zamunda Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 We moved to Adelaide exactly one year ago. Can't believe how time flies.We are trying to establish our own business and it has not been easy. Breaking into a new market is never easy and we had no illusions about it. So we take each day as it comes. It is still a rough ride, but with determination, patients and faith we hope all will be good in time to come. Not giving up easily.In the midst of trying to settle down and establish the business, my dad (who was fit as a fiddle) back in RSA passed away suddenly. This only added to the difficulties in settling into a new country.But despite all this, we have grown to love Australia. Love the life style.Our attitude was "put in as much into this new place as we want out of it". "Try to make one new friend every week". "Do the social integration and not stick to one social group only". "Be proud of our heritage, but do not keep one mental foot in RSA and the other in Australia." "Become Australians".We Love our new home. So glad and grateful we were able to make the move. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsta Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 That's great to hear. I can imagine its hard work to setup a business here. I work in logistics. I speak to big companies who say that even they really struggle to convince people to buy another brand of oats (or chips, or beer, etc..). With the cost of labor, building rent, etc... you need to sell a lot of oats to pay the bills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HansaPlease Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 I can't believe you've been here a year already! I remember following your posts before you got here. Glad to hear you're settling well, and hope your business goes from strength to strength! PS: How good is it not having to put up with business challenges such as the types only Africa can dish up?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 (edited) PS: How good is it not having to put up with business challenges such as the types only Africa can dish up?! Sorry but I have to disagree. It's a lot easier doing business in South Africa imho.Zamunda I also can't believe it's been a year & I'm sure all your hard work will pay off. Edited September 15, 2014 by Bronwyn&Co Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KalahariHarry Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 Good to hear Zamunda, glad you are doing well, trying hard and pushing on...Trev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HansaPlease Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 Sorry but I have to disagree. It's a lot easier doing business in South Africa imho.I don't think I made myself clear. I was talking about specific things, like having to pay Mapogo to "look after" your business, having to budget for weeky hijackings of your vehicles, having great staff members suddenly leave because they think their neighbour put a curse on them, having to re-train weekly, having to put up with strikes, power failures & load shedding, water quality issues, having your staff destroy your vehicles... Etc.Based on some of Zamunda's past posts,I think he knows what I'm talking about. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn&Co Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 I don't think I made myself clear. I was talking about specific things, like having to pay Mapogo to "look after" your business, having to budget for weeky hijackings of your vehicles, having great staff members suddenly leave because they think their neighbour put a curse on them, having to re-train weekly, having to put up with strikes, power failures & load shedding, water quality issues, having your staff destroy your vehicles... Etc.Based on some of Zamunda's past posts,I think he knows what I'm talking about.Sure, I know what you mean Hansa. We have businesses in both countries & the frustrations are different, but on balance (for me) more frustrating in Aus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zamunda Posted September 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 (edited) I can't believe you've been here a year already! I remember following your posts before you got here.Glad to hear you're settling well, and hope your business goes from strength to strength!PS: How good is it not having to put up with business challenges such as the types only Africa can dish up?! Things may be different from industry to industry. But as for me, apart from the challenges of breaking into the market, I am quite enjoying it in Aus. I still assist my brother (back in RSA) in some of the administrative affairs of his business and so get a feel for the frustrations back there as compared to Aus.Running one's own business is not easy in any country. Especially when you are a small to medium in size, with a limited budget. But my stress levels have actually come down since moving to Aus. I find my self more free to concentrate on my core business goals than having to worry about unwanted worries caused by someone else or having to put up with red tape and bureaucratic crap.For example, my brother's business operates in RSA and Botswana. SARS messed up with cross border payments. Despite all the documented proof we have given them (not to mention the countless visits and phone calls) it has now been three years and no resolve from their part. As my overall post mentioned, we are enjoying it here. Made some wonderful friends along the way so far. Many of them have been very supportive in our challenges. Edited September 15, 2014 by zamunda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted September 15, 2014 Report Share Posted September 15, 2014 Wow Zamunda, a year already! Time simply flies.I wish you every success with your business. I think Australia desperately needs choice and competition...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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