advice please ... moving to Johannesburg | ExpatWoman.com
 

advice please ... moving to Johannesburg

Ranches rose4803
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:02

I know its been done before but need some help please,, we have been advised to look at Fourways gardens to live,, as its possbily the safest? what about schools?? really want my DS [going in to yr 10] to go to a small school [private] and is it safe to drive around over there?? I know it sounds silly but I have always wanted to live in SA but would of preferred Capetown but the job is in Johannesburg, just a little worried about the crime and security there :( We have been in dubai a long time and its the only place my DS knows! so just need to make sure he will cope there;) thanks in advance

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KazSA45510
80
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 21:18
I am from Bryanston - it is really lovely.Nicolway, Grosvenor Crossing - both lovely shopping centres.
RSAgirl
111
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 18:58
Bryanston is a lovely area, great suburb and good shops. Be sure to go to the Nicolway shopping centre once you are there :-) Which schools have you contacted? There is a Cambridge in Bryanston.
Ranches rose4803
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 13:56
Thanks again everyone, RSA, girl ,, how about Bryanston? looks like some nice houses there ,, is it not a good area? Singapore sling, thanks for all your advice on schools, I am a little worried about the languages there as my son is dyslexic,[not too bad and now has no extra suport at school'> but the school here has agreed that he does not have to do a second language, for his GCSEs so he only does english, no fench, arabic etc... will that be accepted in SA?
RSAgirl
111
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 12:35
Im from Fourways so if there is anything specific you want to know please ask. I would only look at Fourways Gardens, Dainfern, Cedar Lakes if you are going to be working fairly close by. If you or your husband is going to be working in Sandton, traffic is a nightmare. I used to leave home at 5:45am just so that I would miss the traffic. We lived 12km from work, if I left after 6:20am it could take over an hour and a half to get there. I wouldn't send my son to any of the government/model C [u'>high [/u'>schools in the area (there are some fantastic primary schools). I feel they are oversubscribed and the standard isn't great. There are a number of really lovely private schools though, Heron Bridge, St Peters College to name but 2. Good luck with your move. Im sure you are going to be very happy. I miss Joburg a lot. <em>edited by RSAgirl on 29/05/2012</em>
hilsbils58551
1530
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 11:47
I was wondering if any of the EW ladies have lived further out? There is a lot of work for my Dh in Witbank and Limpopo area and I said "absolutely not" as I dont want to be stuck in a one horse town and need some kind of cultural diversity etc, but on second thoughts I realised that the landscape around those areas is staggeringly beautiful and perhaps Witbank is more 'modern' than I remember as a child. Has anyone stayed in these places? Thanks so much We lived in Witbank temporarily for 3 months. I would rather amputate my legs than live there again. The areas where the landscape is beautiful is more to Mpumalanga side (God's window). Nice for a weekend getaway from the city but dont want to live there. You can also consider Pretoria as its right next to Johannesburg and also very beautiful. ha ha! as I suspected .... a one horsie town and the horse has left town. A defo no no then. The job he was offered there was better paid than Dubai (!) but obviously they are struggling to get folk to move out there then. For us I think it is Cape Town or back to London but for now Dubai it will be. So hard to be an expat sometimes.... so much choice but yet that feeling of being unsettled really unsettles me too
Appletiser1646
3220
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 11:42
I was wondering if any of the EW ladies have lived further out? There is a lot of work for my Dh in Witbank and Limpopo area and I said "absolutely not" as I dont want to be stuck in a one horse town and need some kind of cultural diversity etc, but on second thoughts I realised that the landscape around those areas is staggeringly beautiful and perhaps Witbank is more 'modern' than I remember as a child. Has anyone stayed in these places? Thanks so much We lived in Witbank temporarily for 3 months. I would rather amputate my legs than live there again. The areas where the landscape is beautiful is more to Mpumalanga side (God's window). Nice for a weekend getaway from the city but dont want to live there. You can also consider Pretoria as its right next to Johannesburg and also very beautiful.
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 11:29
Hi All - the perspectives are interesting and the replies are certainly encouraging for the state of education in the country for South Africans. That said, I am looking at the question posted by the OP from her perspective - a boy going into Year 10 - I assumed they are not Safrican. At that stage of his education I would never consider putting him in a national system that is struggling pitched against intnational standards and this include curriculum content in as much as the system itself. What advise do you offer her with regard to the compulsory languages in the SA curriculum where the second choice has to be a South African language? In the past 12 years, the curriculum in SA has changed 3 times - that is a lot to cope with and by far too many trial and errors to try and make things work. I don't know what schools your kids attend in Dubai, but I would seriously relook my Dubai options if you feel that SA is better education wise than what you are settling for in Dubai at the moment. I do think we argue from very different perspectives - I look at it from a human developmental, professional perspective taking into consideration the career path of this kid.
hilsbils58551
1530
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 09:56
I was wondering if any of the EW ladies have lived further out? There is a lot of work for my Dh in Witbank and Limpopo area and I said "absolutely not" as I dont want to be stuck in a one horse town and need some kind of cultural diversity etc, but on second thoughts I realised that the landscape around those areas is staggeringly beautiful and perhaps Witbank is more 'modern' than I remember as a child. Has anyone stayed in these places? Thanks so much
Deeva
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 29 May 2012 - 09:20
Both my boys attended a Government model C school and we were delighted with the education and facilities... arguably much better than the very expensive private one that they attend here!
LBSA51545
77
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 14:14
I agree with KazSA, and if I were you I would not be concerned about the education system. I've experienced Government/Model C schooling a few months ago with my kids in school there and especially in the main cities, schooling is at a very high level. So many people, including myself, thought we would experience a much higher level here in Dubai, but I can honestly tell you, the good Model C schools and private schools in SA have NOTHING to stand back for. Yes, many rural schools and schools in less wealthy areas may be in shambles, but you will be able to pick from the best in the area you'll be living in. Do you know how many people here send their kids to boarding school in SA when they reach high school? What I also dearly miss here in Dubai, is the well balanced way of educating, striking such a good balance between academy, sport and culture. In SA schools these three are so well combined (obviously with the focus on academy), but culture and sport is part of schooling, not an ECA you have to opt for. Yes, there are many additional ECAs you can do, but they manage so well to involve kids in a wide variety of things. Enjoy!
KazSA45510
80
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:21
thanks so much to everyone for their advice,, will look at all the info you have given and start checking it all out:) I am sure I will be back on here soon asking some more! ;) Forgot to say, I am going back to Johannesburg until mid July, so if you are there and need some help with anything - I'm more than happy. It is such a beautiful city - I'm so excited for you!
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:18
Singapore Sling - very interesting to see another persons view. I am a teacher and have just taught at two excellent private schools in Johannesburg. Yes, the education system has gone under a radical change but that is due to the circumstances in South Africa having changed so much since 1994. The private schools in South Africa still offer an excellent education due to the fact that, although they have to comply with the Department of Education, they still write their own private exams which are of a very high standard. I believe that British International College leaves a lot to be desired. It is very alternative and the learners who are often seen walking to the nearby shopping centre are soo untidy!! I don't think there are very many rules there! Agreed - many schools in SA, in both JNB and CPT, still offer an excellent, well-rounded education,with learners getting accepted into (and graduating from) accredited SA universities which are recognised worldwide. The handful of international schools in both cities usually cater to expats on short-term contracts and, often don't offer the facilities one would get a private/ex "Model C" SA school.
KazSA45510
80
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 10:10
Singapore Sling - very interesting to see another persons view. I am a teacher and have just taught at two excellent private schools in Johannesburg. Yes, the education system has gone under a radical change but that is due to the circumstances in South Africa having changed so much since 1994. The private schools in South Africa still offer an excellent education due to the fact that, although they have to comply with the Department of Education, they still write their own private exams which are of a very high standard. I believe that British International College leaves a lot to be desired. It is very alternative and the learners who are often seen walking to the nearby shopping centre are soo untidy!! I don't think there are very many rules there!
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:07
Yes hilsbils it is recent problems with the mucking around between different economical strategies impacting on educational strategies. Outcomes based education was dropped in favour of rote strategies etc. Over the past decade the most profound education reforms anywhere in the world was attempted in SA and together with attempted modernisation of pedagogy, failed miserably. Such a terrible waste of money, especially given that SA had percentage wise one of the biggest education budgets in the world.
hilsbils58551
1530
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 17:49
Hi SS - Has this mess with govt education happened recently? I have heard murmurings of this in recent years, but dont remember having any trouble getting into overseas unis etc when I was at school and never felt unprepared at matriculation stage but perhaps things are very different with the changes in govt. I was at Hyde Park and would recommend it but perhaps it has also changed dramatically?
Ranches rose4803
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 17:47
thanks so much to everyone for their advice,, will look at all the info you have given and start checking it all out:) I am sure I will be back on here soon asking some more! ;)
Singapore Sling
243
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 16:47
Hi ranches rose I suggest that if you want to keep your child in an international school, the below two are your best options. Private schools in SA follow the national curriculum of SA which is VERY differrent in curriculum content, curriculum delivery, teaching style, learning style and school ethos compared to the Nat Cur of England and Wales, Cambridge, IB or K12. SA education in short is a massive mess even at the best private schools since the content is still the same no matter how good or bad the school. Just two weeks ago I saw a grade 10 biology paper which was lower in standard and content than the Year 7 Brit Cur biology. Note also that the Matric in SA when children complete school is not on par with A-levels and therefore some schools also offer an additional one year of A-levels after completion of Matric :-( My advise in all honesty would be to take a long and hard look at the below schools. http://www.bicollege.co.za/BIC_JHB/indexJHB.html http://www.aisj-jhb.com/ http://www.shrelocationsolutions.com/living_in_johannesburg__dainfern
Appletiser1646
3220
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 15:24
If you want to work as an ASA therapist in SA,you will have to register with the medical authorities first and be assessed before you can work. You can work freelance or with an organisation if you prefer.
Lettie
300
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 15:05
I don't know Johannesburg too well, so I can't give advice about suburbs and schools, but I have to warn you that you may not want to leave SA again. I befriended quite a few expats in SA over the years and they didn't want to leave. Lots of tears were shed when it was time for them to leave SA. Some even went back to live in SA permanently. South Africa has wonderful and friendly people and you will have to go far to get a better climate than SA, although the winters can be cold, especially if you are used to Dubai. Just go there with an open mind enjoy the country.
ladyloo30925
51
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:24
Hi Ranches Rose, We used to live in Sunninghill which isn't far from Fourways. If you would like to chat drop a line on here and I'll post my phone number. Fourways is a lovely area but the traffic is horrendous. It could easily take your DH up to 2 hours to travel from there to CBD even though its not that far kilometre wise. Most private schools are fairly large but they do have the facilities for the number of children. Some schools to look at are St Peters, St Davids, St Johns and St Benedicts Hope this helps a little
Deeva
158
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:23
Cedar Lakes is a beautiful gated community close to Dainfern... you will still have to contend with the traffic on William Nicol Road in either area. Alternatively, if your budget permits, try Bryanston, which is closer to the Sandton CBD. Bryanston Primary and Bryanston High schools always used to have good reputations (government schools). Alternatively, a private one is St Stithians.
hilsbils58551
1530
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:06
ah good luck then! Hope it works out well. We are in the same boat with my DH getting lots a work offers in Jhb but not CT. You will be pleased to see how much cheaper Jhb is than CT which is very very expensive for SAfrica. Food and accommodation is much more reasonable and with the higher salaries you get a very good standard of living for sure. I noticed that with SA things are a lot less 'online' than say here, for example. My family and friends who work in different industries, some as private consultants, just dont have an online presence. No websites etc for them. Its much more a face to face word of mouth sort of business model, although Im sure that will change very quickly, and my friends still use the newspaper to find flats and jobs! Wish there was an EW for SA.
habibti
88
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 12:05
I'm from CPT but lived and worked in JNB for a while. Fairways Gardens is quite nice. Most expats choose Dainfern which is also a gated community and is a little further out from Fairways. Dainfern has its own schools: Dainfern Prep and Dainfern College Other good private schools are St Peters (not co-ed but a separate boys and girls school). Crawford Lonehill is anothe excellent option. I'm not sure about your field but there's a lot more jobs on offer, with considerably better salaries, than in CPT. People are very friendly, the weather is great and there's an electric vibe to the city which cannot be found in laid-back Cape Town ;) Underfloor heating and electric blankets sort out the cold in the JNB winters and during the day, the weather is much milder.
Ranches rose4803
52
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:56
Thanks ladies, KazSa, I used to be in the ranches but have moved! ;) Originally from the UK and have been going to Cape town for a few years as we love it there... no work there though so only chance is in J,burg, think the job is in the business district,, we have been told it will take around 45 mins to get there,, DH doesnt mind traveling too much just wants to live in the right area, We are going in a few weeks to have a look but just wanted to know which areas to go to rather than spend days looking in the wrong areas... also is there much work out there for ABA therapsits [working with autistic kids'> cant seem to find much info :(
Icedqueen
310
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:25
Fourways Gardens is quite a nice little area but traffic on William Nicol is a nightmare and thats the only road that leads to Fourways Gardens. Where is your job located? You may want to look at an area closer to your job. In terms of safety, there are no areas in Johannesburg that are 100% safe. Townhouse complexes are safer than stand alone houses. I think Fourways Gardens has access controlled boom gates at the entrance so it makes it a little safer. There are a few good schools in the area. The ones that I can remember are Crawford and Dainfern College - both are quite close to Fourways Gardens. You will need a car to get anywhere as you don't get taxis or public transportation in that area. Rule of thumb is to keep your doors locked at all times and make sure that there is nothing of value visible to street sellers or beggars as smash and grab incidents are quite high in that area (actually anywhere!). Keep your bag in your boot and cell phone out of the way. Don't wear any expensive jewelry or keep your windows shut.
KazSA45510
80
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:21
I am guessing from your name that you are in Ranches? I am too, so would be more than happy to chat with you if you need more advice!
hilsbils58551
1530
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:21
I grew up there although I havent been back for years except for the odd visit because our whole family decamped to the wonderful Cape Town. What I can tell you is that the city is surprisingly beautiful. Most people holiday in CT and go on safari but Jhb is the largest man made forest in the world -over a 1million trees were planted during the gold rush. Jhb is large - a very splat sort of layout like LA and Dubai and I know that recently there has been terrible traffic jams snarling everywhere. Try to ensure your hubbys job isnt too far from home which would determine where to live. I think the schooling on offer is very good - well not all the govt schooling but there are some awesome private schools and some excellent schools following the govt cirruculum, but I am not up to date with current details. My father is there and what he says about the crime is that the wealthier areas which beautiful posh houses are targetted more as they are all insured and full of pricey stuff and have turned into high security fortresses, and yet where he lives which is a middling sort of area (Northcliff) he has never been a victim of crime and no high fences etc. Its quite area specific in terms of crime and may be best to rent for a while and spend time checking out local places, talk to local people. Jhb people are known to be very friendly, even amongst South Africans, and you will quickly get invited to someones BBQ. There is some aggression with odd incidents of road rage spilling over but thats what happens in colonial frontier places I suppose. The outdoor lifestyle is amazing and Jhb weather fanastic but it gets very very cold at night in winter as no houses have central heating. Our bathroom loo would be frozen in mornings and we had to run a pot of hot water across my mums car to get started, but afternoons in winter are bright and sunny and summers are awesome. What my friends say about Jhb is that it has a great creative buzz about it, lots of groundroots music going on, big art scene and great interiors - it has a nice energy compared with CT which is much slower. Enjoy and let me know if you have any other Qs
KazSA45510
80
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 11:19
Fourways Gardens is lovely - it a large compound area. There are so many little clusters/complexs that could be an option.I am from Bryanston and it is a gorgeous area. Nice private schools in the area too - have to look at St David Marist Brothers. Where are you originally from?
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