 11/12/2009 9:29:57 AM
I am just so sick of these race topics. I so wish I could rather read about exciting industry news where SA-cans design and build stuff, with love somewhere in there - visibly.

PLEASE POST THIS 11/12/2009 9:30:09 AM
Mimi what an idiot. "true Africans never desert Africa" Ha Ha HA Why are there so many trying to get into Europe then? At the risk of their very lives????Millions trying to get out!!!!

Louis 11/12/2009 9:32:09 AM
If it was not for my parents and two late brothers children and the black woman that looked after me as a child and her family that I am looking after now, I would have gone as well. God knows how I love this country but being a second class citizen here just sometimes makes me depressed for the future of the kids. Racism is fuelled by government with their BEE and Affirmative Action policies. They government just do not want believe it.

I have many friends that left for other countries in last 5 years, young couples, people that took their degrees and went to make lives for them self in Hong Kong, USA, New Zeeland, even Botswana and Ghana. I thought they all were just doomsayers but I am slowly changing my mind. South Africa is loosing not only on TAX revenue but also on people with entrepreneurial skills that have their industries in other countries now. And that the top echelons of government do not see this.

Small business owners from abroad do not even want to do business here, so there is no change for growth, entrepreneurs and people with skill that could have taught people here, are gone and doing it for other countries now. Some of them will come back if thing change, it is not always easier there. Life is hard where ever you go, but to be vilified and wanting you to pay for your grandfathers mistakes in this country, is absurd in this day and age. Not to start on the wasteful spending of government of tax money. Anyway…!

But I do not know if it just wishful thinking but I still have hope things might change, maybe a fools hope…

Good luck and God bless.

Ikabot 11/12/2009 9:33:18 AM
7 Figure Tax Bill. And how'd you get that hey? By exploiting the workers. By hanging on to imperialist dogma that perpetuates the social and economic imbalances in society...

Andre Kemp 11/12/2009 9:34:26 AM
I could have written these same words. We’re also leaving. Same reason. It’s so sad.

twisted 11/12/2009 9:34:35 AM
Protecting children is tricky wherever you live. Mostly you come up against nationalism rather than racism (in those countries I've worked in), and especially now with jobs being tight everywhere. And you won't find too many politicians that say what they mean like our Julie Baby - they're all spin and bull. To me a country is just a place - like it, don't like it, move on. The days of deep roots are past. I don't serve a flag, a government or a queen. Good luck, and give it time - it takes time.

blah 11/12/2009 9:35:59 AM
I hope you find the quality of life that you are looking for.

Master_P 11/12/2009 9:36:02 AM
I cannot applaud anyone who runs away from his/her problems. True, we have serious challenges regarding service delivery but that's no reason enough to run away. who is going to fix this mess if not ourselves?There are many other positive people who are willing to make things work despite all the problems and those are the ones that I applaud. Looking at the current administration, I am more than convinced there is a political will to address problems bedivilling our country and all we need is to nuckle down and dirty our hands as a nation and rally behind their initiatives. As for Julius, he's not our president and I will not worry about him as much as I will not worry about the Chief Racist Terreblanche

Hero Nakamura 11/12/2009 9:37:40 AM
No Country is perfect! A well traveled man like me can tell you that. So Enjoy your stay in your new adopted home. Please write a similar letter when you return.

Andre 11/12/2009 9:38:22 AM
As soon as I can sell my house and car, I'm out of here too. So are three of my qualified friends and their families. God help this place...

OnTheSideline @Aloguerra 11/12/2009 9:39:10 AM
The problem I believe is that Mandela and his poor people have not forgiven they are now oppressing a part of the population. It is simply apartheid in reverse pure and simple black on white racism. Amazing how the previously oppressed had become so adept at now being the opressors.

Hoogspoed 11/12/2009 9:39:32 AM
Good riddens and thanks for hidding to the calls of your ancestors.Finally you and other monkeys are considering to return home. Poor prodigal daughter of the West. Bon Voyage and tell them over there that Africa is not for sissies or cheese girls.

Viparo 11/12/2009 9:41:16 AM
Strange how every black commentator here emphasizes her letter. You spew your ill-informed, sub intellectual ramblings without pause. When will you thick skulled lot get it in to your brains that your forefathers settled here too? How many times does it have to be repeated before you understand it? Your sense of entitlement is astonishing. "Take your brothers and sister with you" etc. Don't worry, we say the same thing to the HIV virus.

BEYONCE 11/12/2009 9:42:17 AM
Tsosti 100%....
I'm one of those citezens that don't consider migrating to any other country,I still hope that things could change for better one day,and yes the incompetence of the current leaders is a matter of concern,with their new best policy INSULTING anyone who has better views than them.

Amy 11/12/2009 9:42:44 AM
They are those who say they are leaving not because they are racist, but because this country is corrupt, Does anyone know how corrupt this country was during apartheid? While you made merry in those days, people of color were being persecuted, murdered and jailed, families torn apart etc. Where were you ? It's quite convenient for you to leave now, with your family wealth, land, business deals you acquired from this country's corrupt past. You are lucky the black man has'nt taken it away from you. Run while you can you coward !

IceCreamMan 11/12/2009 9:44:07 AM
Another good person leaves to be replaced by an incompetent ... another nail in the coffin... so damn sad .... good luck...see you soon

VG 11/12/2009 9:47:14 AM
Aloguerra: Thank you. As an economist I have to analyse the economies and sometimes social trends of a number of developing countries. SA always comes out respectably. Spectacular? no, but certainly not bad enough to deserve the daily bashing it gets. Talk to any foreigner and they will tell you that no nationality bashes their country like South Africans do. It's unbelievable - and it's always white South Africans, unfortunately. When anyone dares to write anything positive on this site, the comments immediately start: you're delusional, just wait until something happens to you etc etc. Certain sections of our population seem to derive a perverse pleasure out of bashing their country.

Glock 22 11/12/2009 9:48:25 AM
Good luck I wish you all the best.No country in the world is worth your children's future. Go where you children will be safe from the anc. All The Best PS dont transfer your skills !!

Mongezi 11/12/2009 9:49:27 AM
It's good that you are going to raise your kids in an environment that is much better than South Africa. However your statement about respect - "They need to be respected, so that they can respect in return." - disturbs me. I may be misinterpreting it however if I'm not...even with your educational qualifications this may be the most uncivilised thing you are teaching your children and they won't be emotionally better off in life even if you emigrated with them to Utopia.

@Sganja 11/12/2009 9:49:37 AM
Don't you have some wire cars to play with and leave the grown ups alone. GO AWAY MAN!!!!!!!!!

ChapStick 11/12/2009 9:51:28 AM
You and your kind are the locusts of the human race. You lay to waste all in your path without forsight. You are the reason for this mess. Look North for your legacy.

spaceballs 11/12/2009 9:52:39 AM
@Hoogspoed - You use such nice big words, but I find your sentence's grammatical construction severely lacking.

Dave 11/12/2009 9:52:48 AM
Well said and well done. Unfortunately, all those people who say good riddance presume that it is only the white citizens leaving. Majority of the skill drain in Zimbabwe was brought about by the black citizens who left as they were sick of a government of idiots stealing the country's wealth. The longer the ANC stay in power here, the sooner the same will happen to SA. Then the government will be begging those in exile to please remit the money back home as it is the only source of forex. I cannot believe that in this day and age politicians are too stupid to learn from others mistakes.

ENrust 11/12/2009 9:56:52 AM
@Author - wow! "seven figure tax" it is so good , it is almost unreal!!!!

fg 11/12/2009 9:58:15 AM
Good riddens and thanks for hidding to the calls of your ancestors<----What language are you speaking?

Finally you and other monkeys are considering to return home.<---Ok, think I understand this part, you are saying that you were kicked in the head by a mule.

Poor prodigal daughter of the West. Bon Voyage and tell them over there that Africa is not for sissies or cheese girls.<---No sir, we do have cheese curls in stock, would you like some?


AJ 11/12/2009 9:58:22 AM
Nice letter, yip I have 2 mall boys and we are off in the next year or so too.
@Monyobi - have a good look at the rest of the comments and then read your own again. I wonder what an impartial observer would make of them. Do you deliberatly want to come across as an idiot, or can you not help yourself. I struggle to see why someone would want to come across as stupid and uneducated - how does that help you?

Piet Strydom 11/12/2009 9:58:49 AM
We tried to leave in 1996, after a senseless murder in the family, but it didn't work out - God had other plans for us. So we resigned ourselves to staying here, and blooming where we were planted. Now God has sent an opportunity to work in America, and we are so grateful. There sre no fences around the houses, no burglar bars. The schools are clean, everybody is amazingly friendly. Just compare that to this country, to what you read in the comments on news24. of the people that have a choice, VERY few chooses to stay here. BTW, the average age of practising civil engineers in SA is 58. That should scare the living daylights out of everybody...

spaceballs 11/12/2009 10:01:03 AM
@ChapStick - perhaps, but YOU and YOUR kind are the parasites.

ashk 11/12/2009 10:03:20 AM
Many of us hoped that the end of the Mbeki era would mean improved race relations, and the end of the focus on race. Sadly things have got worse.

Diplomat 11/12/2009 10:04:21 AM
@Peter Wrote: "If you are not part of the solution the get the hell out instead of writing rubbish like this on our websites!"

You aren't the smartest person are you? If you pay seven figure tax, I think you are very much part of the solution to feed your masses.

Craig 11/12/2009 10:05:01 AM
What a bunch of old farts!?
You can either sit around feeling sorry for yourself or you can pull your finger out of your a... and do something about it. There is a huge amount of opportunity in SA and all over Southern Africa. If you have such a negative outlook, your kids will not be safe from your influence where ever you live. Don't rely on the government to employ you, times have changed. Take control of your life or move to a new miserable life somewhere else...
I too have a professional qualification which allows me into any English speaking country in the world, but why would I want to leave home? I travel at least one week each month and am always happy to the SA stamp in my passport when I get home.

50/50 11/12/2009 10:06:45 AM
Miela - go for it.

Im a 26yr old male, who has been on working holiday programs abroad the last 2 years. I had to return to SA for a new passport, new visa and a wedding to attend. I am awaiting all my paperwork to hopefully take up employment abroad again and go from there. I spent 6 months in Ireland and 18 months in Canada. I will admit - I miss SA. So very much - sport, culture, people, family, friends, the beauty of SA. On return now - I was struggling with the thought of leaving again, but with all the concerns about Eskom, ASA, Armscor, SAA, the proposed power tariff hikes...it just seems it is snowballing. It hurts. It really does - to think you have to leave 'home'. Since spending time abroad, you also realise even our low skilled and low incomed earners should earn more for what they do. You also wish for the competent black and white faces to be in Government - those that actually care and want to see SA flourish - but sadly, its more about those with personal agendas. Sadly its the bad black and white apples that spoil it for everyone else. There are definitely better leaders out there.
But yes, one has to look abroad. Its tough. I find it can be challenging at times adjusting to the North American lifestyle, not to mention COLD winters. Traditional schools, with uniforms, where children play sport and all - where abroad it can be very different for them.
If I do end up abroad - I feel sad for those who cannot - black and white.

People who question why someone would write about this - dont quite understand what people in such a situation feel. Sure - some leave and dont care, but the person writing in such a manner is of course passionate about 'Home'. Sad to be leaving. And just has an opinion to voice.

If I go - I am looking for a backup. I find it difficult to turn my back on 'Home'. I would like to see this place thrive, but for that to happen, you need great leadership. We need 'youngsters' running the country - to work progressively. Those who care enough and can get past all the political dribble of the past. Yes - what happened pre 1994 was B/S....but the country has to move progressively, not like this. Sod politicians, right now SA should be run like a business - (possibly on a large scale version of Apprentice even!) - get the job done. Build SA. But too much B/S sadly. So yes - looking at 'backup'...So sad.
Tough one - Governments needs to realise : help the citizens in order for it to help you as the Gov, to make this place work. Help me help you.

GBES 11/12/2009 10:06:56 AM
You gave up,and I sympathise.Your taxes wil go to a new govt now,who will hopefully respect you.Where can I go as a black person,and be treated with respect? I do not think Europe,Britian,USA,Australia is spot for black people to stay.Here I feel at home.Its here that I am comfortable at.This country belongs to all of us,not the ANC and their cronies.I work hard at my personal marraige.I have to work much harder with my marraige to this foolish govt.I hope democracy survives at this southern outpost of Africa.The ANC wont govern until Jesus comes.Rest assured and help us to make RSA a better place.Goodbye.

Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack 11/12/2009 10:07:23 AM
Are you expecting sympathy from some of us? Sorry; you are not going to get any from me.

Have you ever heard of collective responsibility? Your forefathers came to our shores in 1750 or whatever...and raped our country and abused the indigenous people here. For centuries your type benefited while the majority of black people were essentially slaves. Don't you see a link between the actions of your forefathers and by default you (as a beneficiary) to what is happening now - the social problems and ills? As human beings if we do not look after each other we will suffer the consequences. The chickens are coming home to roost. White people were accumulating resources depriving black people (their neighbours) of basic needs and their dignity. Did you really think that after 94 life will be "normal" after all these centuries of abuse? This country needs healing and we haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg. Running away is not a solution either because you are taking your anger and feelings with you. If you think being physically away from SA will bring you peace, then you are deluding yourself. Life is not that simple. Many people are still hurting after centuries of hurt. Pity some white people trivialise the suffering of black people and think what happened pre 94 was just a bad joke with no lasting effect.

If you are a real African as you claim, you will stay here and be part of the solution. You will stop hanging on every silly word Malema utters and that is spread by the media as if it is gospel. For a change, use your brain and stop being manipulated by the media. There is more to life than Malema and the ANC that you and your type seem to have hatred for - which is very silly.

Stop focusing on the negative things. There are so many good things happening in our country and good people. Pity our media seems to be so focused on bad things.

Fred B @ J 11/12/2009 10:07:56 AM
Someone please give J a hug...

Lesley 11/12/2009 10:08:00 AM
Oh heck, I'm so sad. I wish you didn't have to go but I understand why you're leaving. I wish I could do the same but, as with many others, I don't qualify to live in another country and really envy you and your family for this opportunity. I wish you and your loved ones all the blessings in the world in your new life. Enjoy the safety, the security and a future worth living for.

Boerseun 11/12/2009 10:09:20 AM
Good luck Miela, sorry to see a skilled, good South African go ! Now u will be replaced by 1000 unskilled toi-toing 'demanders'..... eish, wish i could leave with u !

Neville 11/12/2009 10:10:40 AM
I to would love to leave. Do not tell me it has got to do with race. My 2 grand children are black. I am a thinking seriously about going to rather live in Zambia

Stryder 11/12/2009 10:12:45 AM
I have also made the tough decision to leave. It isno longer an issue of "if" it is a matter of "when". I will however not me emmigrating, I will be going into "exile".

blacky10 11/12/2009 10:13:00 AM
great write and we wish you well, i, myself worked for a rather large airline within south africa ( guess which one ), and being in a new country now for almost 2 years i could not be happier, yes there will be the doom sayers but once their families are robbed, raped and murdered and given half the opportunity they would take the people that they love and give them a fair chance at life, good luck to you and may you have the chance to bring as many as your loved ones with you as possible!!!

fedup@VG 11/12/2009 10:13:09 AM
Dankie!!!!

@monyobi - Kapstok 11/12/2009 10:17:08 AM
Less than 3% of immigrants have returned to SA you tool, do you know how much tax revenue and economically viable people are leaving these shores? Suppose it is fine because JZ and JS will create 1 billion work opportunities by December. Idiot

Stuart 11/12/2009 10:18:20 AM
The saddest part of this is that we are losing another highly educated person. If you take the time to think of all the people you know who have left this country in the last 5 years it really is worrying. These are people who have degrees in the medical field, engineering field and financial fields. This leaves us with uneducated people with little experience. We are on the way to becoming another African State where the infighting completely destroys the country.

Howard 11/12/2009 10:19:30 AM
Good luck, although the more taxpayers that leave will place a bigger burden on those that stay until we also get gatvol and leave.
I could go to the UK tomorrow and immediately qualify for the dole but South America is much more appealing to me. My family have all gone to the UK what the f*ck am I still doing here?

EXPAT 11/12/2009 10:20:31 AM
I'm an expat plying my finance professional trade in West Africa still with strong roots in SA with property,friends and family. I've travelled the world. I return home regularly and there is no better feeling than that touchdown in JHB and then Durbs. This is Africa, I'll take my chances. CRIME has to take top priority, rest is WIP. Oh, and on taxes,try any other 1st world country...err nothing different

lal @ KIBO 11/12/2009 10:21:03 AM
You have issues!!! Anyway all the best to those that leave, just remember your heart will always be in Africa.

Sinudeity @Hamba 11/12/2009 10:22:40 AM
Collective responsibility? Forefathers arrived in 1700? Dude, which of ANYONE responding here was alive back then?! We are living in the HERE AND NOW. And it is OUR COLLECTIVE responsibility to FIX things. You just merely threw the race card again, a historical race card with NO significance to the PRESENT.

Peter R 11/12/2009 10:23:47 AM
In my opinion the point that seems to being made by quite a few people leaving South Africa.Is that they are reluctant Migrants who feel that they do not see a long term future in the country for themselves. Where they can feel safe, have an oppertunity to provide for themselves & their families and are treated equally & fairly .
What is surely lacking is strong statesman type leadership for all South Africans.We possibly need someone like another Nelson Mandela

Andrew Pienaar 11/12/2009 10:25:19 AM
"Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack" I am a real african, but my black neighbours never accept me as such. Doesnt stop me for doing all that I can to build a new south africa.
The wounds of this country are so deep, started with the colonies, the wars, apartheid, bantu education, and we will see the repercussions of it for years to come.
Black people are upset because transformation is not happening fast enough, White people are upset because there seems to be no room for us in the new SA. The best we can do is remain positive that in time we will understand each other and when I am old, I will still remain african.

Anonymous 11/12/2009 10:25:40 AM
Go. Just leave this country. If you cannot accept the realities of living in South Africa, everybody will bebetter off without you. As for me, I am going NOWHERE!!!

Dave 11/12/2009 10:27:42 AM
Miela good luck to you and your family. I know that the descision was not an easy one. We leave in April 2010 after much soul searching. This beautiful country is slowly slipping down the slippery slope and we do not want to find out at the last moment that we should have left when could.

DGT 11/12/2009 10:28:06 AM
Why is it that people assume that only white people are leaving? I travel extensively and in my view it seems to me that it is the very well educated, regardless of colour, who have or are leaving. Very sad. I tried so hard to bring up my kids with a respect for all regardless of race but it is difficult when so much racial hatred still exists on all sides and our children are exposed to it at almost every turn. It does give me great hope though to see the number of people on this site who are staying because they want to see a better future. Did anyone listened to the anniversary speeches of the falling of the Berlin Wall. A triumph of human spirit. Our country - thanks to the contributions of Nelson Mandela - was specifically mentioned as an example. We have done it before as a nation, we can do it again. OF course it is easier to manage a country with uneducated, scared and downtrodden souls, but through history the human spirit has endured. Thanks to all the outsiders who can see the improvements and talk them up. I am always glad to come home after seeing the mess that so many other countries are in. We have to stay and be counted and ensure that our children are proud and courageous enough to do the same. The world is watching .. we must not let ourselves down. Good luck to all those that leave but Im putting my lot with my beloved rainbow nation.

Anonymous 11/12/2009 10:28:55 AM
Go. Just leave this country. If you cannot accept the realities of living in South Africa, everybody will be better off without you. As for me, I am going NOWHERE!!!

@Sinudeity @Hamba 11/12/2009 10:31:34 AM
Sinudeity @Hamba 11/12/2009 10:22:40 AM...ROFL dont you know that Google works fantastic, copy and paste, try and act intelligent even if you dont know what it means lol....not one of us were born in the 1700's

william 11/12/2009 10:31:41 AM
you all voted for this in 93 and now you can not take resposibility for what you chose. Don't feel bad about our past ....our anchestors came from wars to establish universities so we can go forward in this world.... The ANC is not doing the same...they enrich themselves and the nation are getting poorer and the amount of discrimination of basic rights are actually more than 30 years ago..sure it is now shifted to other colors as well but more non the less. TIA

nigel 11/12/2009 10:31:55 AM
I live in Cape Town & love the place, but one has to think of your kids future. The decision to leave is a process that needs to weigh up the risks with the anticipated benefits. No doubt your kids will benefit but at what cost & risk to the parents. The financial risk is substantial, & while security & peace of mind are more important, there is nothing worse than sitting in a foreign country with no income or family support. The sense of helplessness & failure can be overwhelming. So one has to keep things in perspective. If you have been a victim of violent crime or are currently unemployed (but skilled) then this will not be such a major consideration, but if not then maybe it should be. There may come a time (possibly sooner than later) that things get so much less attractive here that the risks of leaving are negated, but I personally think that it is too early to call at this point. It is easy to caught up in the jump ship hype but its not all a bed of roses. Either way the future is going to be tougher.

Tsipa 11/12/2009 10:32:13 AM
Miela, I fully understand what you're going through. It's not about color, it's human nature that when you have so many illeterate and less sophisticated people who keep voting for useless officials into office, the consecoences will always be what we see in SA. Pity, we have to be the generation that bears it all. God bless Africa. Go in Peace Miela.

M 11/12/2009 10:32:56 AM
We have been subjected to corruption and crime and we are getting numb to it. Tell those stories to someone in a 1st world country and they think we are nuts to stay in SA. You are doing the right thing for your kids, thats for sure. The ANC commentators have never lived in a peaceful world without corruption/crime/violence and hence they don't know what they are missing (nor do they actually care). They will tell you all is fine and they are tough. No, they aren't they ran like girls when the troepies came for them but psychologically they are a mess, love and peace doesn't really mean anything to them anymore.

@Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack 11/12/2009 10:34:42 AM
Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack 11/12/2009 10:07:23 AM...I HAVE NEVER READ SUCH GARBAGE IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! I think deep down in the angry peoples hearts they also wish there was an opportunity given like the author to leave, and instead of well wishes, stupid and unintelligent comments like these come forth.

Talitha 11/12/2009 10:35:40 AM
You remember the song: Wish me luck while you wave me goodbye…. I am waving to you and your family

Talitha 11/12/2009 10:36:25 AM
You remember the song: Wish me luck while you wave me goodbye…. I am waving to you and your family

John P 11/12/2009 10:38:35 AM
Well written - All of the best to you.
Note it has been said that the difference between an Emmigrant and a Refugee is....Timing!

Louis 11/12/2009 10:40:33 AM
I am jealous, I wish I could leave with my wife and 3 kids just like you. Best of luck. The coming war is going to be a bloody mess!

Jay 11/12/2009 10:44:57 AM
Best wishes Miela. I have waited to long. History is repeating itself. From up north in Africa where the Colonials were and as far south as we are they left. They left with horrific consequences for the African. They cannot rule themselves. The African has always been begging and blaming the western world for their failures. Good luck to all who leaves black or white and God Bless.

Theprodigy 11/12/2009 10:49:38 AM
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, its a beautiful spring day in Africa. Lighten up people, life is too short to be continuously paralyzed by the fear of what could happen, you could get get run over by a car tomorrow.

ChapStick 11/12/2009 10:49:44 AM
Please note that my comment re locusts was directed at fedup, tumelo, halfwise.

Hero Nakamura 11/12/2009 10:51:47 AM
@John P
Dude - you are a comedian!

cindy 11/12/2009 10:53:01 AM
i actually have tears in my eyes! this explains the feelings of MANY South Africans. Good luck & be happy! drop in on news24 sometime and let us know if the grass is indeed greener on the other side :)

Outcast 11/12/2009 10:56:11 AM
These are sentiments echoed by most of the working class. Blessings to you for having arrived at this decision. The reality is that almost all of the negative letters and responses are from people that would dearly and really be able to leave also , but for various reasons and / or situations , they cannot.....therefore the blatant jealous reaction......the chances are high that if all the working class people had the opportunity to leave tomorow , I think more than 50% would leave.....and the others would stay because their wives told them to stay !!!!

noctus 11/12/2009 10:59:40 AM
All my prayers and well wishes accompany you, my family is short on your heels headed to Canada. Dont worry miela, we will alll be back sooner than you think.... there is a storm coming.

Angela 11/12/2009 11:00:00 AM
I have 2 young sons so I can relate to your need to protect your children. Where we find our country today requires much sacrifice from those who choose to stay. It asks for hard work, perseverance, commitment, pain and courage. And, with everything in life, there is great risk. But I believe that by staying I will contribute to creating the South Africa I believe we can be. I'm in this marriage for better AND for worse.

@ikabot 11/12/2009 11:00:19 AM
Your an I D I O T - quick go kill yourself

SumDumBum 11/12/2009 11:00:43 AM
You're tellimng me that you pay over a million rand in taxes each year? Seems unlikely that you'd bother informing the rest of us of your movements then, you'd have someone to do that for you...

Exhausted 11/12/2009 11:05:19 AM
DITTO! What will it take for this government to sit up, listen and pay attention??? God bless and Bon Voyage!

ET 11/12/2009 11:05:26 AM
well written article, I agree with you and I hope you get the life you with for overseas. I'm staying here, hoping for a change. I might be dissapointed, but Im not giving up yet!
good luck to you and your family

GeorGe @ Theprodigy 11/12/2009 11:11:59 AM
Chances of being run-over in a 1st world country is far less than being killed for your cell phone you turkey. The difference in say Europe is that there are robberies, too true, but you don't get killed. There are 15 500 motor car related deaths per annum. talk about knowing how to drive! And 350 plus farm murders. Over 5700 SERIOUS CRIMES police dockets PER DAY. Look closely to what I have said: PER DAY - Now go figure and come back to me. Don't be a plonker!

@Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack 11/12/2009 11:14:26 AM
And what is the rest of africa's excuse? Why are the living in poverty , Dying of Aids , and war torn ? Is that our forefathers faults as well ? Africans doesnt have the balls or the brains to stand up to their own.Its their own who rape their country's. What is zimbabwe's ,DRC, Etc excuse ? They also blame the white man ? Glock

desertrose 11/12/2009 11:18:25 AM
Thank you for your article. I wish you all the happiness in your 'new' country. It is nice to read how most wished you the best, without criticizing, this shows me that us, S Africans can stick together. I left S Africa 12 years ago. I visit my mom and family at least twice a year and pray for the day to return to my S Africa. You are going to be very surprised with peoples reaction when you tell them you are from S Africa. EVERYONE will sympathize with you, trust me, in Europe, Canada and the States (my personal experience) You will find racism every where in the world ! But unfortunately, the complexes some S Africans
have, that you will only find in S Africa.







@Marcel 11/12/2009 11:28:17 AM
Just like to answer Marcel. This letter was written as a means of closure - so maybe for selfish reasons. I will sincerely miss this beautiful country, family and friends and I will always love SA and will never forget the country. I solute all the people that work hard and earn an honest living, care and respect others and especially those that do their best to heal the devisions in our country. That has truely been our family's phylosophy, but our Government does not promote nation building, but hatred amongst its people.

ENrust 11/12/2009 11:30:55 AM
Wait until your whole family is dead and you have no one to bury your sorry a$$! lol, Africa is home!

@SumDumBum 11/12/2009 11:32:41 AM
A seven figure tax is nothing – a SME with a medium low turnover that employs 15 professionals will easily contribute well over a million in tax. Try and set yourself up with your own business and you will also be contributing seven figures to tax. Then it would be interesting to see if you have opinions about how your tax gets spent, and if you would reduce your profit by employing someone to do your online responses here.

happy_in_kiwi_land 11/12/2009 11:33:03 AM
Good luck mate. Its worth it.

The first year or two is tough, but we have no regrets.

Its a difficult choice having to choose between one's own parents and your own kids. We chose our kids. The future for them in SA is non existent, here they have the world of freedom and opportunities. Sad that as South African's we are all forced to make this choice sooner or later. Good on you for putting your kids first.

Best of luck

GINA 11/12/2009 11:33:29 AM
my sentiments as well "BEST LETTER I HAVE READ" enjoy life where ever it will be, anywhere is better than here(The citizens of South Africa are great I cannot understand how they the majority can sit back and accept what THIS government is doing to them, but come next election THEY will be voted in again because these people are oppressed by the current government.

Brett 11/12/2009 11:33:32 AM
What an excellent article,having recently moved to Australia with my family we cannot believe what we put up with for so long in SA,the freedom and piece of mind you have in Aus is unbelievable and you sometimes wonder why we didn't do it earlier.

@black bloggers here 11/12/2009 11:38:13 AM
Lot of these black bloggers that is so hateful for the white people here, I have one question.

What have you done for an impoverished black person since you got your wealth and how many have you helped?

amirrah 11/12/2009 11:39:41 AM
the nationalisation of the mines scare me even more. the national health insurance gives me goose bums. the politicians should stays politicians. business and politics do not mix. i don't have a problem with them staying at home and receiving royalties for fighting for this country. but they should let those who have sweat and had sleepless nights in the library do all the business side of things in government.

ANON 11/12/2009 11:40:09 AM
You can boil a frog to death in a pot of water and he wont jump out to escape, provided the water was cold to start with.

Thats what South Africa is all about, at least you were smart enough to jump out before it was too late. Good luck for the future, believe me its worth it!

GINA 11/12/2009 11:40:27 AM
You are not chicken its about time people started to leave we have a wonderful country, but unfortunately the goernment is leveling the playing fields, we are all going to be living in the townships which they will not upgrade and give their people quality of life.

cj@GBES 11/12/2009 11:46:00 AM
Your words really touched me. I too am staying and hoping for the best but there are days when my heart breaks for this country and I wish I could leave. Incidentally, you have my respect.

Monkey 11/12/2009 11:53:24 AM
Good luck with your travels. Well done for making the move. I will be following shortly - yippie! PS - person of colour

Russel 11/12/2009 11:54:03 AM
To all those with negative comments towards the author.

I don’t know how many of you have actually tried to make a difference in this country? We started a small business with the intention of helping people get decent jobs. We invested much of our hard earned savings in the business. We made sure that we paid at least twice the prescribed government minimum salary for the sector. We helped out some of our employees with additional loans (read donations since we never expected the money back) to assist with medical expenses, school fees etc.

The reward for this was staff that expected to do the absolute minimum, stole tens of thousands of rand worth of stock and when the whole thing finally collapsed and we had to shut down the same idiots then tried to take us to the CCMA to get more money!! As if they hadn’t swiped enough yet! The CCMA tossed them out on their ear by the way. The sense of entitlement is astounding!

The net result of all of this was that we damn near lost the shirts off our backs and have been set back more than ten years financially. Thanks be to God, since he alone worked the miracle, we were able to save the business although we employ no staff any more. My wife works for free because the business can’t pay her.

We are still here, I still pay my taxes and still use my skills in this country. But if I ever feel that my daughter will not have a viable future here I will go.

Lets be very clear here. The only true indigenous people of South Africa are the San and the Bushmen. Everyone else, and I mean everyone, had ancestors that immigrated here. Most of the major issues started at the end of the 19th century so for those who hark back to earlier abuse the facts do not support your point of view.

We can build a country here and some of us have really tried. To those of you who say that is what we all should do, put your money where your mouth is! There are limits to what a few can do and if someone reaches the point of giving up then it is those who remain who should take a long look at themselves and see if just maybe they aren’t the reason for it.

JP 11/12/2009 11:54:29 AM
Thinking of leaving SA aswell. can not live in a country where we fear for our lives on a daily basis and are judged by the colour of our skin.

stu 11/12/2009 11:55:31 AM
Why? oh why can all of you just be civil to each other and wish Miela well whether you agree with her sentiments or not instead of throwing the past in her face and using words like 'good riddance' and get out and SA does not need you etc. The hate spewed on this forum is so unnecesary. An educated person will know that if they allow anger and hate to take over their lives, all reasoning will fly out the window. Please try and be civil even if you agree or not with the comments of author or other commentators on this forum.

J 11/12/2009 11:56:15 AM
@Kibo - You are just the example of another black person who hate whites. Don't play the race card you idiot, if it wasn't for the first sailor to arrive you wouldn't have had this beautifull country. At least Miela is eduacated enough to get work overseas and to leave this country ruled by incompetent idiots...how about you?

amirrah 11/12/2009 11:58:25 AM
i hate that now that the ANC have a chance to run the contry they are not building the country but they are using existing infrustructure.The white man back then took a plain field and built a city.took a rural area and built a town. why are they not starting something of their own.why are they not taking a rural area and build a city and have something they can be proud of and show generations to come that this town/city was built by a black man. how do they live with themselves. aren't they proud of this country. how do they feel when they attend international meetings and they are from this country where people are always mourning about service.do they sit in those summit and say. i'm proud to be south african?

neighbour 11/12/2009 11:59:02 AM
Good luck! Always sad to lose good South African Citizens who are contributing to the economy. I'm moving my business to Botswana. I have decided not to leave Africa as this continent and it's people are great. It's only the ANC who are destroying South Africa. Take your money and invest where at least some decency prevails with the Politicians! Not here!

ron 11/12/2009 12:09:11 PM
all of the best. you are 100% right in what you're saying. why do people have issues with your 7 figure taxes, at least you we're paying your taxes and just tried to make a living in a country where you did not feel safe anymore. good luck for the future.

Tebza Ngwana to Michael 11/12/2009 12:14:47 PM
Michael I wish I could clone you.

Funny how people scream from the rooftops, using loudhailers on news24 telling the whole of SA how they were leaving this God forsaken country. Yet they quietly return and relocate to other cities once they find out that the grass is not in fact that greener. SA has challenges and most of the ANC sheep which bleat the loudest here are not even representative of the majority's views. They are just stirrers if you ask me, and would have their membership flushed down the toilet if the powers that be knew who they were.

Come back Michael! Have you contacted the homecoming revolution's website yet? Two white guys have come back into our company, and we gave them a warm South African welcome. We will get things right, slowly but surely. To prophets of doom, we have already denied the ANC its two-thirds majority, and will keep chipping away at its constituency and eventually boot them out.

To those who are going, I don't begrudge you, only your dishonesty and grandstanding. Good luck as you duck the Taliban's bombs, brave the violent weather, earthquakes and hurricanes and bitterly cold weathers in your new country. Just leave SA alone when you get there and find something meaningful to do

GINA 11/12/2009 12:19:49 PM
"Russel" we are doing exactly what you are opened business to employ ourselves and some of the less fortunate but you do not get any relief from Government all they do is just bleed you, with Affirmity action, BEE and make sure you pay your taxes on time otherwise we will hit you with our super penalties.I do not blame anyone for wanting to invest in a new life and new country

kareno 11/12/2009 12:21:38 PM
Good for you. I would love to leave, as my husband is unemployed - being white and almost 40 doesn't make the job offers any more frequent. He is suffering a chronic condition which costs in the region of R20k per month to treat. We are now locked into our medical aid as we would have a waiting period imposed on us, so you can imagine the financial strain we are under. I resent having to pay nearly half my salary every month to a medical aid who still leaves us with close on R1000.00 co-payments every month.

Then, this morning there was a huge shoot out in Randburg, and the 'baddies' flee into the veld - so there is a shoot out in the veld outside my home, that sees my husband and baby hiding in the bathroom to avoid any stray bullets.

Why must we live like this ?

If I had your opportunities, I would have gone a LONG time ago!!!

All of the best for the future....

leigh 11/12/2009 12:22:46 PM
Miele-well written -touched most people -even enough to get the negative comments flying...My comments are very simple :Everyone has different life experiances , beliefs , cultures ,histories, bank balances and current circumstances - So why do we need to always questionand critisize everyone's choices and decisions.? Life is short and i believe that universally all we want is to be happy and safe ..........Lets just leave each other to try and find that place NO MATTER WHERE IT IS...Good luck ...PS Im right behind you

Marcus 11/12/2009 12:30:38 PM
I was made redundant in 2006,spent 8 months looking for work.Found plenty of work but they wanted to pay me a third of what I was worth and twice I was told to be grateful because I am a white male.After going the year with nothing coming in,I sold up and went to the UK with my family. It has been tough. I have missed SA. My sons are studying at Uni, my wife is working,I am working and we are doing well.If the crime and hate stopped tomorrow,I would return to SA the next day. Malema is mad. A lot of what goes on in SA is mad.At least we are safe here. We are able to walk at all hours and I don't fear when the phone rings at an odd hour.You go for it, Miela. Remember that it will take quite a while for you to settle but you get there. Your kids will be safe.You will be safe.Good luck.

@monyobi & all who tells him good riddance from CitizenX 11/12/2009 12:36:00 PM
You guys who say the country is better off from people who leaves, you guys are the reason why people leaves!!!!!!

Be honest 11/12/2009 12:38:24 PM
Oh cry me a river already. You have all the right in the world to leave, and even the right to write about it and the reasons for such. But spare us the ‘yeah I love Africa so much’ mantra that so many people dish up when they decide to emigrate. If you really liked the place so much you could have gone to Namibia or even Botswana with your awesome, world class qualifications that you gained in same said Africa. If you’re really honest about it then you’d admit it’s actually about money, as the big part of your article actually bemoans the high taxes that you pay.
My ancestors, some of which crossed the Drakensberg mountains in ox wagons, some of which were tortured and raped in concentration camps and fought numerous wars, would scoff at your weak excuses. We will prevail, and good luck in ‘Straya mate.

Julie 11/12/2009 12:45:23 PM
Goodbye's are never easy, I wish you and your family God speed.. You have made a choice and taken life in both hands ,for the better, as South Africa will never improve until we as a nation and country, forget about yesterday and start living for today, we cannot change the past but we can make a difference to the future,and that will only come about once everybody has finished blaming the next one ...come on South Africa lets stand together, and leanr to respect each other....

Sky 11/12/2009 12:47:08 PM
I recently returned to SA in order to renew my visa (I am not lucky enough to have another passport). I have been here for about 2 months now. I was looking for a temp job for the period (perhaps 3 months) while Im in SA. I have been treated like krap by recruitment agencies who lie and make empty promises just to get you on their books. If I do not get my visa renewed I will take the opportunity to go to just about any other country in the world just to be safe.It took me a month to finally sleep properly for fear of someone breaking in and raping/murdering me. Now I tell myself whatever happens happens.

I cant wait to leave again as soon as I can. I will take my two degrees (both from reputable or rather previously reputable universities) and leave to a place where it actually means something and where I can live without fear.

The grass may not be greener on the other side but im not going to get shot while looking at the colour of it.

PS...Im NOT WHITE

Old Nick 11/12/2009 12:47:28 PM
A nicely written, to the point article. Best of luck. Comes a time in everybodies life when they need to take stock of where they are and where they feel they aught to be, it's a pity that there are always a bunch of bitter angry unreasonable people who would rather curse one for making a choice than focus on their own miserasble lives. At least there are many, who like me, sincerely wish you well as you venture forth.

Claudine Nel 11/12/2009 12:56:11 PM
To everyone that thinks we live in 'luxury' overseas need to wake up. It is really difficult to move to a new country and it sets one back financially and emotionally for a long time. We used to live in a nice cluster house with a pool in SA while here in the UK we bought a tiny little house with one bathroom, no garage, for the equivalent of R4.9 million. We are cold and sometimes misrable. But we don't regret it for one day and I can't imagine living in South Africa with all that hatred again. We can walk outside, forget to lock our doors, take the kids to the park and my husband achieves what he is worth at work. Most of all my girls are happy and safe and we are exploring Europe. It is definitely not the easy way out but its worth it.

Sarel 11/12/2009 12:58:47 PM
Well believe me there are places that thegrass is greener on the other side. As stated where I live there is no crime, children are safe and the government has control over all the residents. since we have moved here, our stress levels have gone down considerably which is great for our health as well.
Come and feed on some greener grass here,it is worth it!!!

Alan 11/12/2009 1:00:30 PM
I'm a returning South African. I didn't leave for the failings of our countries government, but to see the world and experience life in another country. I did it for two years and thought of home everyday I was away. Africa it's in our blood, it's part of our soul. Returning to Cape Town has been amazing. There is no place on earth I would rather live. My advice to anyone would be to look local first before considering a move overseas. Yes the salaries are lower in CT, but it's more than worth it when you wake up in this beautiful city.

@whakeup 11/12/2009 1:04:26 PM
Are you also riding the gravy train.......,it's either that or your the stupidest shit ever.

john21 11/12/2009 1:09:35 PM
i absolutely love living in sa! mabe its because i live in cape town but this is an unbelievable place to live! i have travelled in lived in other countries but have not found anything close to this lifestyle. most of the negativity on this blog is coming from sad expats and those who are fooled by the media. just look around at how stunning your country is! keep your nose clean, look after yourself and you will have a great life! if you wish to do so elsewhere that is your choice. do not berate those who genuinely enjoy living here because there are lots and lots of us who are proud south africans, irrespective of colour or creed. enjoy your holiday and i hope you come back refreshed and enlightened.

Marcel 11/12/2009 1:10:12 PM
Thanks for replying to me Miela and again, all the best

@Russel 11/12/2009 1:11:30 PM
Russel 11/12/2009 11:54:03 AM "The only true indigenous people of South Africa are the San and the Bushmen. Everyone else, and I mean everyone, had ancestors that immigrated here" aha now who can argue this :)

Proud to give you the finger 11/12/2009 1:16:45 PM
@mime and other blind muppets :) Guys wake up highly skilled people will NEVER bow to the wishes of those less skilled than them. I know, I am one of them. I will pay my tax to the country that deserves it! If you are a true patriot you would not have been content with sitting on your backside and whishing other people in this country ill.

O yes listen to those with an education and keep dreaming the "african dream" while china rapes africa like the criminals rape the innocent in SA. Have you read the news, they see work in One african country for 1million of they people. THEY WILL NOT EMPLOY LOCALS!! But hey, dont listen to the skilled ;) We will sit back and watch the world burn! and then after it all is done we will pick up and rebuild cause we will make the cash again ;)

@Kolobe 11/12/2009 1:20:36 PM
Kolobe....I have been reading your responses in quite a few articles to date. I just want to express the following: YOU ARE AN IDIOT....It is because of people like you that we have skilled South Africans leaving for other pastures. Stop being such a racist you idiot. Idiot Warthog......

Miele - Good luck and I trust that things will work out for you.

Annie 11/12/2009 1:21:28 PM
My brother in law was shot 3 times in his suburb in Gauteng at his local shop during an armed robbery last week. He saved the lives of the Ethopian shop owners whilst doing so. My sister was grazed by a bullet. On his same hospital ward was another couple who had been victims of a house robbery and the husband had also been shot 3 times but with more severe complications. It's no longer other people's families or friends it is happening to. It's just a matter of time until it happens to your own. Get out while you can.

Phillip 11/12/2009 1:24:13 PM
Good for you. All the best for you and your family abroad. My family and I are also on our way.

lesedi 11/12/2009 1:30:20 PM
I am a very happy man when I read things like this . The whiteman returning to his ancestral roots . Who would have known that these pompous , egotistical , blood-sucking vampires would finally heed the call . At least us africans dont have to drive you out with weapons , you are finally seeing the light . i know its hard for you people to accept that your roots are in Europe or better yet go back home but in the long run only a few of you wild hyenas will remain . Thank you letter writer for promoting such an act , very noble of you crooks,rapists,gays , murderers and racists to to finally make your way back .
Hamba kale mlungu
hamba kale mlungu .

Back-from-Aus 11/12/2009 1:33:34 PM
@author. What a beautiful, poignant article. I can read your sadness and resolution. I have lived in Aus for 12 years and loved it. It is not easy, but if you go there to integrate in a new country, you will do well. I do not have children and came back to SA to be with family, but I suspect I may have felt different if I had young ones. All the best and may you be very blessed!

@ hamba chicken quack quack 11/12/2009 1:35:14 PM
Hey silly billy - chickens dont quack!!?

@ Mimi 11/12/2009 1:35:30 PM
@ Mimi : Wow! What a racist YOU are. So full of arrogance and entitlement and racism.

Miela, I wish you and your family the very very best. May you find a true home in your new country. (I so so wish I could come with you). Goodbye, and good luck!

James 11/12/2009 1:35:44 PM
So funny that half the people complaining about SA are already overseas reading an SA website. Makes me realise how much you all miss home. I feel sorry for you all. Life here is great, I love it here and I could not be happier. I am envigourated every day to live in a place that has so much opportunity and hope. So I can't blame you really it must hurt to miss this place so much.

AJ @ James 11/12/2009 1:42:46 PM
"to live in a place that has so much opportunity and hope" - James if you like it here in SA so be it, but dont talk rubbish to make your point.

Sean D to Back from aus 11/12/2009 1:48:26 PM
You are back because you have no kids? What a silly excuse! Where there no women in Aus?

Just admit it, "east or west, home is best!"

There you have it MS, SA rocks!!

Sbonelo 11/12/2009 1:48:34 PM
Cant live blacks is it?


Jolene 11/12/2009 1:52:33 PM
To James....you must not have experienced South Africa for what it really is. Until you do, until you or someone you love gets killed for almost nothing, then we'll see how much you love this country! The only ones who will turn their noses up at others leaving, are those who don't have the opportunity to leave. This country is getting worse by the day. I'm not a pessimist but a realist!

CPTExpat 11/12/2009 1:57:52 PM
It is nice not having to look over your shoulder all the time. Good luck with the move and yes it is greener (Literally and Figuratively). To all the people that commented negatively to her just wanting a better future for her family, good luck with building my ex home and I hope it all works out for you. I think the reason us expats visit SA sites is in the hope that it is getting better but I fear we are in for lots and lots more surfing of the SA Sites.

TC 11/12/2009 2:01:30 PM
Go well my friend. One day your children will erect a monument to your honour, to thank you for the future you gave them. God bless you. Please pray for us who are left stuck here.

TC 11/12/2009 2:03:25 PM
Go well my friend. One day your children will erect a monument to your honour, to thank you for the future you gave them. God bless you. Please pray for us who are left stuck here.

Mis-led 11/12/2009 2:03:33 PM
I think if there was an award offered by News24, you should win it hands down. Your sentiments echo what most 'normal' South Africans are feeling. Lets call a spade a spade, everyday we are faced with more crime, more corruption, more poor governance. Is this about race, I don't think so - its more about culture, and it does not matter what colour you skin is if you culture differs significantly from that of your fellow citizen, there is going to be problems. Julius is spreading the racial hatred, no doubt, and this is going to lead to conflict between races, the polarization has already begun and it will be a bloody war. One which he will come to regret - but then again there is probably no such word in the Pedi language.
Sadly I cannot leave this country, I will be forced to stay and fight, not for supremacy, but for survival, because like Zimbabwe - lessons for the uneducated masses have to be learned the hard way. I will however make sure my children will leave, taking not only their skill but also their civilized culture with them.
I wish you well Miela, I am sure you will find after a few months, you will wonder why you did not make the effort sooner, and may many people of you caliber follow suit and leave this corrupt ANC government in real dire straits.

TC 11/12/2009 2:03:55 PM
Go well my friend. One day your children will erect a monument to your honour, to thank you for the future you gave them. God bless you. Please pray for us who are left stuck here.

Ruan Pentz 11/12/2009 2:11:03 PM
Do you run away from all your problems? or just from those that involve the WHOLE WORLD!!

Tumelo 11/12/2009 2:11:11 PM
Go now and good riddance in its strongest term. Your farm was robbed from Africans; you exploited original owners of the farm and turned them to laborers. The economy you reaped its rewards from was built by the toil and sweat of the majority African workers. While your parents were doing god knows what you were raised by an African woman and deprived someone else a mother. Millions of Africans were taxed before you even knew what tax is. Their tax which might have been more than that contributed by the minority was spent on guns that killed them and separated them from loved ones. You are now having middle life crisis and vent about nothing. Spare us your emotions and just run, run for your dear miserable life! Ons is ganoog and gatvol with your whining, don’t call us and we wont call you!

AJ @ Hanba chicken .. quack qyack 11/12/2009 2:11:51 PM
OK Sheep, woof woof.

Commiseratrix 11/12/2009 2:20:39 PM
It wonderful to see how "optimistic" people are. At least Miela, you have only your childrens best future at heart. It's a pity that not more people can look into their future and see the possibilities available over the waters. Until all of us and I mean all of us (irrespective of colour) stop using the race card, nothing will change. This beautiful country of ours, is slowly losing all its beautiful children.

RichieRich 11/12/2009 2:33:02 PM
@SumDumBum - I pay R1406000 per annum tax buddy! Newsflash I am writing this to you....you ignorant fool. I leave in 6 months for France and with me goes my tax monies....my contribution to failing Africa.

Rita 11/12/2009 2:34:04 PM
To Miela and her family - Good luck - I wish I can go with you!! To all the negative comments - Please call back and tell us if you feel the same way as you feel now when one of your kids were raped! when your house is buglared for the 2nd time in a week! When one of your family members or friends are killed for a mere R100.00 and a cell phone!! it is reality!

Anne S 11/12/2009 2:54:17 PM
No I completely understand!! It’s a pity to lose one of our own people but like my educated and highly qualified and culturally sophisticated civilized children you are making the RIGHT decision. In Europe you will find no ceiling with incompetent black BEE AA quotas to be filled and you WILL progress and DRIVE the CAR that you deserve corresponding to your competency level!!! My best wishes to you and your family.

To the darkest hell with ANY other people calling you an expat.

Martin 11/12/2009 3:02:46 PM
I am fortunate enough to be able to do exactly the same and my plans are well underway to vacate from this country, and it failings to look after its people

Eles 11/12/2009 3:06:23 PM
@ Tumelo I do not deny the oppression but I find it hard to believe that every African's ancestors had land considering your tribal set-up's. Lots of land was open swallow the sour grapes not all white people are given land by parents alot of us have made our own way in life - something your youth league should be promoting amongst the youth - work hard achieve your own destiny unlike the students who protest conveniently at exam time and happily destruct property regardless of consequence?

Brommer @Kolobe 11/12/2009 3:09:25 PM
Kolobe means cattle in setswana. So Kolobe the writer, you seem to have inherited the brain of these cattle as well?

fedup@Tumelo 11/12/2009 3:12:31 PM
my Brother, couldnt have said it better even if i tried. now if they dont get the message,seeing as they are the smart and superior race, then i dont know, really!!! HAMBANI!!!!

Ruan Pentz 11/12/2009 3:14:43 PM
Little aliens going to their new world...

charley 11/12/2009 3:17:42 PM
Go and live in Keighley, Yorkshire, where my sister is, the Pakistanis rule the day. When you are the victim of a crime in a 'Pakki' area you are told not to go in that area and there is nothing the police can do. Who cares what mega mouth malema and the rest of his cronies have to say, get on with your life in this lovely country. There is such a lot to offer here. That's not to say we don't have problems here. But it's still a great place to be, and before any say the usual, wait till you've been a victim of crime, well my husband was held up at gunpoint and we have been robbed twice, but still love it here after being here for nearly 30 years from the UK

Rick 11/12/2009 3:20:11 PM
Switch off the lights when you leave.....wait, dont bother the government is doing a great job of that allready.

Hopeful! 11/12/2009 3:22:36 PM
Best of luck Miela and I hope that you will one day return with your much needed skills. The words RACISM should be banned in SA because we no longer no the meaning of the word and just use it as an excuse for every little thing. South Africans need to grow up and realise what is happening to our country and we need to be more structured and co-ordinated in making our feelings know to the powers that be. Venting our feelings through articles on News24 creates awareness but has little to no effect on govt. I wish that someone senior from the govt structures could read all the thoughts/comments and emotions on News24 everyday to get a true sense of the State of the Nation.

Sean D to Richie Rich 11/12/2009 3:24:08 PM
You forgot to add that you will also be leaving behind the income you used to make here in order to pay tax

gobsmackt 11/12/2009 3:28:09 PM
Dear MS, you go for it. I currently work and live in the channel islands, UK. I am meant to return to SA next year Feb. When I left SA almost 3 years agao, it was only temporary. In the last month or so, I had to really look very hard at the situation and realise now that SA will NOT get better, only worse. You are so right, Africa is in your blood. I miss SA and my family everyday of my life, but need to look to the future now. You see, I also have 2 kids whose future is my total responsibility. They have amazing opportunities here - and most of all, they are safe. My tax, social security and medical aid totals to less than 25% of my salary. Good infrastructure, law and excellent education for my kids. So, I had to make a very hard decision to renew my work permit and stay here so that my sons can have a decent future.

AfricanAussie 11/12/2009 3:57:36 PM
Great article, great summation of the political time bomb with fuse burning!
It sort of indicates that is easier to fight for a cause than to lead, much like the MDC to the north!
There is no greater force to unite people than a just cause, especially when you are being suppressed; but it is an entirely different scenario to practise democracy!
The old tribal system of ruling by consensus will simply not work anymore, just like strong leadership that will not emerge!

Without being a cynic, it is obvious where the country is heading because if ruling by consensus continues to fail, then ruling with an iron fist is the alternative – just look to the north!
As a highly trained scientist, I left 2 years ago. Although I miss SA, I would not trade places as I can see the writing on the wall. It still amazes me that there are those, espacially "whites" who sadly cling to the notion that all will resolve itself. Think of it this way - "50 million x 5 million tax payers = collapse!!

Arrie 11/12/2009 4:09:17 PM
@Mimi You are a part of what is wrong with this country!! You as well as Malema see Black and white, where as most of us think only in terms of South Africans. You and your type (Thinking in racial lines) is running this country into the ground because you clearly cant let go of race.
Good luck Miele and I also wish you all the best. And must say that my threshold is about reached just reading about the utter nonsense that someone like Mimi writes.
Will join soon.

CathK 11/12/2009 4:25:28 PM
I left 8 years ago and have raised two children born in South Africa in Europe and I have to say that the price we pay to live here - far out weighs the crime in SA. My children can ride their bikes to school even when it is still dark outside and can play in the park. I can drive to work everyday using the same route and with my windows wide open if I want...I can leave my windows in the house open at night and sit until late in my garden...my children have friends from all walks of life and to them colour is beautiful and interesting. We all have afican blood and always will, BUT I will NEVER move back...

James 11/12/2009 4:48:59 PM
Charley - good man. The way this continent is exploding with opportunity and growth is awesome to watch. That we will be the gateway for all that happens will create more opportunity than we will be able to handle. That RSA is an awesome place to live (cheap, outstanding schooling, world class healthcare, cheap holidays) is a huge bonus. Bring on the future.

So many perspectives? 11/12/2009 5:48:45 PM
Thank-you GBES for your thoughtful comments, I agree.We need to all stop this race-obsession and work towards a land apart from politics and corrupt politicians.They say all go into politics for moral reasons and all leave hugely enriched-wealthy that is.Absolute power does indeed corrupt, even the most uncorruptable of us.To Kiwi-Man-sorry guv been there and it bored me to death-nanny state of note, somewhat like the Freestate too in mindset.Highest teen suicide rate in the world, I wasn't too suprised at that, my friends son has also been put in hospital twice in 3 years-by SA gangs moving through the Auckland suburbs.The grass is not always greener, yes-sometimes the thought of leaving is strong-I have a British passport.BUT...have you ever seen an African sunset anywhere else but in Africa, I haven't and have spent 5 years of my life on all 5 continents.Have you ever felt the warmth of an African smile-I haven't.The diversity is awesome, we need to find a way to harness the energy we have.We need to stand together and stop seeing black and white and man and woman and take what we have and show the world we are not another African failure.The people of this beautiful land need to stand together, stop trusting our divisive politicians and demand our birth-right.Take to the streets, protest,protect and care for your neighbour and take a stand for your beautiful land-I DARE YOU ALL.

@ Sean D 11/12/2009 6:17:08 PM
And you fail to realize that Richie will also be taking the skills he used to make that money with him! Can you be more ignorant?

@Lesedi 11/12/2009 6:21:26 PM
If you read the letter you would have noticed that the rapists, criminals etc is whats driving them out, so guess what youre going to be stuck with.... and btw, blacks are as much foreign to SA as whites are. Everyone took the land from the Koi San.

Mike Turner 11/12/2009 6:30:37 PM
I did exactly what you are about to do, but unfortunately the economic crash came at exactly the wrong time, causing the mining and resources industries crash in Western Australia and I had to return home as I and my family were on a 457 visa. That was a year ago and I am now 62 years old and don't believe that the opportunity will come again, but if it does I'll grab it with both hands. Go for it and enjoy every moment.

tigger_na 11/12/2009 6:55:29 PM
@ Tumelo: Well said, you just about proved every point made by MS right.

tigger_na 11/12/2009 7:13:34 PM
@ Tumelo: Actually, wait. Go read the original article again. Slowly. Read. And then tell me, please, I beg, where the writer insulted you in any way. Or showed you any disrespect. She expressed love and admiration for Africa and its people. And then, tell me Sir, what warrants the tone of your response? You are stupid, uncultured and bad mannered. Shame on you.

Truth 11/12/2009 7:36:41 PM
Guys, The Americans and Europeans will not accept me there, so I'm taking my family and moving to Planet Mars where I can start my own perfect world.

Well said 11/12/2009 7:41:03 PM
@never & Author I could not have said this better myself. Never, you call this the easy option. I totally disagree. To give up everything they have, everything they are used to and to leave your support base behind cannot not be seen as the easy way out. We are out for more than a year now and still we long for the BRAAI's with friends and family. I would love to just drive over to a friends house and visit. But when I look at my kids and how they have grown. I look at their faces at night when they get home from playing in the streets. They are living. That makes it all worth while. I will probaly never have the same pleasures I had in SA, but I know that my kids will and that to me makes the hardest thing I have ever done the so called easy way out

Expat@MS 11/12/2009 8:19:27 PM
Wishing you all the very best. Well done to you. Your kids deserve better. I don't regret leaving SA for even one second. In fact I say a prayer of thanks every day that my family and I are out of there. All my siblings and their families are in the process of leaving too. Two of my cousins and their families left in February of this year.
People in SA have no idea what it's actually like to sleep peacefully at night, raise kids without all the burglar proofing, high prison walls, electric fencing and security guards on standby at the boomed entrance of their enclosed and imprisoned neighbourhoods. A false sense of security and a false abnormal warlike existence. I'm happy it's all behind us. I've ditched my SA citizenship and I will never return to SA. We love Europe, this is our home now. Africa belongs to the indignious natives, they can have it.

Kamme 11/12/2009 8:24:03 PM
Come to Brazil and you'll appreciate your country of origin. It is not always greener on the other side as we are led to believe.

long time Expat 11/12/2009 8:30:50 PM
Good luck to you but grass aint always greener this side..over 10 years outside zot land already,dont send any money to SA.Dont pay tax lmfao ..Lifes good..

Emmerentia 11/12/2009 9:09:45 PM
Like you I felt the same, we also immigrated but was back after a year of hell... goodluck cause the grass is not so green on the otherside ... I know

Other Options 11/12/2009 9:35:28 PM
I have friends who have emigrated to Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia! You dont always have to go to Oz or the UK and USA. Things have changed up north, it is just here in moronland that we have bad problems. Go check those countries out!

Tomsa 11/12/2009 10:50:39 PM
Yes yes we've heard it all before, whine whine we'll miss you, we'll all be a bit sadder that you've opted for colour coded rubbish bags over making a contribution to a country that probably needs you more than you need it. Go well - I doubt you'll be appreciated where you're going as much as you could have contributed had you stayed.

happy-here@monyobi 11/13/2009 12:20:07 AM
less than 3% of SA emmigrants to Australia return - South Africans are the most sucessful migrant group here.

4 years gone 11/13/2009 12:28:06 AM
Its amazing how the sentiments shown by the author have displayed themselves in this column. How many have shouted 'racist' because he is leaving. Kind of justifies all that Miela has expressed in his letter. In addition, for all people who are under the impression that South African was a peaceful utopia before colonial rule, go back your your history books and read about Shaka and the Zulu expantion (1818-1828)

Alibaba 11/13/2009 1:53:14 AM
Never, have you ever tried this so-called "easy way out" you refer to? Believe me you stuff up the older generations life. The kids adapt and soon they are OK, but the older folks always long back to something they created in their minds, because when you visit you see things are not as you remember it, and then you can go on for a while again. Good luck to the author, and stuff the racists and ill-mannered commenters.

willnevergoback 11/13/2009 3:09:21 AM
We left for the same reasons. May I wish you a speedy recovery is your new country, I also wish you the minimum of home sickness. Make a scrapbook from newspaper cuttings as a reminder when you get down. I often refer to mine. Good luck.

Clouds gathering 11/13/2009 5:14:19 AM
I am a South African born in Zimbabwe. Every year in the 80s and 90s I would go back for a visit. I watched that country slide from bread basket to begging bowl year by year. I listened to the rhetoric of Bob and who does it sound like...just like our current leadership. I see the same shpiel in SA and no one seems to see the parallels. Heed the the warning signs. I am already out. I'm young, I'm educated and I can see the shit storm from miles away. We can't get along, we don't see eye to eye and despite all the love we have for our country and all the decent hard working people I love dearly in SA, I see trouble coming. We're not making it work. I face the challenges of life in another country, but I'm doing my best, because I'm not going to end up like those people stuck in Zim.

Voortrekker @ Tumelo 11/13/2009 6:03:03 AM
Tumelo - you're a liar. You don't have proof to back up any of your claims. Your drivel makes me puke!

happy_in_kiwi_land 11/13/2009 6:38:50 AM
What I miss about South Africa.....


Nothing!!!!!

Great living in one of the safest countries on earth. First world vs third world, only a fool will choose the third world!

@happy_in_kiwi_land 11/13/2009 8:25:41 AM
Ha ha. You miss nothing yet you frequent news24.com? How do you explain that.

Sean D 11/13/2009 8:40:38 AM
There'll always be someone to replace you Ritchie. You were not carrying the rest of the country on your shoulder. It will take more than you leaving for things to fall apart in SA

Thaba1 11/13/2009 8:55:05 AM
I have lived in UK and Ireland. Both 1st world countries. Africa is still my home-its in my blood. Unfortunately the race issue is getting worse in our lovely country. If the comments on this forum is anythhing to go by we will never live in peace with one another. May god be with everyone that make the extremely difficult decision to leave. Also the people that stay and try to make things work need help and positive comments. Why is it that people with a different opinion always get a mouthfull on a forum like this. Lets rather all just shut up and go on with living!!!!

EXPAT 11/13/2009 9:29:06 AM
You will be taking your family out of the '20 000 murder lotto a year'. Good luck, the road is hard in the begining but the grass is greener for the detrmined.

Doug 11/13/2009 9:45:21 AM
Good luck Miela. All the best and I hope that you find what you're looking for. It's certainly right for you to want the best for yourself and your family, although this is predictably misinterpreted as "racism" and "entitlement" by a small minority in this Country who seem to think that their skin colour now puts them above criticism. I left the Country a few years ago with similar criticism - despite having good reason after personally being the victim of violence - and I've come back. No matter what they say about living in the first world, don't be fooled - they have serious problems too. I suspect that you won't find inner peace on the other side of the pond. That has to come from within. But why not share your experiences with us in a year's time?

J_G 11/13/2009 10:05:42 AM
Wishing you all the best. We left 3 years ago, the worst is the first year. You miss everybody so much it hurts, but now we're settled in and really enjoying life. You don't have to be a professional person to migrate. I'm a Diesel Mechanic, I was lucky enough to get hold of a great Staff Hire Company who sponsored me and my family to migrate. So don't lose heart it is posible for everybody. Miela, good luck and remember to immigrate is not for "sissies".

Peter 11/13/2009 11:19:48 AM
We left 20 years ago, went back for two years to give it another try but then left SA for good! A civilized country to live in is wonderfull. Here the police is protecting me from criminals , not the other way around as in SA. If you can: GO!,GO, just Go now.

onke 11/13/2009 11:36:04 AM
Adios amingos ....please take all your brothers ans sisters with you !! i can stand them any longer !!!

konelli@Hamba....chicken - quack quack quack 11/13/2009 12:10:57 PM
I totally agree with you bro,these crackers think thier doing us a favor by bieng here.Our country is like this because of thier bigotry and hate in the first place , now that the tides have turned they scream foul??? They don't understand what suffering is about and infact i still feel they should have been made to pay but no we wanna forgive an forget.... bull.

Ingrid 11/13/2009 12:18:22 PM
It is sad that despite the obvious nothing gets done to change things. We live in a country that is supposed to be democratic why is the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer? All the best in your venture, I am sad you are leaving because us that stay behind need the support of all South Africans that do not agree with this government.

Mokgadi 11/13/2009 2:06:58 PM
Bye bye yes Bye Bye or did you expect something?

Very White@Mokgadi 11/13/2009 2:30:24 PM
The only thing we expect is for you all to starve to death when weve gone hahahahaha.

Mokgadi to very stupit white 11/13/2009 2:53:49 PM
You sound like average white person, renting a bachelor flat at the periphery of small town wandering were the next rend will come from, you need skills and intellectual to make meaningful contribution in this world and your inefficiency to both work against you.

@ @happy_in_kiwi_land 11/13/2009 8:25:41 AM 11/13/2009 3:06:46 PM
Same reason I do... no better reality TV comedy in the world!!

@Mokgadi 11/13/2009 3:09:42 PM
Dude, seriously, don't make comments about other people's intelligence without being able to at least spell properly. Makes you look seriously stupid!

@ Sean D 11/13/2009 3:14:34 PM
And what happens when the next guy leaves? And the next, and the next? What if Richie was the next guy?

Very White@Mokgadi dumb zot 11/13/2009 3:24:08 PM
And you need to learn to spell...

Zak 11/13/2009 4:47:18 PM
Has anyone calculated what the cost of emigration is to SA. Not only in lost taxes but the secondary job losses. People of all races are leaving. Well educated people are leaving. They are mostly the people that had a full time gardener and char lady. These people in turn supported extended families.

To all the obvious racists that remarked about another White leaving: "Eish, these Aids, she is to slow! S-E-R-I-A-S!

Expat@Other Options 11/13/2009 4:51:10 PM
Thanks but no thanks. I personally will never live in any african country ever again.

Expat 11/13/2009 4:55:49 PM
I'm not a racist, I just prefer much higher more civilised standards than African standards.

James 11/13/2009 6:52:34 PM
Based on the reactions from the 'real South Africans' as they like to think of themselves, as arriving from the North is 'more African' than approaching from the Cape coast. I will not shed a tear, in fact it will be with glee that I watch videos on the BBC in 20 years telling us how our £2 donation can feed hungry children for a week. I may then turn off the TV and go and spend it on a pint. Busy making the bed. Be prepared to lie in it.

Mac$ 11/13/2009 10:26:09 PM
Good luck dude, I too have had enough of these blacks destroying this place , leaving end of 2010.

happy_in_kiwi_land@11/13/2009-8:25:41 AM 11/13/2009 11:49:19 PM
I am here for a laugh. Now and again we as expats visit news24.com for a laugh? Whats wrong with that? SA is the laughing stock of the world, wc2010 is going to be quiet a hose u know. Going to watch that too. Should be good with those cows and goats they plan to slaughter. And all those confused tourists trying to find there way around town on public transport!!! Yip, At least Africa is still in my blood, always will be, and I can probably watch something like cows going to the abattoir before a wc2010 match, cool mate! The rest of the world is going to need therapy.

Think of the past 11/14/2009 7:28:40 AM
Think of all the past leaders like Mandela, etc. Everyone started their careers with controversial statements but can only be judged once in power. Maybe...just maybe Malema will turnout to be one of these great people. or at least we can only hope.

Jaboo 11/14/2009 7:36:15 AM
now please leave and take that stupid language with u. enough is enough and yes we will survive without those that want to leave.

Steve 11/14/2009 5:19:44 PM
The relief of arriving in a 1st world civilized country where everyone is respected is wonderful. Good luck with this difficult, yet rewarding move. It is worth it!

yani kruger 11/14/2009 5:58:42 PM
I left South Africa 30 years ago, and I can honnestly say, let the blacks have it.
Like my Mother said, son, don't worry, What the black won't kill anongst themselves , Aids will do the rest, as for obviously one Black illiterate commentator said, they are fertle and produce like rabbits, and will take over the world in shear numbers.
I wish him all the luck in the world, because WHO will eventually take over this world are the Chinese, and for statistics sake, the Chinese hate , Blacks. SO be warned all you breeding rabbits out there

M 11/14/2009 6:00:35 PM
Maybe being perpetually stoned is the answer...

Mncube 11/14/2009 7:29:44 PM
Very well written article, indeed. THe most sad part is reading the replies to it. How selfish we have become. It is time we learnt that everyone has the right to their own destiny. Colour is not the factor here, it is attitude. There are racists of all colour around the world, but at least here, in our constitution, we are tackling it head-on. Most of the people I know who have left SA, spend every waking moment missing it. Pity that we have so many innocent casualties, however, things here are not as bad as many think. Yes, crime takes it toll. BEE takes advantage of the ordinary person, but the world is no playground. I am staying here to try make this place the potential is is and hopefully with the extremists taken off the fringes, most of us want to stay here too.
Hopefully this article will give the readers something to think about, and if it makes even the smallest difference in a positive way, then its all worth it. Personal choice is exactly that, personal. Wish you luck in the future.

SF 11/14/2009 10:17:40 PM
I envy you. Best of luck.

Retha 11/14/2009 11:25:22 PM
We also had to make the sad choice to leave SA and our loved ones. My heart breaks for those who want to leave, but for whatever reason can't. A couple of years ago New Zealand gave a 4 year window of opportunity, invited Zims to move to NZ and sort out their visa's once they were there. SA keep your ears open, you never know ...

Dries 11/15/2009 1:00:02 AM
People who have it in for expats who have fled the country would prabably complain when survivors of the Titanic disaster looked back at the others who went down with the sinking ship to see if somoehow they could help.

@kibo 11/15/2009 2:25:29 AM
What does your nation know about peace. As soon as the targets are gone (whites) you will fight each other. It is always happening. khoza, zulu etc. The most unethical, intolerant nation in the world AFRICA.

@tumelo 11/15/2009 2:33:32 AM
you clearly have been taught a wagon load of crap from your dead ancestors. How can you say, if you were not there, what happened. What is more I grew up in 70 and 80 and there is no way on this earth that my mother would have left us to the mercy of the likes of you to rais us. You clearly need to recap on the tru history of SA not the fabricated, racist hate speech driven one.
Who funded the economy? BRITAN. they raised the country till it became independant and it was the wit-ous money and labour. slavery was outlawed centuries ago, so no you cant say that your kind built SA. You just burn it down when you are feeling like a fight because you cant see strigth to choose a decent leader.

eugene 11/15/2009 12:48:16 PM
Im sorry but I still dont get this patriotic bs. The whole "I love this country, Africa is in our blood, blah, blah, blah" I am leaving this country the day I finish with all my studies. The reasons are simple, theres a better life out there. You cant convince me this is as good as it gets. Would like to hear that patriotic BS while you have gun pointing to your head, only for a cellphone.

@ Very White & Mokgadi 11/15/2009 5:08:56 PM
Grow up kids. Pre-school behaviour won't solve any of our country's (or your own) problems. Besides, Very White: you also made a spelling blunder on 11/13/2009 2:30:24 PM. I challenge you to study your post and try to find it. To Miela, God Bless!

Sven 11/16/2009 12:38:08 AM
To all those that say finances are a problem. My wife, an ex-Rhodesian and I left South Africa for Ireland a month before her 50th birthday with only R40 000 in our pockets after selling everything up and having lost the greater part of what we had worked for over the years to a motor vehicle accident, where the truck driver was so drunk he could not stand. When we got out of hospital, the accident, as far as the police were concerned, never happened. Although a policeman asked me for my drivers licence while laying on the tarmac being dealt with by the paramedics with my foot bent back to my knee and blood everywhere.

The 105 people I employed were without jobs and we are now in the UK, making a new life for ourselves. My wife is so glad t not have to endure the pain of another country she loved, being destroyed as Rhodesia/Zimbabwe was.
It is a pleasure paying taxes as one can see them at work everyday in everything from public transport to The NHS.

natalie 11/16/2009 1:45:23 AM
We have been in Australia for 3 months now and the only regret we have is that we couldnt take our family with us and that we didnt make the move sooner, our quality of life is better and our standard of living is similar. Dont let anyone scare you into staying, once in the 1st world you will see that living in constant fear is not natural.You and your family deserve better than what SA can offer.
Also, my child is still young enough to grow up without any pre-conceived notions of colour, she will not be racist but will also not be told she has to be ashamed of being white.

Lastly, there are many who go back to SA and only then realise they have made a HUGE mistake and then return to australia and finally settle, give yourself 2 years in oz and then have a "holiday" in SA before u make any big decisions, australia is truly fantastic, safe and clean, equal opportunity for ALL people..we had never even seen australia before we migrated,,no looking back now, australia is everything we imagined and so much more!

Good luck and Gods speed, and my prayers go out to those that cant leave.

Juli 11/16/2009 2:53:31 AM
I am always interested in reading posts like this - What I find truely sad - is not only that we feel that we have to leave or that we can't go back, it is that some people have no empathy for those who obviously have found this kind of decision very hard. I think the lack of empathy for each other is the truely sad thing. People are so busy passing judgement on each other, whether it is jealousy or racism or just plain stupidity and arrogance, that they miss what is truely important - how much so many of the commentators on the letter, just like the autor, absolutely loves their country and if they felt that they had a choice (and that decision is purely theirs) they would never leave! I empathise with you, I have had to make a similar decision and it is incredibly hard because the consequences of both decisions reaches far!

Good luck and God Bless!

CK 11/16/2009 6:43:48 AM
My heart goes out to you - your words could have been written by me or my hubby 18 months ago, as we were preparing to make the big move. Reading it takes me back to that time, and I and thousands of others truly feel your pain. While Africa will indeed be in your blood forever, if you keep looking ahead, you will one day wake up in your new country and it will feel like home. As with the death of a loved one, allow yourself to grieve for the land you leave, it's people and the life you once knew. This will take you into a new day and over time the anger, bitterness and sadness will disappear, and like us, you will look forward as much to your visits back home as to getting back 'home'. There are very supportive expat communities out there - find them and lean on them when needed. Good luck - if you embrace this opportunity and stay positive for your kids, you will not regret it!

Papzen 11/16/2009 9:07:58 AM
I wouldnt mind seeing you all leave behind the resources of this country we can run it ourselves.

Joey 11/16/2009 11:36:43 AM
I wish I had the money just to live my life comfortably in SA, but we battle after an armed robbery left us traumatized and actually caused our small business to close down. People who can afford to live anywhere in the world they want to, are very lucky. God bless you.

Thatsgood 11/16/2009 12:14:43 PM
all we ever wanted was for you people to go back to wherever you came from . We dont hate you , we just want you to go back home . When a small animal is lost , whether its aggressive or dangerous the best for it is to go back to its wild family. Just like you people .

HowMUCHgreenerISthePASTURE 11/16/2009 1:54:56 PM
Before you go, consider the fact that your going is not going to make you escape all the frustrations in your life. Wherever you go, you ARE going to experience the same frustrations. You are going to find Racism, discrimination, corruption, violent gangsterism, violence borne out of substance abuse.....What you wish to protect your kids from, you are going to find the very same plentifold. You will be a foreigner in a different country, helplessly looking on as the citizens of THAT country try to fight for their rights. As foreigners, your voices will not be heard....until after a few generations, maybe! That's how green it is on that side....Of course, your wallet will be over flowing with green too, but judging from your article, I am sure THAT is not your only goal in life!

So, my dear, think it over again....The future that you envisage elsewhere may not be as rosy as you think....Use the internet and discover the reality of the greener pastures on the other side! You will be shocked, and maybe a trifle thankful for your lot!

Anon 11/16/2009 3:38:50 PM
"Freekazoid" I think I can handle everything accept these "schnot-spitting" humand beings that lives in this country. Have they never heard of a tissue, toiletpaper or a hanky. On Big Brother you see them blowing their snot in the basin or even a plate of food. This morning I travelled with my son to his school. There, on the corner at a stop street, another one of these beings, blowing his nose onto the grass, as he did it I saw everything coming from his nose, big and green I was so sick. This is damn disgusting. Can they not cultivate themselved and use a damn tissue like any well educated human being. Flippen disgusting. This give me good reason to want to imigrate. If it carries on like this, will I be to scared to walk on grass or use any public basin or toilet in this country.

Anon 11/16/2009 3:48:55 PM
To all the pessimist that does not want others to leave the country. My brother has been living in Perth Australia for the past 10 years. He will never return to South Africa again. Yes they have crime, but petty crimes that does not rape and murder people. Their laws for littering, theft, rape and murder is more severe and strict that the laws in SA. They are not behind iron fencing like we are in SA. Your car is save, your life is save, your family is save, your valuables is save. So yes to those who wants to emigrate. Do so and be happy

Expat@HowMUCHgreenerISthePASTURE 11/16/2009 4:02:26 PM
Blahdee blah blah, try and comfort yourself with that hogwash if you must, but nowhere is it as bad as in SA, not even in freaking Iraq.

@Thatsgood 11/16/2009 4:11:57 PM
Well my friend you best also go home then to darkest Africa because this is not really your land either it was taken from the San by the migrants from the north and the colonialist sailors! What a fine lot -all at each others throats now trying to lay claim!!

Picnick 11/16/2009 4:13:09 PM
I have two more years before my family in Aussie get citizen ship. then we will also start the process. My kids will be better off there, and I will just adapt.Africa, is for ethenic Africans, as they say.

Macs 11/16/2009 4:21:47 PM
Just leave, you are too rich to live with the stinking poor. However, we will miss your seven digits tax.

Tebgo to Anon 11/16/2009 4:25:07 PM
Where I work the other alien species dump their excretions, do not flush, and do not even wash their hands. Don't they freaking have enough strength to hold the handle or press the flush button? Is it too much effort to just turn the tap on, reach for the soap and wash their hands? Oh, I just remembered. Their maids (our mothers) did for them for the rest of their livecs. This is also so damn disgusting. I wonder if they even wipe their behinds. Flipping disgusting. This give me good reason to offer to pay for the tickets to Perth, NZ or Canada and let the Aus, New Zealanders or Canadians deal with such scum. Yuch!!

dgt 11/16/2009 4:49:27 PM
I live in Sa , travel the world. THere are displaced people all over the world from all over the world and Im tired of hearing all of them ( but especially ex south africans here on this site) running down their ex countries. I am always glad to get back home no matter where I go in my travels. If you're not here to see the progress keep quiet. Everywhere else is degenerating fast. Wont take my kids to Kiwiland - highest rate of teenage suicides in the world. Security is biggest growing sector in most countries because of spiralling crime. Unemployment we wont speak of .. of course thats why the grass is greener .. nobody else advertises the bad things that happen like we do!! Wonderful things are happening in Africa.. and to all of you who dont believe that keep your blinkers on when you go cos you'll need them!!!

Anon 11/16/2009 5:22:52 PM
I respect your views, Miela, and can't quite disagree with what you've said. The tone of your writing indicates an unease about having to leave, a tough decision, and a lot of support, but we do what we must and ultimately, we have to do for ourselves and family. What makes so many of these comments redundant, and Im sure you smile as you read them, is that there's no need to have to justify your decision...good luck with the move...we will always have Africa in our blood...but not our skins..

ExpatInNZ@Miela 11/16/2009 9:41:59 PM
Good luck mate! Very tough road ahead but always remember this is for your kids.You will realise this when you see your kids playing in the street outside with all the other neighbours kids.
Trust me , other countries do have there own problems but nothing on the scale that S.A has.
Tons of luck!

@HowMUCHgreenerISthePASTURE 11/16/2009 10:43:45 PM
Yea right dude….. Racism in NZ? Yea right, corruption? Yea right! I still have not been bribed by a cop!!! You sounding like one of those that cant get out of SA. Now you trying to say that all is well! Load of cr@p mate. Once you have lived in a first world country for a while, your eyes open to all the cr@p that’s going on in SA.

We don’t feel like foreigners, New Zealand is now just like another province of SA. Loads and loads of Saffas. No AA, No BEE, no death trap TAXIS!!!!!!!! free healthcare, free excellent schooling for the kids, a safe environment, excellent public transport, no need for all this extra security, a great country with loads of opportunities and stuff to do! The grass here is very green indeed. Grass in SA?. What grass? It was stolen!

GideonB 11/17/2009 12:24:20 AM
Go Miela.

Future 11/17/2009 12:26:16 AM
We moved to Australia a year and a half ago and until you no longer live in SA you don't realise how a developed country lives. I can't understand why people are SO aggressive towards those that leave. Most of us leave for the sake of our children, not only for ourselves. All over the world people move countries for better opportunities and for a different life but they are not scorned and vilified for doing so. It continues to amaze me the hatred that people spew for those who decide to leave. It's not that easy - it's sad to leave your family, your friends and your life as you know it. It's scary to start anew in a place you don't know. But it's worth it! Really, in every way, I am glad we came - I just wish all our family and friends would come and join us!!!
To those who can’t leave – I feel for you. For those who say they are staying to fight for something better, really? What are you doing? Are you lobbying government, organising rallies, making significant changes? Or are you just hoping for the best? Before you shout your patriotism at us and try and make us feel bad, think!
We all hope for the best, for everyone, but please, stop laying hate at the doors of the people that leave.
Miela enjoy it, don’t look back in sadness, it’ll be great in every way!

Henrietta Meyer 11/17/2009 1:04:16 AM
We left South Africa to live in the Cotswolds in the UK in August last year. I was a specialist Zulu teacher, and my husband was born and bread South African. However, we had both had guns held to our heads on seperate occassions, and left SA for similar reasons mentioned in the column I have just read.

Believe me, emmigrating is not for the feint-hearted. We were only in the UK for 3 months when the recession hit at it's hardest, and my husband lost his job. He was then out of work for 8 months. However, through all the stress of that time, we never ONCE thought of returning to SA, as we NEVER have to look over our shoulders in the sense that our lives are threatened or in danger in any way. We live in a small village, surrounded by fields filled with sheep and cows, and yes, it is colder, but the quality of life is far superior. People here have a respect for each other, whether it be when you greet each other, or whether you let each other in on the freeway, or just queue in an orderly manner. Life is so civilised, and we had forgotten that life could actually be this stress-free. My husband now has a job again, and although we miss friends and family, wild horses would not drag us back to the difficult life we lead in the last few years leading up to our emmigration. So, if you can get the money together, leave now - if for no-one else - do it for your kids - give them a future!

Henrietta Meyer.

Tanya 11/17/2009 3:11:13 AM
We left 6 weeks ago and are constantly reminded that we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to leave. There are many who cannot and I hope for their sakes, things improve. My ancestors came in 1657 and we have lived, loved and cared for South Africa since then. Africa is always in my heart. I am an African. But for the sakes of my children we made the tough decision. And believe me, it is tough - life in another country comes with its fair share of problems, hatred and intolerance. The difference is it is generally limited to a small subculture and is not displayed and verbalised by the countries "leaders" like Julius Malema. Good luck to you and may we all return to Africa when Africa comes to its senses.

philemon 11/17/2009 6:20:41 AM
last couple of days :
Woman thrown off bridge
Wife found murdered in bath
plus another 48 every day
plus 50 deaths per day on the roads
plus how many rapes per minute...anyone like to remind me?

@philemon 11/17/2009 8:03:15 AM
150rapes per day in SA, the highest in the world.

And there are people on here that tell us the grass in not greener this side!

And 1 out of every 4 men in SA admit rape. So actually its way more than 150, rape is the most unreported crime in SA.

@MS, you are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to get out. Ignore the negative comments on this article. Being able to live in a country where you don't have to worry constantly about the safety of yourself and your loved ones is priceless. And no money in SA can ever buy you that sort of security. Good luck MS

Kaltie 11/17/2009 8:06:29 AM
Good luck, go to a civilised country. Those who stay, either can not leave, or have reduced themselves to this vulture culture.

Michelle 11/17/2009 9:13:14 AM
MS...all of the best, not something you wanna do, but you need to consider your future and mental health..we will all die of heart failure dealing with all this negativity...I'm not black or white, but i can relate and i understand. Do what is best for your future and your family. Stuff all the negative comments by our SA brothers and sisters. They secretly envy you. You are no coward. You're smart.

Dawn 11/17/2009 10:19:38 AM
The grass is'nt always greener on the other side, but I can sense it in my spirit you will make it work. Being a fierce supporter of the A.N.C. all these years I am sure our ancestors would be ashamed of Malema belittling everything that he dont agree with. I am sure you dig deep within yourself before you make this decicion something our honorable Juluis must still learn to do before opening his mouth.

CONCLUSION 11/17/2009 12:05:32 PM
@MS we are going to miss your R1,000,000+ tax revenue, now I wont be able to buy my minsterial car for over a million rand I might just have to drive a Toyota Corolla now with no extras, darn!! Signed Mr ANC MP

Deckard 11/17/2009 12:18:23 PM
All the best MS. Wishing you and your family all the best.

pie007 11/17/2009 2:19:03 PM
@author and other expats.....LAFAARDE. A coward dies a thousand deaths! Bon voyage.....and stop commenting about our country when you no longer want to be part of it!

CONCLUSION 11/17/2009 3:22:57 PM
I don't get these clowns on this forum, some say "just go you are not african" and then the others say "if you dont want to be part of us/SA then bugger off". Well make up your minds do you want us in SA or not? The fact you cant make up your minds tells me the grass just has to be GREENER the other side until you figure out what you are trying to achieve in SA...u just clueless Mr pie007 and you other schietzo friends

Positive 11/18/2009 6:16:45 AM
Tired of negative pathetic cowards
its time people saw clearly that the state we see is the state of mankind (or unkind)
people are people
you do us best by leaving
and please don't wave your flags to support our teams we don't need absent support
we need positive attitude
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SOUTH AFRICAN@AGREE WITH CULTURE says... Even if the masses see the light they will remain voting for the ANC because promises, though nebulous are still a hope to hang on to. Besides when a belly is empty and the pocket is empty too then a promise of a food packet is easily bartered for a cross on a bit of paper. Read the article...

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