>Jos,
>
>I loved my time in Southern Africa. However there are huge communities of South African professionals who have left/are leaving for Commonwealth countries, so many that they come to dominate some sub-specialties, with many regretting their loss of homeland but quoting crime and a desire for a good place to bring up kids, as a defining reason to emigrate.
>
>http://iluvsa.blogspot.co.nz/2008/12/why-south-african-doctors-are-coming-to.html


This is true (we are here in Europe, for now - my children and I are Dutch nationals). The reasons are invariably crime (or the perceived level of crime). But also, truth be told, black economic empowerment, or BEE, or affirmative action - or whatever the policy name is today; whilst I will not debate the pros, cons, or justification for this policy the bottom line is that white children will have, and already do have, far less opportunity in the future in South Africa - both in higher education and in the workplace. And the single biggest problem in South Africa is actually not crime or race but corruption. Corruption is rampant through all levels and departments of government, right to the very top, and this creates a massive lack of moral standard and a heavy economic and social cost. But this now drifts off topic and I shall drop it there.

If you want to have a wonderful, and currently very cheap, vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world - if you want to meet wonderful people, see amazing nature, go to South Africa. South Africa's largest game reserve is bigger than Holland :) It will be a great experience.