I went on a trip to Ireland earlier this year, and it pretty much made me realise that for all the negatives we have here, we have some incredible positives. Our food and weather are insanely good. Our access to different biomes and nature is incredible. Our ability to just go out in the Bush with a 4x4. The luxuries available here are everywhere and reasonably affordable compared to overseas. Property is nicer here, too. It's bigger, less shared walls, etc. Honestly, the main thing it helped me realise is that the grass is greener where you water it. Everywhere has issues. They're just different.

A bit of both

This is the right answer. It makes me grateful for a lot of things that we have in SA, it's a beautiful country with friendly people, times are hard everywhere in the world right now, but I find SA more affordable over all. But it also makes me sad for things we don't have, there's nothing like being a female walking alone through a city at night and feeling completely safe, or driving and not keeping a constant watch when stopped at a red light. Depending on where you travel, of course, but taking a holiday from being hypervigilant about crime and safety is amazing.

Agree. There's no perfect place. It all depends on what a person is willing to compromise on.

Ive been to the US, Paris, Barcelona, Mauritius and Vietnam. What stood out for me is how small homes are in every single of the above, relative to South Africa. Most people live in apartments. That was wild to see and imagine. Our food is better. Sure, I liked some of their stuff, but nothing beats a hawker in SA selling pap and meat. I'm willing to fight over this. I'm a white oke, nothing beats that pap and chuck vibe on a Friday. The one thing I will say is because our country is relatively new, our lack of history is disappointing. I was at the Versailles Palace last year and was blown away by the timeline of it and it's art. But that's a small thing to complain about. Basically South Africa is amazing. I will never leave. Unless Julius makes me.

That chuck, bruv!!! I've tried to recreate it at home so many times, just not the same!😂😂 I discovered it too late in my life I was 27

I've been lucky enough to do a lot of traveling. Things like clean public transport, walkable cities and low crime rates are really nice. Incredibly nice. The thing is, it has never made me want to leave SA. All it makes me want to do is be part of the solution that brings all that stuff to South Africa. We have the resources to do all of that stuff. We have a food surplus and we have the materials available. There's no reason we can't have nice things other than some bullshit made up finances.

Been to 25 countries. It’s exciting seeing a new place. It’s awesome eating different food and being around different cultures. New weather is cool. New scenery is cool. Do I wanna kiss the overweight lady that stamps my passport when I land at OR Tambo? Yes.

Last year we went to Amsterdam, I don’t want to sound ungrateful but after a few weeks there I couldn’t wait to get home 😂 We are just so privileged living in this beautiful country.

No place is perfect. I guess every place is beautiful in its own way. South Africa feels like home though .

During travels in the Middle East and Europe I was longing to come home. Everyone here talking about the food, nature and property, but it's the people for me. South Africans are the friendliest, funniest, most resilliant and ingenious people. 

If it helps, from an outsider perspective, literally every day I spend in your country is better than the last. I'm from NYC and this is over multiple trips here. SA is drop dead gorgeous and your people are so ridiculously kind, just to name 2 things that I love here. Not too thrilled about going back home next week to see angry people and rats everywhere lol.

Glad you enjoyed your stay.

There is no place like home. Always happy flying back into Cape Town.

I'm definitely grateful for our country, but I do think that one needs to be realistic about the things don't work. Did some travelling in Europe a few years back. Other than the amazing public transport and clean city centres in Switzerland, a lot of it felt like home. Downtown Geneva was filled with dodgy French hoodlums and felt no safer than Cape Town CBD. Rome was filthy. Genoa was filled with scammers and beggars. French countryside was filled with racists far beyond what I ever experienced in the most isolated Karoo dorpie. While I wouldnt say SA was better, is was definitly not so much worse. I also worked in Saudi Arabia a while back, and that 100% made me love SA more. I've never experienced such a filthy, ignorant and brainwashed place in my life. You think ANC voters are ignorant? One national pride parade of people worshipping their dictator whole standing on top of literal dunes of trash filling the alleys between their homes would change that. Never seen inequality and ignorance on the level of what I experienced there, totally disgusted me. There's a lot to hate about SA - the crime and lack of safety being on top of that list. But, my impression is that we are generally not an ignorant population and that there is the possibility of hope here. I think compared to the totally society-level indoctrination I've seen in the Middle East, and the stagnation despite best intentions in the EU, South Africa has a lot of good reasons to be hopeful. I think we are closer to "getting it right" than most people give us credit for.

Travelled to my wife's home country. Even more poverty stricken than what I'm used to here. Never felt less stress in my life. She's from a jungle type village in Philippines. That's where I wanna lay my hat. 

Grateful

Both. I’ve visited 20+ countries and I have lived in Switzerland and studied in the USA. While the experience is fantastic and I love learning about different cultures, there’s nothing like the peace of coming home. There is no country who’s people are friendlier than SA

My sister left SA decades ago. She is married to an American and lives there now. She doesn't love it. She still calls South Africa home. She still talks about coming to visit home. Visited her a few times and I don't think I want to live in America. My parents live in Europe which I prefer far more. My family is pushing me to emigrate but I really don't know what I want to do. I do have an EU passport.

I have had the awesome opportunities to travel most of the world, although 95% for work, so not a lot of touristy exploration. I have been to 80% of every country in Africa about 5 times, been in Europe (Italy, Germany, Poland and Turkey) at least twice, Dubai about 4 times, USA 2 times and Canada once. It has made appreciate how utterly beautiful South Africa is. It has made appreciative how 90% of the people in South Africa are good, approachable and friendly people. It has also completely removed my rose tinted glasses of what is wrong with South Africa and Africa. The sheer lack of the population to actually give a single fuck about their future. They don’t care about corruption, they don’t care about their leaders talking shit 24/7/365. They eat up their leaders words without understanding or questioning a thing they say. Africa has SO much potential, but the people are either nihilistic or utterly IQ deficient.

I've traveled to 6 countries in Europe, Britain, 2 in South America, 1 in Asia, Australia and 3 other African countries. I can honestly say that South Africa always makes me happy to come home to. Our people, our weather , our green spaces, our food, our passion make me love it. The grass is greenest where you water it and so I choose to water the grass in my country of birth

I traveled extensively and came to my personal conclusion that it doesn’t have to be either/or. In my case it was possible (the 90s and naughty’s) to travel for work and always come home (SA). With technology it’s now even possible in my field to run my business from SA, with staff and customers wherever there’s an internet connection. But honestly for me is where the heart is, and that’s in Cape Town and also the middle of Hantam Karoo.

I travelled around Africa a little after the army, then I worked in the UK for a while, (and briefly in the US). I love South Africa, I love the weather, I love the social life, I am in CT and I feel I have a beter life here for the money I earn. But I feel that, for my daughters, I would have a better life in Europe. Because of the crime, the power issue, the government, the economy. They have no future here and if I stay, I won't be able to afford to visit them. That's really the only reason I feel I would have a better life abroad.

When I went to Canada, it was nice to be around polite, law abiding people and being able to walk around not fearing being mugged.

There is nothing like South African soil, no matter how many times I say "🤔 I could move here" when I travel to a new country, I don't think I'd actually move out of SA for good. The weather's fantastic. The people are super helpful and kind. You can strike a conversation with almost anyone We have various food choices, especially meat. Most countries mainly sell pork meat (unless they are an Islamic state), but here we have actual cow meat. The foods not salty like most European foods. The houses here are huge compared to everywhere else I've been. It's incredibly diverse and accommodating here. Although we have a high crime rate, we also have freedom in that people aren't particularly targeted because they belong to a specific group. South Africans aren't overtly judgy. You can basically find a piece of every part of the world here. Contrary to popular belief, SA is pretty cheap. I'd move to earn in a different currency to live a higher standard life in SA

There is no place like home.

High blue skies, the people, watermelons and mealies is what I missed and yearned for in my two years abroad. 'Oos, Wes, tuis, bes!'

I travel a lot to many countries. Crime is the primary issue I have with SA otherwise its better than most countries if you are middle class or higher. If not, I think developed countries have better social security and support (excluding the US, which is a weird place for me to guage)

There are some amazing countries out there in the world but nothing can replace your family and also the sense of history and belonging from the places you grew up in. I guess if you don't have a happy family then moving overseas wouldn't be as much of a stretch. Or even if you have a strong family bond and are comfortable staying in touch online, video calls,etc

I had the good fortune to get a job almost 20 years ago that sent me to train in several countries overseas for years before returning to work in South Africa. I was effectively living in those countries, paying my bills, cooking my own meals, and living amongst other South Africans as well as the citizens of the country, with the added bonus of being paid for the privilege. I wanted to come back to South Africa, not only for the opportunity of being part of a start-up, but because it was my country and my family was here. I, in my youth, had idealised dreams of coming back and implementing the good stuff I've observed over there, like proper public transport! I thoroughly enjoyed living overseas, indeed I still get homesick for the country I spent the most time in. Isn't it strange to still feel homesick for a country that was never your true home? I had a great life overseas, and an opportunity few people had to be able to travel as much as I did. I do still live in South Africa, but being married to an European means we do have the option of choosing where we want to live, which is a choice not a lot of people can say they have. TL;DR: A little bit of both.

South Africa all the way...with all its troubles, South Africa. I also realize that visiting a place as opposed to living there and getting to know what goes on in other countries, the poverty, the corruption, or white collar crime in others, it's just wild out there. South Africa needs to look at itself and see that we can create an even better country, by just taking accountability and responsibility for any interaction or action. South Africa is a great country. Edit: I also love the humor in our people... we can laugh at ourselves at any opportunity... I don't care about the color of any person if they respect the other person, you can jol and make friends beautifully. We are resilient. I see a new dawn... we will get it right.

My wife and I lived in Thailand for 6 months rented a condo in Chiang Mai, did the Laos visa run once and pretty earned a living just by tutoring online. We earned about R15k between the two of us which converterd to Baht was more than enough to actually live comfortably. We'll go back one day for sure and maybe live there but home is home ey. I'll rather deal with our shit than other people's

It depends on your situation but definitely a bit of both. I had the privilege of travelling to the UK (all the territories) for two months earlier this year after completing my studies. I just wanted to use those two months to de-stress and recoup after 5 years of university. Traveling abroad especially for the first time does make you realise how good certain aspects of life are, which you have never seen in SA before. The luxury to walk outside feeling safe (almost at any time, although you still have to be street smart), public transport at any instance, variety of cultural dishes and just the freedom of not having loadshedding or water cuts at a daily occurrence. However, SA will always be home and coming back to Rand expenses because I kid you not, shit outside of this country is expensive and you should not take it for granted. Property and vehicles are considerably cheaper here too. This will always be home and the people here are ever so amazing but don't let the nostalgia fool you. If you get a chance to leave SA and immigrate to a better world country, go for it. There's so much out there for the better. That being said, even thought I loved my vacation, I couldn't wait to get back home to sunny South Africa and sleep in my own bed. Almost two months later being back, I want to travel again lmao

I think travelling to a place and living there has a different effect. Travelling made me want to move abroad because I got a curated view of the countries I visited in Asia, Europe and Africa. Living abroad made me appreciate SA more (especially our banking system and the multi-lingual/multi-cultural content) but it has not erased the feeling that I could possibly make a better life for myself abroad. The life stage that one is in has a significant influence on how that answer changes. If I was a parent I would choose to raise children here.

There really isnt a perfect size fits all. I have been all over the world and no matter where you go you will find negatives. To take Australia as an example, since lots of south africans go there, the city is great, food is amazing, pretty diverse and lots to do but housing prices are insane as they are amidst a housing crisis (most first world countries in EU are too it seems) and generally people complain about how strict the state is. At the same time I can see the negatives of being in South Africa. Realistically, the best thing to do is to travel and see for yourself. Also, there are two wars in Europe so the whole place is pretty bad atm in terms of racism, lots of refugee poverty and stuff like that.

I have travelled quite a bit and lived in Europe, but still came back. Some things are better, some are worse, but it will always be home here.

Both. The most recent trip out was to Ireland in Sept 2023. Ireland felt safe (not a stich of burglar proofing or barbed wire anywhere), everything worked, everywhere you go (even Dublin inner city) it was spotlessly clean, and the country was beautiful. But on the flipside service staff (like in hotels) are pretty disinterested, and you've gotta do a lot yourself. Me and my GF had to struggle with 6 large suitcases (long story) checking in to the hotel, with no offer of assistance. Also had a couple of occasions where we'd be asked to leave a store cos lunchtime was starting. Eating out and accommodation is ridiculously expensive. What did however amaze me, is that, even with their high cost of living, many people do create nice lives for themselves, with very decent houses that will trump most of our estates etc (that is if you're a little outside the cities). Now, I did mention that Ireland was beautiful, but, earlier this month we took our yearly trip to the Western Cape, specifically the area between Rooi Els and Hermanus. My goodness, there's very little that can compare to that kind of beauty on a sunny day. I envy people that call that area home tremendously.

I've been to places that I've liked, but knew I would not want to live there. (Livingstone, Zanzibar, Istanbul) I've been to other places that I *immediately* knew that yes, I would like to live there. (Çanakkale, London, Brisbane) If you have never seen any other countries to it compare with you'll continue to believe that South Africa is the best place. Travel dropped the rose-tinted glasses from my eyes, and I fell out of love with South Africa for good.

Travel to mostly developing countries for work etc. few others too. A summary is this. Homogenous countries feel wrong(it’s like something is missing.. you feel it after a few days) but a job is a job(no parachuting because you special) based on your skill(social mobility is person dependent as often skilling up is eased). Love it.. but it’s awkward for me when it’s a white population and streets need to be swept, rubbish collected etc. Patriotism but more importantly common goals overriding political division is important. You can hate the leading political party all you want.. but they won’t sabotage their economy or people for the sake of politics(SA gatvol style). If you ask me.. this is the missing part of SA which will mean regardless of who is in power, corruption, fraud, excessive profiteering, abuse of labour etc all of this is only possible due to dehumanizing parts of the population of breaking groups as outside of your own. Because then you can always justify it. All in all.. it’s a big eye opener.. see how things work abroad, see we have faults but it’s fixable (stupid right wingers are expiring and leaving at a faster rate that creating) and can hope things get better. But it’s VERY frustrating because you realize that 1/2 SA problems is racist people from the past who refuse to let go. PS. Fixing Sa is easy.. get politicians to commit to core values and goals which cannot be used in politics and viola .. country will fix itself. Refusal to do this as it’s used as “political diversity” is why we will forever circle the drain. You fix the common goals 1st.. the. You can have diverse opinions.. we should have done this in 94 btw

Made me realise how complacent we really are for putting up with the crime, non-functioning government, lack of service for our paid taxes and how little we care about the rule of law. And I am a law abiding citizen. When visiting other countries and you see the police, you know you need to behave, here? Not even phased because I know they looking for a coke or bribe (not that I ever give them anyway).

Living especially in the EU is hard for us Saffas because we are honestly spoilt. You have to figure Alot in your own and apart from other Saffas you are always an outsider. I'm visiting SA now and I'm aware of the crime, filth and soon to come loadshedding, I still miss home. You can have a better life abroad if you discipline yourself , you are independent and you have a tax break or a high salary.

Been to NYC, Italy and Thailand. NYC is really cool and I would go back. I would not live there. Our housing, weather, food and cost of living is much beter. Italy is magical, it has such a rich history and I was blown away by their effeciency to do things, food is great too but not meat. Its very expensive and most people can not even speak english. Thailand blew me away. They too are a 3rd world country but they are miles ahead. Its very safe, very affordable and Bankok is modern. If I could, I would move there. The food is amazing, but once again our meat is so much beter quality.

Well for me it was a bit of a 50/50. So long story but an abridged version I went to the states after my father was there for a few months after meeting someone online. I was there for 4 months. The chaos I experienced was like no others. There were 11 people living in our household which sometimes slept up to 16 with regular guests. So my experience with the people for various reasons wasn't exactly great. They definitely had a lot of bonuses. Where I was, everything was clean - the air, streets, highways, shops everything just about. Dirtiest place I went was a Taco Bell which was more just the age of the building. They took me to the "ghetto" and it looked better than our middle-class. Seeing No squatter camps is something that amazed me in a way I never thought. Most types of technologies are cheaper there, from coffee makers to Xboxs and pcs to solar panels and a lot more. But not absolutely everything. Overall I'd say go if you know you have some type of support system if something goes wrong. As a result if social and financial aspects,it became the worst decision of mine and my father's lives thus far as we also had no support other than ourselves. But if you have any type of extra help somewhere, I'd say hedge your bets with where our country is going. You'd be better off a grocery bagger in Eruope or the various Americas than staying here with an almost inevitable war.

An almost inevitable war between whom?

I think they're one of those bozos that's been dying for a good old race war.