If you ask any proudly South African for reasons to live in South Africa, they will rattle off a lengthy list in a matter of seconds.
Extensive instances will be provided, ranging from the extraordinary to the sublime. The fact is that many of South Africa’s outstanding characteristics and attractions are unique on the planet!
Consider close encounters with the Big Five. Additionally, Table Mountain and eleven official languages contribute their own distinct flavors to South Africa’s cultural melting pot.
While we cannot possibly include everything that makes South Africa great, we have attempted to do so in our list of the top 14 reasons to reside in South Africa:
1. Increased value for money
Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey examined aspects such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, household items, and entertainment in 209 locations worldwide.
Cape Town is ranked 180th, while Johannesburg is ranked 185th.
Consider it another way, through the lens of Numbeo. When comparing Cape Town’s cost of living to that of London, the following results emerge:
- Prices at the retail level are 47.05 percent lower than in London.
- Rent is 62.78 percent less expensive than it is in London.
- Prices in restaurants are 50.95 percent less than in London.
- Prices for groceries are 39.22% lower than in London.
Let us compare Johannesburg to the following:
- Prices at the retail level are 44.21 percent lower than in London.
- Rent is 74.83 percent less expensive than it is in London.
- Prices in restaurants are 50.63 percent less than in London.
- The cost of groceries is 37.92 percent less than in London.
2. The English language is widely spoken
English is one of eleven official languages in the country, but it is arguably the most frequently spoken, as it is the most widely accepted language for communication in businesses, shops, tourist attractions, and restaurants, among other places.
3. Outstanding private healthcare
Private healthcare in South Africa is on a par with the best in Europe and the United States. The facilities, employees, and care provided are all of the highest quality, and there are numerous medical aid schemes available.
What you may not know is that each year, people from all over the world travel to South Africa for plastic surgery, not only for the exceptional expertise of our plastic surgeons, but also for the favorable exchange rate.
4. Accolades, accolades, and accolades
Each year, South Africa, its towns, and its residents earn a slew of international honors.
South Africa was rated the World’s 5th Most Beautiful Country in 2017, and Cape Town was selected the World’s Best City to Visit in 2017.
Our beaches also rank well. No less than 46 beaches in South Africa have been awarded Blue Flag status for the 2018/2019 season.
Are you a fan of fine dining? Then make your way to Cape Town’s The Test Kitchen, which was recently named one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2019.
We must also highlight our universities, such as the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, which consistently rank among the world’s top universities. Three South African universities are ranked among the world’s top 500 in 2019.
5. The World’s Third Most Inclusive Country
This is another honor, but one that deserves special note. South Africa was recently rated the world’s third most inclusive country, trailing only Canada and the United States.
These are the findings of an Ipsos Global Advisor poll in which over 20,000 people participated.
The study examined topics such as societal acceptability based on religion, immigration, sexual orientation and gender identity, political opinions, and criminal record.
6. You’ll barely notice the absence of home
Certain urban legends about life in South Africa seem to persist in perpetuity. For instance, everyone in South Africa owns a pet lion/leopard/pretty much any other type of wild animal.
That is absolutely not the case!
Often, individuals have no notion what to anticipate. What we can tell you is that South Africa has wifi and fiber, that you can shop in malls and purchase from H&M, that you can visit Woolworths, that you can walk into a Mac store and replace your old MacBook, that you can purchase top-of-the-range luxury cars, and that you can drink water directly from the tap.
7. Our constituents
South Africans are renowned worldwide as some of the most hospitable and friendly people on the planet. You will always be greeted with a smile, and if you require assistance, a helping hand will be provided.
8. Unmatched beauty
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning and wild beaches, undulating mountain ranges, lush forests, and desert sky that glow brilliantly with amber at sunset.
9. Exceptional weather
The majority of the year, South Africans enjoy beautiful blue skies and plentiful sunshine. Durban enjoys a tropical climate throughout year, but winter days in Cape Town frequently attain temperatures of up to 25C. Summer showers are common in Johannesburg, but they never persist long enough to ruin your time outdoors.
10. Nature in a way you’ve never seen it before
We’ve previously highlighted the Big 5, but that’s just the beginning of what South Africa has to offer nature enthusiasts.
Springtime in Namaqualand is every bit as awe-inspiring as game drives through the Kruger. Perhaps much more so, depending on the individual. This is because Namaqualand, a typical arid region, is covered with over 3500 types of wildflowers following winter rains, attracting thousands of tourists each year.
Additionally, visitors flock to the Drakensberg’s peaks and valleys, the Blyde River Canyon, the wildness of Coffee Bay, the Cederberg’s red sandstone, the Elephant Coast’s wetlands, the Karoo’s vast plains, the Richterveld’s desert landscape, the Tsitsikamma forests, the Kgalagadi’s red sand dunes, and the Free State’s golden cliffs.
11. However, there have been no natural disasters!
Yes, South Africa has had floods and the occasional tornado, but neither of these occur on a regular basis, nor do we suffer from earthquakes or cyclonic storms.
12. Memorable encounters
In South Africa, you can dive with sharks, go whale watching, visit Africa’s southernmost point, see the Big 5 in a single trip (one day, if you’re lucky), swim with penguins, bungee jump from the world’s highest commercial bridge (216 metres, in case you’re curious), reconnect with your roots at the Cradle of Humankind, hike the Drakensberg or the famous Otter trail, traverse Sani Pass in a 444 and visit Nelson Mandel
and it is only the tip of the iceberg.
13. An unmatched way of life
Due to South Africa’s exceptional weather, wonderful outdoors, and hundreds of unique experiences, you may do anything your heart desires in our lovely country.
You can spend the morning wine tasting, the afternoon running in the mountains, and the evening sipping a sundowner while listening to the relaxing sounds of waves smashing on the beach.
When you’re ready to embark on your first South African vacation, get on a plane or a car and you’ll be in the wilderness, by the sea, or in a lovely small town along one of South Africa’s motorways in a matter of hours.
14. Cultural and natural treasures
We have many differences, but there are some things that unite all South Africans – a ‘lekker’ braai, tucking into bunny chow, supporting the Boks and Proteas, sharing biltong and a gatsby, watching the Comrades and the Cape Town Cycle Tour, debating where to find the best koeksisters and vetkoek, as well as legends like Ladysmith Black Mambaz
Furthermore, where else in the world can you purchase newspapers, sunglasses, hats, food, flowers, and cell phone chargers at a traffic light?
Recent Comments