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10 years on and I still love our beautiful South Africa

Source: SA Good News, 21/12/2015

The first part of my homecoming story was written 5 years after
returning to our beautiful country and approximately 2 years after
starting my recruitment business. Now, another 5 years has come and
gone and I STILL LOVE SOUTH AFRICA.

I often chat with my friends and family that stayed over in the UK and
US and the conversation about South Africa more often than not turns
towards the negative from their perspective. It is almost as if they
are wanting and trying to justify to themselves that their decision to
stay in the UK and US (and even Australia and New Zealand) was the
right choice.

Let`s not hide the fact that our country � our beloved South Africa �
has its fair share of problems. We have load shedding, we have crime,
we have political scandals and a Rand that can`t buy too many Euros,
Pounds and Dollars. In the same breath though, we also have the
Springboks, the Proteas, Trevor Noah, braais good weather, great
people and Biltong.

So let`s analyse a few of these things
� Load Shedding � I like to use this time to go back to a few of the
basics. Although load shedding has not affected me too much, at the
work place, the generator automatically kicks in and its business as
usual. At home, well, it just means that I get to kick a ball around
outside with my kids or play in our very large garden in our very
warm, blue skied weather just a little more. When it gets too dark, I
light a few candles, switch on some torches and light up the gas braai
or put some coals on the Weber and have a beautiful braai. Winter and
summer � it all works well outdoors. Then when it gets a bit too dark
and it is bed time, there is nothing wrong with reading a book to the
kids (or myself) via candlelight whilst my wife looks at all the
gossip and skinner on Facebook��so yes, there is plenty to do during
load shedding times.

� Crime � We hear about crime all the time in the media. That`s about

as far as it goes � we live in pretty safe neighbourhoods, we have the
right security as well as armed response units and we very rarely hear
of incidents out of the ordinary to people that are close to us. We
know it is around and are vigilant all the time, but most of the
people I know feel very safe in their surroundings.
� Corruption �The government is clamping down on corruption where they

can (those that aren`t corrupt themselves), but again � we never see
this in our personal lives and it is probably no less than other 1st
world country politics either.

� Family and help � We have such a fortunate family life. I speak with

so many people that don`t have assistance abroad. We have our nanny
who is practically part of the family. We have in-laws that are
hands-on with the kids. We have so much help which allows us to have
a quality of life that we wouldn`t have had living abroad.

So from my personal perspective, I have become a
`Serial-Entrepreneur`. This country allows for the small folk to live
out the dream�..and boy am I living the dream!! Life in SA is fun.
The people are awesome. The lifestyle is superlative. In fact, I am
typing this blog whilst on the plane to Mauritius for six days for a
bit of R&R.

I do work hard and pretty longish hours, but every day, I manage to
get to the gym � Virgin Active gyms are of the best quality gyms I
have had the pleasure of training at. I run marathons, I swim, I
cycle off-road and on-road � yes, we even have unbelievable mountains,
hiking trails and botanical gardens. I went on the 5 day Otter Trail
hike about 2.5 years ago � it was one of the most spectacular
expeditions I have had the pleasure of doing � myself and with 8 (now
very close) mates. We have the Fish River Canyon, we have the Amatola
region, and being a golfer, let`s not forget to mention the fact that
we can play golf all year round on the most picturesque courses at
reasonable prices. Our top course will cost you in the region of 25
pounds at the max to play � I recall playing in London in 2003 for 40
pounds on a very average course.

Then there are the malls, the food, the cost of living. I went out to
a top steak restaurant the other day with a mate that was from the UK.
The 3 course meal and 2 bottles of wine came to around 20 quid per
person.

On the work side, I suppose I have been very fortunate. I am
passionate about what I do and don`t miss being an accountant at all.

I have a super team of individuals around me who are from all diverse
backgrounds, ethnic standings, religions and cultures.

All in all, I adore what our country has to offer. I am passionate
about making a difference (which I believe I accomplish just in the
work I do) and think that if every South African took that spirit of
Africa that lives within us all and channelled this positive energy,
South Africa will always will be one of the best countries to live in.

ROB MAILICH � PASSIONATELY AND PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

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