Durban is simply the best
DESPITE being told negative things about South Africa, India-born Gayatri Narayanam and her husband Rajesh Vubaphu took the plunge and settled in Durban.
The couple have been living in Overport for six years – with Narayanam travelling back and forth to India.
While the 33-year-old is a stay at home mom to 10-month-old Akshaya, her husband, 35, is a manager at a shipping company.
“We were living in Andhra Pradesh with our families and back in 2012 Rajesh was offered a job in South Africa. We did not know much about the country and everyone in India kept telling us it was a bad place.” Narayanam said Vubaphu consulted with his employers in Durban and they told him he had nothing to worry about.
“We were excited to start this new journey, so we packed up all our belongings and headed for Durban. It was amazing to see so many Indian families here. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Even our culture and religious practices intertwine.” The family settled into a flat in Overport and recently applied for permanent residency.
“I have done solo trips to India on many occasions but as a couple we try to go home at least once a year. It is difficult being away from family but we were lucky to have my parents and mother-in-law visit.”
Despite their concerns about crime, the couple have managed to create a life here.
“Crime is everywhere. Despite having the best security, we were held at gunpoint and hijacked three times. In India, if someone commits a crime, it does not take long for them to be caught and punished.”
For Narayanam, Durban’s best feature is its weather.
“Where we come from, it is extremely hot. So we have been enjoying the Durban weather. It is simply the best. On the weekends we enjoy going to the beach and holidaying in the Drakensberg because I love being surrounded by the mountain range.”
Narayanam believes that Durban offers some of the best Indian cuisine. “The food is a fusion of tastes and although we feel the difference in tastes compared to food back home in India, it’s still delicious and new.”
For her, Durban is a home away from home.