‘Nowhere else I’d rather be’

A RELAXED lifestyle and a change of scenery is what Johannesburg-born Dean Sivak had in mind when he moved to Durban with his wife and son 10 months ago.

Now living in Southgate, Phoenix, the road sign sales consultant said that, while making money was much harder in Durban, it was the best decision he had ever made.

“Money is easier in Jozi. People are more responsive and productive on a professional level and have a fantastic work ethic, but life passes you by.

“There’s just work, work and more work. There’s just no atmosphere. It’s not a fit for everyone.

“I guess it depends on what you want out of life. Joburg is a very fast-paced city.”

But Durban, says Sivak, is awesome and there’s nowhere he’d rather be.

Married to Yvette, a telecommunications accounts manager, Sivak, 33, said a little goes a long way in Durban as opposed to Joburg, where everything costs a lot more.

“Renting in a complex in Joburg, you would have to pay close to R9 000 a month, whereas in Durban you would get a place double the size for almost half that amount,” he said.

He added that in Durban he was able to take his family out often, with their favourite outing being a trip to the beach.

The only upside to Joburg is that the nightlife is much safer. “Joburg has a fantastic social scene. It is a drinking, partying kind of city. It comes to life at night, but it is very safe. Everywhere is well lit and secure.”

If given the opportunity, Sivak said he would move back to Joburg only to improve his family’s standard of living.

“But for now, I am quite content where I am. Durban has my heart and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.”