Considering Moving to Cape Town (crime, speak, culture, jobs)

[Davidmacintosh]

Hello,

I am an American that is thinking of moving to CapeTown, South Africa for several reasons. I am of mixed race( White and Asian) and look a cross between a Chinese and White person or ocasionally some type of light skinned hispanic.My questions are the following:

1. How would someone of my racial background be treated by:

A. Whites

B. Blacks

C. All Others ( East Indians, Coloured, the few Chinese etc)

2. Compared to the East Coast of the United States, what is the culture of business and the workplace like 9 to 5?I am speaking of the business world.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

[sumofsam]

Originally Posted by Davidmacintosh

Hello,

I am an American that is thinking of moving to CapeTown, South Africa for several reasons. I am of mixed race( White and Asian) and look a cross between a Chinese and White person or ocasionally some type of light skinned hispanic.My questions are the following:

1. How would someone of my racial background be treated by:

A. Whites

B. Blacks

C. All Others ( East Indians, Coloured, the few Chinese etc)

2. Compared to the East Coast of the United States, what is the culture of business and the workplace like 9 to 5?I am speaking of the business world.

I would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks

David

You would be surprised to know that the US is more racist than South Africa!

I have been to the east coast several times and live in South Africa.

The only real racism exists between local blacks and blacks of neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe. This is only due to there being a huge influx of asylum seekers and locals feel jobs are threatened. It is only because of jobs and nothing else - not a ethnic or religious thing. This only happens in the townships and is not something you would be exposed to.

South Africa is known as the rainbow nation for a reason - we have a huge diversity of race.

With regard to point 2: The 3 main cities being Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are each very distinct.

Johannesburg is big, fast and about business are work. Crime is a problem. Think East Coast.

Cape Town is medium sized, more laid back, beautiful and is more cosmopolitan and trendy. Crime is not as serious as JHB. Think West Coast.

Durban would be a third option. It is laid back and not really a major player, but I have not been there in years.

It also depends on what line of work you are in or plan on going into.

Why would you be interested in moving to SA and where are you thinking of?