Living/working in Johannesburg - any good?
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Living/working in Johannesburg - any good?
Hi folks,
Looking at a possible contract on the 146 with Airlink, whilst they train up locals.
Any comments on living and working in Jo'burg, what Airlink are like, etc? Chances of getting out alive...???
\
Cheers!
Looking at a possible contract on the 146 with Airlink, whilst they train up locals.
Any comments on living and working in Jo'burg, what Airlink are like, etc? Chances of getting out alive...???
\Cheers!
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remoak - You will need to invest in an AK47 (to put by your bed) and a Glock (to wear going around Joburg). Sign up with your nearest rifle range for shooting lessons because you don't want to miss your target when held up in a probable armed ambush
. Don't forget to employ armed security guards at your home as well as install electrified fencing and get about 4 killer Dobermans/Rotties/Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Enjoy life in Gangsta's Paradise aka Gauteng!
Stay safe and alive
.
. Don't forget to employ armed security guards at your home as well as install electrified fencing and get about 4 killer Dobermans/Rotties/Rhodesian Ridgebacks.Enjoy life in Gangsta's Paradise aka Gauteng!
Stay safe and alive
.
Last edited by Flame Lily FX; 4th Mar 2007 at 15:56.
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Hmmm... well I always wanted an AK47, but not so keen on shooting folk with it!
As with most contracts, I imagine that I would be living in an airport hotel, so most of the security issues will hopefully not apply.
Very illuminating though, and thanks for your responses. I started reading that thread about why South Africans are negative, but by the time I got to page three I was becoming depressed...
On the other hand, what is the flying like?
As with most contracts, I imagine that I would be living in an airport hotel, so most of the security issues will hopefully not apply.
Very illuminating though, and thanks for your responses. I started reading that thread about why South Africans are negative, but by the time I got to page three I was becoming depressed...
On the other hand, what is the flying like?
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remoak - You will need to invest in an AK47 (to put by your bed) and a Glock (to wear going around Joburg). Sign up with your nearest rifle range for shooting lessons because you don't want to miss your target when held up in a probable armed ambush. Don't forget to employ armed security guards at your home as well as install electrified fencing and get about 4 killer Dobermans/Rotties/Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Enjoy life in Gangsta's Paradise aka Gauteng!
Stay safe and alive.
Enjoy life in Gangsta's Paradise aka Gauteng!
Stay safe and alive.
remoak you asked
On the other hand, what is the flying like
Its very close to life in Australia, except we have a crime problem and our females are far prettier, we also play better rugby
Flame Lily FX I have always said that the most pesimistic people you will ever find are ex-Zimbos, and once again you have proved it true.........
hole try tell the truth not what you think is the truth.
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Are You smoking your socks
Its very close to life in Australia,... Mate you must be high on something to say that it is like life in Australia...very far from it!!! I cannot recall when my neighbors car was high jacked or when my friend from the air force was shot dead while walking in a shopping center parking lot. I dare you to go for a walk in your suburb after dark and not feel that your life is threatened. When was the last time a 6 month old baby was raped in Australia. Ask any of your Australian connections if they know anyone that has been shot and they will not be able to recall a name, then ask one of your South African buddies.... 
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Remoak,
The fellas are trying to put the fear of God into you, Sure SA has it's problems with reference to the crime issue and it's something you have to be aware of but it ain't the wild west with people shooting each other under your own nose every minute of the day. As long as you are aware of the situation you will be fine!
As for the flying it's great, as Fluffy put it. Don't know where you wil be going in the 146 but it will be a great expereince nevertheless. SA has a lot to offer and as you get to see a bit of the place, you'll realise what a beautiful spot it really is! Obviuosly Airlink have given you some sort of idea in the contract, otherwise if you can pose some questions to them, I'm sure you'll get an unbiased opinion.
Unfortunately the talk in the street and on everyones lips is the present crime situation so it will be thrown at you ad nauseam on these forums!!!
If you want any further questions answered then drop me a PM and I'll try and help. Good luck with your decision!
The fellas are trying to put the fear of God into you, Sure SA has it's problems with reference to the crime issue and it's something you have to be aware of but it ain't the wild west with people shooting each other under your own nose every minute of the day. As long as you are aware of the situation you will be fine!
As for the flying it's great, as Fluffy put it. Don't know where you wil be going in the 146 but it will be a great expereince nevertheless. SA has a lot to offer and as you get to see a bit of the place, you'll realise what a beautiful spot it really is! Obviuosly Airlink have given you some sort of idea in the contract, otherwise if you can pose some questions to them, I'm sure you'll get an unbiased opinion.
Unfortunately the talk in the street and on everyones lips is the present crime situation so it will be thrown at you ad nauseam on these forums!!!
If you want any further questions answered then drop me a PM and I'll try and help. Good luck with your decision!
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The only resemblance South Africa has to Australia is the weather and the long brown grass! More than that you cannot compare.
South Africa may be a beautiful country and there are alot of pro's as to why you would want to live here but, sometimes you just have to get real about the crime. Even government are joining in....
South Africa may be a beautiful country and there are alot of pro's as to why you would want to live here but, sometimes you just have to get real about the crime. Even government are joining in....
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Flame Lily FX here is my problem, the picture you portay to Remoak is totally inaccuarate, and quite frankly I have had enough of these blatantly inaccurate statements, you know as well as I do that SA is not like that.
Remoak is asking an honest question about what its like, and its not fair on this country to portray it like that, yes we have a crime problem in SA but just watch a rugby match and you will see 80 000 South Africans at the stadium sitting in the sun having fun just like every other Super 14 country, not toting AK47's and killing eachother, you will also find people on the beaches, at the lakes and rivers fishing, boating, many people at eachothers houses and in parks having braai's, at restraunts and pubs, people hiking mountain trails, riding motorcyles, flying private aircraft, walking the streets shopping, why do you think SA is such a popular tourist destination? It would piss many Australians off if I only looked at the problems the Aboriginal people are having and then painted a picture that that is what the whole country is like..........just be fair thats all, ask your self what is reasonable and dont believe everything you read on Pprune.
As for the reference to Ex-Zimbo, my mistake but your call sign Flame Lily FX is quite misleading if you have any Idea of the relevance of the Flame Lilly to Rhodesians.
At least non of you challenged my quote
.......... says lots
remoak - You will need to invest in an AK47 (to put by your bed) and a Glock (to wear going around Joburg). Sign up with your nearest rifle range for shooting lessons because you don't want to miss your target when held up in a probable armed ambush. Don't forget to employ armed security guards at your home as well as install electrified fencing and get about 4 killer Dobermans/Rotties/Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
As for the reference to Ex-Zimbo, my mistake but your call sign Flame Lily FX is quite misleading if you have any Idea of the relevance of the Flame Lilly to Rhodesians.
At least non of you challenged my quote
our females are far prettier, we also play better rugby
says lots
Last edited by fluffyfan; 5th Mar 2007 at 07:28.
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Beachbum, you are correct, If it is for a contract I would also do it. Be careful where you go and what you do...common sense mate.
When it all gets too much you are free to go to your next job and country. A lot of the people are frustrated because they are trapped or have done nothing to give them selves another option for a rainy day...but you are a free to remove yourself from the political and social problems...enjoy
But please do not think that life there is normal relating it to the rest of the civilized world...it is not. I would say that you can only compare it to another African country...
When it all gets too much you are free to go to your next job and country. A lot of the people are frustrated because they are trapped or have done nothing to give them selves another option for a rainy day...but you are a free to remove yourself from the political and social problems...enjoy
But please do not think that life there is normal relating it to the rest of the civilized world...it is not. I would say that you can only compare it to another African country...
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Interesting.
Thanks, everyone, for your different perspectives, it makes interesting reading.
I live in NZ, and my life is pretty idyllic. Virtually no crime around here, the kids wander around the neighbourhood in comparative safety. I have a nice beach within 200 metres of my front door, and the capital city is just 45 minutes away. My security system consists of the neighbours psychotic labrador. No robberies round here in living memory, and no break-ins where I live in the last five years at least. I often forget to lock my car, but I never worry about losing it. Different, huh?
However... if I was to move to South Auckland (north of the North Island, and home to most of the Polynesians), I would expect to be burgled. I certainly wouldn't walk the streets at night, I would keep the kids on a very short leash indeed, and I would lock my car in a secure garage. So, even a relative paradise has it's problems.
It sounds like contract work would be OK, no need to go to places where the trouble is, no need to drive or really do anything other than turn up to the airport and fly. Having said that, nobody likes living with the feeling that they are under siege.
We get a large number of (white) South Africans emigrating to NZ, and the stories they tell are compelling, but their perspective tends to be similar across large numbers of them.
I've never been to Africa, and would like to spend some time there... I suppose it is simply a matter of assessing risk vs reward. The reward is pretty grim by Euro standards, and I'm not sure what Airlink is like as an airline... but maybe the experience is worth the lack of money. Besides, it would be fun to play around with all those firearms.
I'd have to say that I have seen some gorgeous South African women, but the Springboks... nah, sorry, the All Blacks are in a different league. We only let you win that game last year because we were tired, and we felt sorry for you...
Thanks, everyone, for your different perspectives, it makes interesting reading.
I live in NZ, and my life is pretty idyllic. Virtually no crime around here, the kids wander around the neighbourhood in comparative safety. I have a nice beach within 200 metres of my front door, and the capital city is just 45 minutes away. My security system consists of the neighbours psychotic labrador. No robberies round here in living memory, and no break-ins where I live in the last five years at least. I often forget to lock my car, but I never worry about losing it. Different, huh?
However... if I was to move to South Auckland (north of the North Island, and home to most of the Polynesians), I would expect to be burgled. I certainly wouldn't walk the streets at night, I would keep the kids on a very short leash indeed, and I would lock my car in a secure garage. So, even a relative paradise has it's problems.
It sounds like contract work would be OK, no need to go to places where the trouble is, no need to drive or really do anything other than turn up to the airport and fly. Having said that, nobody likes living with the feeling that they are under siege.
We get a large number of (white) South Africans emigrating to NZ, and the stories they tell are compelling, but their perspective tends to be similar across large numbers of them.
I've never been to Africa, and would like to spend some time there... I suppose it is simply a matter of assessing risk vs reward. The reward is pretty grim by Euro standards, and I'm not sure what Airlink is like as an airline... but maybe the experience is worth the lack of money. Besides, it would be fun to play around with all those firearms.
I'd have to say that I have seen some gorgeous South African women, but the Springboks... nah, sorry, the All Blacks are in a different league. We only let you win that game last year because we were tired, and we felt sorry for you...
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remoak, if its your first time to Africa I am sure you will love it, try to do some of the tourist things, Cape Town, Kruger Park its an opportunity you cant miss, as for the flying as I said its 1st world, radar control everywhere, ILS most places CAT2,3 in JHB and Cape Town (although according to Notams they are working on the systems and are downgraded to Cat 1 at present, the airlines here fly mainly 737-200/300/400/500/800, MD82, DC9, Dash 8, CRJ, 747-400, Airbus A319/A340, Airlink use the Jetsteam 41 and the Embrayer 135 (I think). But you may see fellow 146 pilots from Air Botswana.
You must go to a pub called High Flyers, near the airport, dont miss that one. And I highly doubt you will see any firearms, JHB is like any major city in the world, ie New York, London etc there are places you should avoid.
I will listen for a Kiwi voice on the radio, should be fun when the All Blacks and Springboks play again.
You must go to a pub called High Flyers, near the airport, dont miss that one. And I highly doubt you will see any firearms, JHB is like any major city in the world, ie New York, London etc there are places you should avoid.
I will listen for a Kiwi voice on the radio, should be fun when the All Blacks and Springboks play again.
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Remoak,
Apart from the crime its a wonderfull place to live. Sunny weather, great shopping, great restaurants, lots to do on weekends and if your an outdoorsy type of person you couldnt be in a better place. The flying is some of the best in the world.
Maybe you should come out for a holiday and check the place out before making a decision.
Apart from the crime its a wonderfull place to live. Sunny weather, great shopping, great restaurants, lots to do on weekends and if your an outdoorsy type of person you couldnt be in a better place.
The flying is some of the best in the world. Maybe you should come out for a holiday and check the place out before making a decision.
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Does the 146 flying have anything to do with Airlink dealing with Air Bots? You could find yourself up in Maun at some stage with all your fellow Kiwis!!
As for living in JHB, its what you make of it. I love it, obviously just be careful and vigilant.
As for living in JHB, its what you make of it. I love it, obviously just be careful and vigilant.
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Having been in SA for about 10 years but never having had much cause to visit JNB I have recently spent time there. I have been conditioned by Capetonians to believe that Jo'burg is hellish place to live etc etc....but to be honest the vibe I felt wasn't amnything like the picture of armegeddon that is perpetuated. Sure for me Cape Town is still tops as a place to live but there is a vibrancy about Jo'burg, people want to do business etc etc. Security is an issue......the first thing I noticed is that on average walls to properties are about double the height of those in Cape Town.
Moving on the Link question: the acquisition of the 146 has been rumoured for a long time......but does anyone know the routes link plan on using these aircraft? Yet another aircraft type for a small carrier?
Moving on the Link question: the acquisition of the 146 has been rumoured for a long time......but does anyone know the routes link plan on using these aircraft? Yet another aircraft type for a small carrier?
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There are Kiwis in Maun? Where is Maun, anyway? 
Also, what is the climate like... not in Johannesburg, I have figured that out, but in the likely destinations for a 146?
Once again, thanks everyone for your comments. It is starting to sound like a worthwhile adventure. Beats the heck out of working in the cold and dismal UK!
Also, what is the climate like... not in Johannesburg, I have figured that out, but in the likely destinations for a 146?
Once again, thanks everyone for your comments. It is starting to sound like a worthwhile adventure. Beats the heck out of working in the cold and dismal UK!
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Maun is quite far north in Botswana and gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Climate.....hot and humid
Though the Air Botswana 146 serves Maun from JNB and CPT I don't think they'd be basing crew there.
Anyone have any clue as to whether the Link stake in Air Botswana has been approved yet? Haven't AB been trying to privatise for about 7 years now? Things move slowly it seems
Climate.....hot and humid
Though the Air Botswana 146 serves Maun from JNB and CPT I don't think they'd be basing crew there.
Anyone have any clue as to whether the Link stake in Air Botswana has been approved yet? Haven't AB been trying to privatise for about 7 years now? Things move slowly it seems
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Maun is hot and dusty!! There are lots of Kiwis up there and Air bots services a Cape Town - Maun route. I heard that it is being withdrawn from the end of March. Yuo won't be based in maun but you certainly will hear your fellow countrymen on the radio.