Been here two years with family. Can't complain much. Finding a school was probably the hardest part. Under supplied and super expensive, with crazy waiting lists.
Most families go home or elsewhere for summer (July / August holiday is two and a half months long. It's crappy with kids, especially ATM coinciding with Ramadan )
18 months is a bit short, considering you've got to move your whole family. It takes about a year to settle down. But if they're up for it, why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Plenty of Saffers here in the construction trade. Work is picking up in the Middle East although work travel is normally the problem for families. Try to find out where projects are happening and how much time you'll be out of the country.
Life can be expensive. You need to do your homework in terms of rent, school fees, medical aid, groceries, air tickets etc. vs salary. Make it worth your while. Multinationals generally only contribute to schooling from 5yo upwards, nursery schools can cost a bundle.
The locals I've met have been few, but were affluent, tolerant and well educated. I guess it depends who you talk to, like anywhere else.
You hear scary stories from time to time, but if you put your head down and stay out of trouble, there's little chance of the law coming after you. You can pretty much live a normal life, just no Woolies. Actually, there's quite a lot of SA products on the shelf. Just don't look at the price and you'll be fine.
PM me if you have any other questions.
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