City of Gold a fulfilling place to be

LIVING and loving every moment in the City of Gold, Samantha Munaswar, who relocated from Durban 15 years ago, has never looked back.

Shaping her into a critical thinker and improving her quality of life, the 42-year-old teacher believes Joburg is definitely a step up from Durban.

“We relocated for career opportunities. At the time in Durban there weren’t many job opportunities. Therefore, we did not have much choice. The Johannesburg lifestyle, from a holistic point of view, is better than Durban’s. The pace of life is definitely more hectic and challenging but more rewarding,” she said.

Munaswar said while the cost of living was higher compared to other cities, indulging in luxuries was a must.

“We have learnt how to budget ourselves for daily items, so that we do not compromise on our luxuries like entertainment, movies and eating out. Basic salaries in teaching are slightly higher to break even with the cost of living. I would be earning less in Durban as a teacher,” Munaswar said.

Munaswar said her expectations of Joburg were not only met but exceeded tenfold.

“Career-wise, I became a grade facilitator in a short space of time, within two years of starting my teaching in Johannesburg. I also received exposure to teaching in an all-girls school and a co-education school environment,” she said.

Living in Cresta, Randburg, Munaswar said she could not imagine a more fulfilling life anywhere else.

“We live a private life. There is no interference from neighbours and, most importantly, people respect our privacy,” she added.

She said there were more upmarket malls than in Durban.

“Therefore, we have a choice between a variety of products. Also, in terms of overseas travel, Johannesburg is a major hub for international travel.”

Munaswar said while many people rushed to Durban for the beach, Sun City had its own man-made beach that gave one a similarly awesome experience.

Even the crazy traffic does not discourage the “half-glass-full” optimist from her love for the city.

“Fortunately, I am close to work, about 10km away,” Munaswar said.

“But my husband works in Linbro Park, which takes him an hour back and forth from where we live in Randburg.”

Her best parts of Jozi are the buzzing nightlife and the variety of entertainment the city has to offer.