Animated by Mother City
RELOCATING to the Mother City not only proved to be the best decision for Ashlen Padayachee’s career but it also opened his eyes to a new way of living.
From the diverse culture, food and entertainment to the breathtaking scenery, Cape Town felt like the place the 29-year-old was destined for.
“There is a wide array of people from different ethnic backgrounds living together as one big community. The people are the friendliest and most helpful I have ever come across,” said Padayachee. “There is a lot of tolerance on display, with all religions and cultures equally respected.”
The 3D animator, graphic and web designer was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg but found himself wanting more, when limited career opportunities in KZN forced him to move into the financial industry.
“I spent three years working in finance, which was more lucrative, but it drained the life out of my creatively-oriented mind. Numbers and black and white could never be a substitute for vivid imagery and colours.”
Padayachee decided it was time to follow his dreams and since Cape Town was known as the design capital of the country, it was a logical choice.
“I arrived on a Sunday, spent the whole of Monday applying for jobs, had an interview on Tuesday morning and had a job by lunchtime.”
For the past 10 months, Table View has been home to Padayachee, who is now a professional cartoon animator.
But the risk-taker said moving to the city did not come without a list of concerns. Two of which, he said, were allegations of racism and the high cost of living.
“Before moving here, I heard a lot about racism. It was definitely a worry for me but what I discovered was that a few bad apples do not spoil the whole barrel.
“I have experienced nothing less than complete tolerance and hospitality wherever I go. And while the cost of living is extremely high, the potential to earn market-related salaries is right up there with it.”
Padayachee said the beauty of the city still amazed him.
“Seeing a silhouette of Table Mountain, wherever you are, still takes your breath away, no matter how many times you have seen it. The countryside has even more to offer as you drive along the wine routes.”
He said the variety of ethnic cuisine had to be his favourite feature.
“I have never seen such a broad spectrum of choice when it comes to food before. You can indulge in tastes from around the world, all within a short radius. Whether you’re in the mood for Korean, American, Indian, Chinese, Portuguese, Turkish, Moroccan or whatever your heart desires, there’s always a restaurant nearby to satisfy your cravings.”
But Padayachee has a fiancé and a two-year-old daughter, who still lives in KZN, and that, he said, was the only part of KZN he missed.
He hopes that with time, they will be able to join him.