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LETTER
More precious than sentiment
24/04/2008 14:56 - (SA)

Dear Editor,

For the past six years I have been under house arrest. I was sentenced by the collective government of South Africa. I live in Pretoria, in a "security estate".

In order for me to gain access to my bedroom I have to follow the following steps: At the main gate of the "security estate", I have to use an access card to have the gates opened. On my way to my "secure" complex inside the "security estate" I drive past a security guard on a bicycle. I press the button on my remote to open the gate of my complex. I drive to number 14 where I press another button on another remote to open my garage door.

I unlock the security gate, followed by the door. I quickly walk to disarm the alarm in my house which is linked to an armed response company. I make sure that my panic button (linked to the same armed response company) is still on the table where it should be.

On my way to my bedroom I walk past another security gate which separates my bedroom from the rest of the house. This is in case an intruder gains access to the living-room, he would then be stopped from gaining access to the bedrooms.

It sounds safe doesn't it? It's not. Five months ago my family and I had to sit through an armed robbery in this very house. In South Africa we have become used to accepting poor service. We settle for less than the best. We are so used to crime and ways of stopping criminals that we even talk about specific burglar bars or fences or gates as "beautiful". You would drive past a nice house in a suburb and say, "look at that cool gate", or "look at that nice fence".

We are brainwashed into thinking and believing that having a fence around your house and burglar bars on your windows is totally normal. It's not.

Leaving

I run a small but successful printing business which employs eight workers. When the electricity goes off I cannot work at all. When we cannot work, we cannot make money. I cannot use a generator as our shop is in a complex where the noise made by a generator would not be allowed. We are told that the worse is still to come.

If I have to close my business, there would be eight other families directly effected. The breadwinners of eight other families would be unemployed. We all know the Eskom story. It's the story of our lives. The blame is always shifted to the next guy. Nobody is willing to take responsibility. You can't help but wonder what's next.

I love this country. It's my home. It's where I would love to die one day. But I would like to die as an old man, having had the chance to play with my grandchildren. I don't want to die in my 40s at the hands of a criminal. I want to live safely, freely, happy.

I want to be able to go jogging early in the morning without fearing that I might get mugged and stabbed for my cellphone. I want to be able to lie down in my bed, without wondering and fearing what that noise was outside the door. But sadly, it does seem like this is all a dream.

I will no longer wait and wonder and worry. I will take up the invitation of our Minister of Safety and Security. I will leave my country. Because life is more precious than sentiment.

GDT,
Pretoria

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Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.

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	Pitiful 24/04/2008 15:23 You are trying to justify your own actions, but don't have the guts to actually make the decision. You need someone to tell you how bad things really are. They are not that bad!!! Where can you go and AFFORD to live the life of luxury you currently have? It seems you are neurotic, rather go see a doctor than emigrate. Stop using "others will be unemployed" and your supposed caring for them to try to justify whatever you are trying to say. Stop being negative! - WAM

	Good luck 24/04/2008 15:24 Not an easy move, but good luck, it's worth it, life is more than what you are currently experiencing. - Houston

	I understand 24/04/2008 15:25 I will follow you to new pastures as soon as I can. I've had my hopes eroded slowly in this country. SA & the rest of Africa's way of thinking & doing things will never change. Life is already too short for me to willingly suffer in the hopes that things might change. I write this based on fact & experience. Just have a look at what this country is all about on your drive home from work today. Do the right thing in the traffic but watch those morons that do the wrong thing get away with it all. - Ash

	Ja boet 24/04/2008 15:27 Just as long as you dont think everything is perfect on the other side. Its not. - chops

	au revoir 24/04/2008 15:28 i understand your plight and wish you and your family all the success! Will be sad to see you leave though, you were obviously a cog in sa's employment machine - aa

	agreed 24/04/2008 15:28 Well written article. This scenario rings true for alot of middle income groups. The only reason I am not booking the seat next to you is because I dont qualify for the luxery. Back to my gated / fenced home it is then... /sigh - JC

	Better be safe than sorry! 24/04/2008 15:30 well said, i'm leaving too! - Pat

	exactly 24/04/2008 15:30 It's sad when it comes to this, but yes, get out for your own sake. Trust me, you'll be better off for it. Best decision I've made. Now we just wait for Sello to pop up and tell you to "shutup and leave, finish and klaar!" - Kev

	GDT - Think of the millions of impoverished citizens 24/04/2008 15:31 who do not have the secure environment that you have - violent crime impacts daily on their lives. Think also that there are also millions who have to make do with what they have here, as they will not be able to compete on the global employment market. Yes, your story saddens me, but no more than that of others who are in a far worse situation that you. Your empathy for your workers is obviously subordinate to your lack of personal courage. Bon voyage! - saliem

	Me too! 24/04/2008 15:32 I have alot of your thoughts too. But I am just waiting from the typical responses from aa etc that will be along the lines "Go, we don't need racists like you". Its funny, but those comments only show up who the real racists are. Sadly, this is the 'wonderful' South Africa that we all say we want to live in. Sometimes I don't think it is wonderful at all ... well certainly not our leaders. -oistar - oistar

	Good bye... 24/04/2008 15:32 ... and enjoy the trip. - Mark R.

	the real question... 24/04/2008 15:33 Dear GDT. You talk about driving home, what i'd like to know is: How do you drive? Why is this important? Because you are still 25 TIMES more likely to die in a traffic accident in SA than being murdered. Something to think about... - Real Realist

	So what are you waitinf for then 24/04/2008 15:33 P 1 $ $ off then and leave us to try and make a difference. - yt1021

	WAM 24/04/2008 15:34 When last were you held at gun point in your own home? When last have you had the fear that your wife will be raped and that your children will be forced to watch wile it's done? Never, I'm sure!! As for the load-shedding, if GDT can't produce he doesn't get paid and then he still needs to pay his employees and then operate at a loss. So Wank, shut your pie-hole. - Major Pain

	It's probably the right thing to do... 24/04/2008 15:34 ...if you're in that frame of mind. It's no good feeling like you do and living in fear. But look at it this way, only you choose how you live. I choose not to live behind bars. I have a simple alarm, I only have it because the insurance company says I must, I only switch it on when we're out. I walk around my neighbourhood, go out regularly and enjoy my life. I have a business and I work around the issues that face us. I'm happy for the moment. But if I felt like you I'd leave too. Good luck. - Nick

	check you on the plane 24/04/2008 15:35 we can wave to sello round his fire - Tired of fools

	If leaving will make you happy 24/04/2008 15:35 then i say go. - tshepo

	Correct! 24/04/2008 15:36 Pitiful would like to spin you a fairy tale but the reality is this is just the beginning of things to come. Everyone I know who is overseas say they will never return (best thing they ever did). Try Australia only 9% of the people actually come back! That is at 91% satisfaction rate! I will be joining you guys next year when I can buy a new car and pay it off in 1 year instead of 5, have free education for my children, NO CRIME, NO SABC, NO ANC, NO COSATU! - xp

	Do it 24/04/2008 15:36 We "ran away" nine years ago to small country called Finland, amid cries of there is no violence or crime in SA, its in your mind, you will never make it, what about the cold, the language, oh it is so expensive. My youngest son has just finished high school in Finnish and my oldest son runs his own business. Best thing we could ever have done. Think of your family, safety and how it is great to be normal: riding a bicycle, walking in the forest, riding on a bus without any fear........ - Ros

	Leaving SA 24/04/2008 15:36 You are welcome to leave SA, how long has it been since the minister said those words and how many times did he apologize for it, yet you keep bringing it like it is a current statement. People have pride they will never kneal down and ask you to stay because they fear to die of hunger in fact they rather go back to hunting and village farming than to ask you to stay to get jobs. (Is a normal thing to have pride). Good luck i your safe country (OZ,NZ)!!!! - Minister

	So Sorry. 24/04/2008 15:38 And who can blame you? Well, the old people are being killed off, easy targets, people like you have to suffer, not to mention your children. This morning as I opened news24, 2 murders. Only God knows how many people were killed, maimed, tortured, raped etc. last night. I hope you come back one day... me I'm too old, I'm staying and mark my words, if attacked I will not be the only one to go down. I too, want to die in Cape Town when God decides it's my time. - Alicia

	Leaving 24/04/2008 15:39 I moved to the U.S.A 4 years ago. I have never looked back. I have no fence, and never lock my house. The worst thing I have ever seen in our local paper was a fight at a school. Interest rates are low, living is cheap and there is NO crime!!!! I am 30 yrs old, own a home and 2 cars and 5 horses. I love my new life. I enjoy visiting SA and thats it. The whites there cannot stand together and the blacks cannot run the place so SA is doomed!! My dad fought for SA and he lost friends all for nothing - Jamie mathewson

	Bon Voyage 24/04/2008 15:40 While I cannot disagree with much of the sentiment expressed above, I can only hope that you are prepared for the challenges that will face you WHEREVER you decide to emigrate to.Having lived overseas for 3 years I am well aware of what SA offers compared to other countries, and the grass is definately not always greener on the other side.(if it is, its because it rains more).I employ over 7 staff, but will remain in SA and do my little bit to see it through this difficult time. - Les

	WAM and saliem 24/04/2008 15:41 Its not a competition about who's worse off, the point is there is a problem in this country and it needs to be sorted out by govt who has been empowered by the citizens to do so, so far nothing! it is not fair to insult or blame those who talk about their leaving, as they don't usually do so out of free choice but rather as a last option. They are not cowards, but victims trying to protect there families. - OB1

	Good Luck 24/04/2008 15:41 I'm sorry to see you go and hope to see you back. Despite the fact that mental midgets like Calvin et al are probably applauding your departure they don't realise it costs this country in the region of 2,5 bil lost tax revenue for every 5000 skilled people who leave, never mind the secondary effects. - SORRY TO SEE U GO

	Cheers, buddy 24/04/2008 15:41 Good luck, buddy. I understand. Some of us wish we could do the same...I fear that there will be a huge number of us who'll be stranded one day, when it's too late. If you can go, then go, and know that your family is better off for it. WAM ... does the M stand for Mindless? if you lived in Zimbabwe, you'd probably vote for Bob... - VinnyTheSaffer

	shame on you 24/04/2008 15:42 my reply is more to WAM's remarks. Any person has the right to come and go, no explanation for moving or staying. Living in a security estate is not a privilege it is a necessity. I absolutely HATE the gates and alarm and the white and blue ADT car but without it i am a sitting duck, and if you don't know WAM, sitting ducks get cooked. We all, including GDT loves RSA but my family is first priority and no amount of being positive will prevent horrible attacks. best of luck - Oom Kondoom

	Check the race card being played! 24/04/2008 15:42 Well done mr. 'GDT'. Well written article, mentioning FACTS too! You'll see people will try and discredit you, by playing the race card. This is SIMPLY because they can't argue against the FACTS! - Juan

	Much respect 24/04/2008 15:42 For your decision. I just don't understand why you wrote this letter. Do you want us to say "bye bye", or to discourage you from leaving, or to join you on your way out, or sympathise with you? I just don't understand what does a personal decision hav to be communicated to us. I respect your dcision to leave though, because it's personal and i cannot change it. So i honestly don't know why you must tell me about it. Okay ... bye bye - TheOne

	i don't understand 24/04/2008 15:43 Why don't you just move to a safer neighbourhood? Why don't you just move to Cape Town? Or any other province where the crime is much lower? Why does it always have to be Australia or New Zealand? We have a big country with a lot of cities and most of them are a lot safer than Pretoria of Johannesburg. - konstabel

	Realist 24/04/2008 15:43 @ WAM and CHOPS. ANYTHING will be better than this real-life "prison". Why must I obey the law and do things according to the book, when your buddies can freely walk right in, rape and pillage, drive like the D%$Kheads they are, and just get away with it?? Does the term LAWLESSNESS mean anything to your little brain? Do you even REMEMBER being able to do what GDT wants to do without "looking over your shoulder"? GDT, good luck, I'm following soon. - Realist

	Not worth staying 24/04/2008 15:44 I left too. Now I go jogging when and where I want, walk through the city at all times of the day and night, let my wife walk alone to the car in the street, have a great job that AA in South Africa denied me of, have windows and doors that I can leave open without losing my possessions or my life. Something is seriously wrong with SA, and somebody has to take responsibility for the problems and try to fix them because South Africa will become the next Zimbabwe. When somebody asks me, I will tell them to leave. It's not worth the risk staying. - RH

	I won't be to far behind you. 24/04/2008 15:44 Thats if they don't get me before I climb on the plane! We just lost 2 x doctors, 1 top designer and many others are looking to go. It's such a pity, the mess that the ANC has got this country into. Lisa Chin, the woman who was mugged and raped in Cecilia forest not so long ago, is on her way too with her husband (both in the medical profession). There will always be some idiot though, who will label us as cowards running away with our tails between our legs! At least we will be alive though! - Pistol

	GDT, fully concur. My family & I experienced same & also leaving. 24/04/2008 15:44 Some advice. Takes long time (12 months) to prepare, with help, Passports, Certify legal documents, etc. Dont wait. Legislation (HR - AA / EE / etc) & taxes makes it almost impossible to run own business. Look at other regular articles on crime (C Rape - "It was only sex" with American girl). The ATTITUDE of blacks (Also my clients) does not help either. Also agree with sentiments related to patriotism. Will come back someday. ANC Gov also taking my buss. away by importing local available skills - Matrix

	GDT, why leave the country... 24/04/2008 15:44 ..when you can just move to Cape Town. It is lekker here, beaches, mountains, wine farms. - jannie

	I'm also going 24/04/2008 15:45 Same story different person. I love this country and wish it could be different. If I had any hope that the country will change any time soon, for me, my wife and children, I'd stay. But sadly this seems not to be the case. Good luck to everybody staying behind. - Riaan

	New Life 24/04/2008 15:45 I too am taking our dear safety and security ministers comments to heart and moving my family to a different country where I will no longer have to apologise for being white or for the sins of my fore fathers. I feel for those like "pitiful" who think that we are being negative by wanting the best for our children. Goodbye, you won't miss me and I certainly won't miss you! - ROC

	Good bye... 24/04/2008 15:46 WAM...nobody is as blind as he that DOESN'T WANT to see...maybe you are the next one to be slaughtered like an animal, and I wonder what your family will say...I bet it would be something like..."let's leave this country and live where the thieves and murderers are getting what they deserve". Do not turn a blind eye, my friend - it might be too late for you to see the executioner coming your way! - Ruby Jane

	Blah blah blah 24/04/2008 15:47 This subject is soooo tired, News24. I think they just publish this drivel because they know the go vs. stay brigade will have a field day in the comments section. - blah blah

	I sympathise with the ex-pats 24/04/2008 15:48 they constantly gloat about their new found happiness in a SA forum lol. Go figure. Can't make any new friends? - tshepo

	Leaving 24/04/2008 15:48 I agree with you. We are like prisioners in our own houses! If only they could replace those monkeys currently running our Police and Safety and Security depts. We need more of the "kill the bastards" attitute....... - Rob

	you idiots... 24/04/2008 15:49 He has already been burgled. Mr "Because you are still 25 TIMES more likely to die in a traffic accident". And the fate of the impoversihed is the governments concern (and paartly, their fault), in case they have forgotten. the Man's family however is his responsibility. You are fortunate if you can go GDT, do it, and dont look back. - G

	to all those... 24/04/2008 15:49 criticising ppl who leave (justifiably so), why is it you guys aren't half as outspoken about the perpetrators (the criminals as well as those responsible for preventing and controlling crime and meting out justice)? Is it cos there is a perception that these ppl are white. I can't help but get the impression this is just a case of sour grapes, thats why you're such haters. cut off your nose to spite your face! - OB1

	How safe can one really be? 24/04/2008 15:49 I really feel for you as i am aware that many people can related to this heart felt moving story. it really sadens me that the bonafide citizens feel this way about south africa and our govenment.it is in time like this that one realise the value of life and advice of which i am short of today.our goverment needs to do something quickly before we see crime as i normal thing because it a truely bad things, the question is how safe one can really be this days? - Bokamoso

	running 24/04/2008 15:49 You are better off where you are than being a foreigner and home sick,take it from me. I am on my way back to South Africa to fill your space and employ 16 more poeple. Who said there is no crime,burglers and security alarms were you are going to,I bet they have police services for the same reasons you are trying to run away from. - wank ,wank

	@WAM, You obviously have not suffered the effects. 24/04/2008 15:49 Can afford the luxuries not available here in NZ. Have family and friends already there and in Auz, Canada and UK. Some of them came back for a period, but left again. Why, With attitudes like yours IS IT NOT OBVIOUS? You are most likely green with envey because you cannot OR just like ANC Gov, in Denial, i.e. "There is nothing wrong". - Matrix

	Just Leave Gauteng! 24/04/2008 15:49 You Gauteng lot: Just bloody leave the province. I stay 200 km from you in a city with not much crime to speak about. I do not have a fence around my house, no burglar alarm, walk in the street all day and night. And the poolice actually respond 99% of the time within 5 minutes - should you report anything suspicious. SA is not Gauteng - just leave the bloody province and save yourself a lot of money and grief. - TB

	Be prepared to move again 24/04/2008 15:49 Yes, places like the UK, Oz & Canada are better places to live right now compared to SA. I don't blame people wanting to leave but be prepared to be a second-class citizen (at least initially) wherever you go. However, with economic volatility only set to get worse around the world, guaranteed employment and welfare in the Western World is a thing of the past so at some later stage be prepared to go where there is work (most likely Asia). Only skilled people will be able to move around the globe. - Longbow

	Bon voyage 24/04/2008 15:50 GDT please make sure you buy a one way ticket and don't comeback when everything is ok....if the reasons you mentioned above are the one's that force you leave, then you are a coward. Grass is always greener on the other side but depends on who maintains it...Go Well, we will not miss you! - general

	rich man poor man? 24/04/2008 15:50 interesting, i live in the poorest municipality in the poorest province, ironically one of the most beautiful places i know. i sleep with my doors open and eat a health balanced diet of veggies from my own garden. i have begun an alternative community school for my son, as i do not believe in the trash imposed on our kids in the country. perhaps we should relook at what it means to be poor or rich - luke

	Sad but true. 24/04/2008 15:53 I have a short term vision, stay here and try to make it work (next 3-5 years), if it is going down, USA here I come, Green Card is approved. If SA is rockin' (like I hope it will) I'm here to stay. C'mon SA let's make this work. - Metallica Man

	Go for it 24/04/2008 15:57 I sent my kids to University to get and education but they sadly can't get jobs because they are white!! I would emmigrate to a place where it is possible to get a job no matter what your colour. An added bonus would be to sit on my patio and look at the view instead of an 8 foot wall through metal bars... - Patriot

	Leaving 24/04/2008 15:57 Leaving is the sensible option. I think that the only people who would second guess your decision probably don't have the opportunity or don't value their own lives. - frank

	Leave ASAP - Fo your own safety 24/04/2008 15:57 Why do people attack this man. Some of you in here have never traveled outside South Africa. Life in other countries are much better. Here we are in prisons from dusk till dawn while criminals walk the sreets. Wake Up!!! - Joe Mac

	saliem 24/04/2008 15:58 Get over yourself, mate. "Personal courage" flies out the window when a gun comes anywhere near your wife and cildren. It isnt the criminals leaving. Instead of being so sanctimonious perhaps you should be expressing outrage that any person should feel that threatened. - mallencolly

	Sadly... 24/04/2008 15:58 BUT TIA , and yes as our minister said leave , I dont blame you for a moment , Everyday when I get home and look my 18 month old daughter in the eyes , I wonder if its all worth it to stay in SA. to be killed for a cell phone ?? I dont think its worth it anymore , Looking at the over seas market , And sadly all the black people I employ will be retrenched I feel sorry for them but one has to put your family first !! - charlie

	Read the comments of the jealous ones. 24/04/2008 15:58 So we will be leaving the country in the "capable" hands of people like yt1021, and his cronies. HEAVEN HELP US. Just read all the drivel the "future of SA" writes. Enbough to make you sick. You are tantamount of what has happened to SA. It's SICK AND DYING. - Alicia

	on the other side 24/04/2008 15:59 I have already left and it's the best thing I have ever done. Cannot wait to see it all come crashing down and then I want to hear what the patriots have to say, at least I know what i will say. I TOLD YOU SO! - Greener

	Time to Go 24/04/2008 15:59 It's amazing how lots of people say the grass is not always greener on the other side. Well all of my friends and family who have left SA have a brilliant life in which ever country they have settled - from Aus, NZ, UK, Scotland, USA, Canada, Argentina, Spain and the list goes on. As soon as my farm is sold - I am off to try my luck. It just takes hard work as it does here in SA - but at least you are far safer and can live in your own home without being scared to death. And you have electricty.. - MickyM

	cant agree 24/04/2008 15:59 Everyone says that no one returns after leaving SA, funny that.. the same year I returned I know personally of 13 other people that came back to SA. They are all gainfully employed and in fact two of us employ between us over 20 people.I also know of at least 3 MISERABLE families that have emigrated - currently living in Canada,the UK and Wales and of at least 2 families that have come back from Australia... a lot poorer for their 'travels'. So look before you leap! - Les

	TheOne... 24/04/2008 16:00 I think ppl like GDT talk about/write in about their decision in the hope of creating awareness of the problem and to help the WAMS, saliems, tshepos et al understand they they are not doing it to gloat or because they are unpatriotic or racist or any of the other dumb accusations they make. They are doing it cos life has no value in this country any longer. Maybe someone with the power to make a change will see or hear enough of these explanations and will actually do something. - OB1

	You said it! 24/04/2008 16:00 Good luck and be very careful, you may find that beautiful greener pasture you see at the other side have snakes. - Proudly south african

	I'm more relaxed now 24/04/2008 16:00 We left 10 years ago for the same reason, and enjoy picnics in public parks, impromptu walks and visits in open spaces and riding bikes. The only thing I have to watch out for when jogging is snakes. Just remember to leave your flash SA ideals behind - a new beemer and flash lifestyle is expensive here, however, thank goodness it isn't required. - Jax in Oz

	Truth 24/04/2008 16:00 Dude, if you have the chance, take it! I have more than one friend that's left and I won't be seeing them any time soon. All this crap is definitely not worth it. WAM is absolutely off his trolly if he thinks it's not that bad. His time will come though... - Ed

	off you go then... 24/04/2008 16:03 and all the best when you get there. at least there will be one less prophet of doom in sa. i hope you are not going to add to the number of people who have left this country and now try to justify their decisions by badmouthing sa and telling us how wonderful 'overseas' is. - jock35

	where there's window there's way 24/04/2008 16:03 if you think there's better life for you out there, go for it, its all about you as an individual making a decision.... for your own benefit but in the end you will realized that you have made the right or wrong choice you will never know if you don't try... - thabo

	What a pity about logic 24/04/2008 16:03 I only got as far as Saliem's comment. I stopped there because his comment is so stupid, implying that just because others are also suffering, or because some will lose jobs if he leaves, GDT should "be a man" and continue to suffer rather than seeking what he thinks will be a better life. So long as GDT's willing to accept that he's responsible for those people not having jobs, best of luck to him. - Craig

	Another view 24/04/2008 16:04 I note with interest the mails from people who have emigrated jumping on their soapboxes to tell us how good life is overseas. Why are they doing this? Because they didn?t have the guts to stand & fight for this country & are desperate for others to join them & keep them company! All the other supporters of emigration are miserable & need to go & go quickly so we can all get along with healing this land.For those staying read this link http://www.702.co.za/download/boe.pdf - Emigrates

	I'feel sorry... 24/04/2008 16:05 That you had such an aweful experience, but in all honesty we have the power to stop it but no one wants "to get involved". Quick question before you go, did you know your neighbours? Did you form a neighbourhood watch? Did you do patrols? Did you deploy crime prevention stratagies? Or did you, like thousands other, do nothing? Good Luck! Looks like you found your excuse to go. - Ag please

	Both Sides 24/04/2008 16:05 Metallica Man you want i both sides. Please do not discourage those who wants to leave. We are prisoners in our own homes while criminals walk the streets at night. - Joe Mac

	Dont blame you!! 24/04/2008 16:05 GDT! You go man! If I had my way I would leave as well. Dont get me wrong I love South Africa, but certainly not that goes with Good Luck to you! Forget all the adverse comments they are just jealous! - carol

	After six months in the UK 24/04/2008 16:06 we have a flat that is nicer than the one we lived in in Joburg, because the residents treat the building with respect. There are no bars on the windows or alarm systems to deal with. Travel to work by train, where you can have a cup of coffee and read the paper on the way to work. Our quality of life better than in Joburg, there are more bars, restaurants, concerts and markets to chose from in our corner of London than in the whole is SA, and best of all, I havent seen a car guard since August. - Livin' in the UK

	@ Joe Mac 24/04/2008 16:07 You wake up!! It is not the WHOLE freaking country that rots with crime. Gauteng is the worst off, but leaving the country is bit of an overkill. - jannie

	Best of luck 24/04/2008 16:08 You just keep focused on the safer, happier life you are affording your family. - Erix

	Bye 24/04/2008 16:08 spread your wings, your employees will start searching soon and I know they'll find something even before you catch your plane. Go well! - Brian

	Greener 24/04/2008 16:08 'Cannot wait to see it all come crashing down and then I want to hear what the patriots have to say, at least I know what i will say. I TOLD YOU SO!' you pathetic idiot. thank god you left SA already, we dont need rubbish like you here - jock35

	RE: Livin' in the UK 24/04/2008 16:11 Funny how ex-pats love nothing more than visiting South African websites and writing about how great they have it over there. If it was really that good why bother telling us that? Kindly f*k off to enjoy your perfect life and leave the rest of us to 'suffer'. - VLS*

	24/04/2008 16:11 Do you really want to live in fear for the rest of your life? Do you really want to drive on rotten roads and have black-outs every week? How expensive will schooling and health care become? Do I really want to earn a worthless currency? Do I really want to keep on reading every day of another family murdered and / or maimed? - Frank II

	Walking the Low Road 24/04/2008 16:12 The New SA is not what I had in mind for myself or for anyone else for that matter. As much as I love this country, my life is worth more than a cell phone or a pair of shoes. Since our regime has decided to follow the Low Road instead of the High Road and associate itself with the rogue states of this world, things went from bad to worse. Actually, where did you see a liberation movement lead a country to greatness? - Frank II

	funny 24/04/2008 16:12 Funny how the majority of people emigrating is from Gauteng... You know in Bloem we don't lock the doors either buddy. - Afrikaanse

	My 2cents worth!!! 24/04/2008 16:13 GDT,I got to say ur reasons for wanting to leave is spot on.Lives of ur loved ones must always come first.BUT there r other people who r different,I am currently in Spain(alicante),probably 1 of the most beautiful places around,although there is crime but its not to a degree where u would need burgular guards etc,got a lovely wife(spanish),son,house,job,etc.BUT at the end of this yr,I will be selling all of it and coming home(DURBAN).I LOVE SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!!!!!!!! - K.G.

	@OB1 didn't i say they must leave if it will make them happy 24/04/2008 16:14 im just amazed that they constantly check out a country that "will go the Zim road". I know about crime, i was a victim of armed robbery last year at my place. My mistake was i left the window open, so i know how it feels like to have a gun in yr face. Like i said, if their decision brings happiness, they must leave. - tshepo

	the truth 24/04/2008 16:16 the truth is that all those trying to constantly justify why they left and telling us how perfect 'overseas' is are unsure of themselves and suffer from low self esteem. if you dont want to associate with sa, then why blog here on a sa website? why talk to us? why not talk to your new perfect friends in your new perfect world? pathetic, i feel sorry for you and your type. - jock35

	Livin in the UK - PERSPECTIVE PLEASE - 24/04/2008 16:16 Nicer perhaps?, but surely a lot smaller/more expensive,no bars...yet,no sun,yobbos.... wait until you meet a crowd of them. and you will on public transport...rubbery steaks and expensive red meat, restaurants that generally wont/cant touch the quality of what you get here,lots of rain and cold,thousands of immigrants,and at 3-5 GBP for a parking... id rather have a car guard... ANYWAY enjoy... - Les

	Afrikaanse I agree... 24/04/2008 16:17 ...Gauteng people think Gauteng is the whole country, just like America thinks that they are the world.... - jannie

	Come back after SA collapses......... 24/04/2008 16:18 ....property and land will be much cheaper after the inevitable Zim and SA collapse. They will then need white brain power to fix the mess. It'll be great for entrepreneurs! Then, time to re-colonize Africa. Wish I could join you in the mean time. - Walt

	Guys Guys Guys 24/04/2008 16:18 There is more to SA then Pretoria, there are lots of places in SA that are crime free. Think outside the box, think outside Gauteng. Crime may be a factor but lets be honest, tell us the real reasons you leaving huh? can't handle black people in charge? Can't handle black people on the same level? Load shedding is not unique to this country, just remember that. US is in recession, UK is drab and cold and wet... you could've chosen another area of SA... be honest. - Point Blank

	Hey - "Livin' in the UK" - its only been six months 24/04/2008 16:21 I guess you in Ldn aren't you. I lived in different parts of the UK for quite a few years, and I can say that the quality of life does not come close to SA's. The UK is a great place but you will soon see that crime, decay etc etc also exists over there. I came back to SA because on balance I think life in the Cape beats anything and everything the UK has to offer. Besides it rains most of the year! - Woody

	Saliem - lowest common denominator 24/04/2008 16:21 Why must everyone always be judged on the worst case scenario? Why can't you, in all you wisdom, see the benefits of attempting to raise standards and expectations, instead of dragging the whole country down? You're pathetic and the song you sing is getting old. - ian

	Best of both worlds.... 24/04/2008 16:22 If you HAVE to move, why not choose to join an Afrikaner community, e.g. Orania? It's still in SA, without a strange language or culture, but also a lot safer. - Boertjie

	WAM 24/04/2008 16:22 Where does that name come from, from WAMming into the back of a truck I suspect and not having a brain cell, if you had one it would be called a space invader. With a comment like that you should be shot! - Win

	Jock35 24/04/2008 16:22 Jock35, I guess you have never had a granny whos finger nails got yanked off with side cutters and little 6 month old baby get raped by 6 men. We did fight for out country and the Afrikaaner could not stand together and keep fighting so we left. Just because you do not have the IQ to qualify to leave let us enjoy reading these blogs. Its actually very amusing!! JM - JM

	Hey - "Livin' in the UK" - its only been six months 24/04/2008 16:23 I guess you in Ldn aren't you. I lived in different parts of the UK for quite a few years, and I can say that the quality of life does not come close to SA's. The UK is a great place but you will soon see that crime, decay etc etc also exists over there. I came back to SA because on balance I think life in the Cape beats anything and everything the UK has to offer. Besides it rains most of the year! - Woody

	Comment 24/04/2008 16:23 I was not going to comment on Wams post, but I am so angry at his pitiful remark. Things are no that bad?? Where have you been hiding. Most like in Zimbabwe, there is no crisis there - carol

	Jannie & Alicia 24/04/2008 16:24 For someone wanting to "emigrate" to Cape Town from Dirtbin,any idea where one can lay their hands on property news for the Western Cape (other than the Internet)? Please,I cannot bear another 12 years of Sutcliffe and all the other turds we have floating in the water here (two legged ones or brown ones).I did the Gauteng thing for 19 years and Durban for 12.It's either Cape Town next or Antarctica (and my father dearly wants to die in his birthplace,Fishhoek). - The Truth

	Leaving 24/04/2008 16:24 The article depicts how most of the middle and upper class people are living right now and it is true that these people do not have a guarantee that they will be totally protected from falling victim to crime. The people who are emigrating,are doing so because prevention is better than cure.The problem with some of the commentators below is that they do not qualify for emigration and now they are expecting the one's who do, to stay on in this crime ridden country. Very selfish in my veiw. - Stormin

	FULLY agree 24/04/2008 16:26 Off you go buddy. If you come back, at least you have tried and no one can blame you for it. Me and my family will be leaving soon. I dant want to 100000Zim dollar for a bottle of water when a teacher gets 600000zim dollar a month as pay. I feel sad for the poor who cant go. What meagre funds I have is going into getting me to safety. I respect those who dont want to go. Is Mbeki still living in the village/town he came from? (I doubt) But why did he leave? So am I. Goodbye - poorer but happy

	More of the same 24/04/2008 16:29 I totally agree with "blah blah blah". I'm really so tired of this discussion. Can we please put this subject to bed once and for all. Will the letters' editor please find something else more interesting to talk about. - deebee

	Don't comment 24/04/2008 16:31 if you have not been a victim...if you have not looked into the hatred and don't care eyes...if you have not heard the click of a faulty gun..and then the wait...every day....next time, what if your wife or son is there.....don't you dare comment...you do not know what you aretaking about... - TNT

	I have a few questions 24/04/2008 16:32 I have a few questions Is the world working? Is it mans' desire to accumulate monetary wealth? Will man ever have enough money? Is it working? Once every one has money will it change the world? Will money give people freedom? Will money save the planet? Do you have the courage to think beyond money? Does giving an education mean giving people the knowledge to make money? Is it wise to live to make money? Does having lots of money make one successful? Does having lots of money make one happy? - lb

	I care 24/04/2008 16:32 The replies all seem to have one thing in common, nobody cares, is it so much to ask for one south african to sympathise with the plight of another citizen rather than to judge and condemn as first reaction? People can live with violence as long as it seems that someone, like the government, actually cares about how people feel and shows it too. Mandela seems to have been the last we have seen of anybody caring in government, empathy and forgiveness died some time ago - Hilb

	Just move to Slaapstad 24/04/2008 16:33 The quality of life in the Western Cape is unrivaled in the world. I lived on the French Riviera for 2 years, and in my humble opinion, it doesn't come close to Cape Town and its surroundings. Why do you think so many Europeans are living 6 months in Europe and 6 months in the Western Cape? - witseun

	Saliem 24/04/2008 16:34 You must be a communist. It seems no one must have expectations in life because there is always someone else worse off. Grow up doos.Or put your money where your mouth is an share your wealth with your "brothers". - The fisherman

	The Truth 24/04/2008 16:35 Other than the net and bloodsucking real estate agents, not much that I know of. GDT, enjoy overseas. - jannie

	VLS 24/04/2008 16:35 Whats wrong with expats having an opinion.You strike me as the kind of person who would put your cigarette out using your girlfriends forehead for an ashtry. - psycobabble

	After 14 months in the UK 24/04/2008 16:36 What a difference. Within 6 months we had replaced everything (material) that we had left behind in SA. I run & cycle in the parks in the evening with my kid. Have no burglar bars, no car/ house alarms & not a worry! All I can say to those still there (trapped or by choice) is make the best of a bad situation, but DON'T ignore the problems, DON'T pretend they don't exist & DON'T let anyone convince you that living behind bars is normal. - Wake up SA

	Emigrate 24/04/2008 16:36 Before you go, have a personal look at the country and speak to ex-saffers there. Some countries are not well -suited for emigration. GDT is still lucky in that he does not sleep with his gun next to him. Several Pta. friends do. I have to. - Sentinel

	Come to Africa 24/04/2008 16:37 and work in peace. We lived 3 years in Lagos and are currently in Dakar, Senegal. We don't feel unsafe at all. Nobody is going to rape us, torture us or murder us. In my home country (South Africa) I feel unsafe and fed up with the blaminggame. South Africa has become a sick nation. Emigrate to Africa! The rest of Africa welcome our skills and our abilty to work hard. - Andrea

	still planning to run? 24/04/2008 16:40 Wait until you are forced to buy a one bedroom flat on second floor with the sound of a train passing every 2 minutes,situated next to the 'HOSTELS' they have the cooler name for them here in the UK,called COUNCIL HOUSES.You consider yourself lucky to wake up the without a huge scratch right round you che