7 Things We Dislike About South Africa

[@jeaninefeldtmann423]

I must say, if I went to a foreign country and only had 7 things I didn't like about the place after staying for several weeks (and those things include loadshedding and watershedding (which cause headaches for everybody), drugs, and the weather) that should give an indication of the fact that it's a pretty awesome place in general! Also, a heads-up: if someone says they'll see you "now", it should be pretty soon. If they say they'll see you "just now", it will probably take a while. If they say it will be "now now", you can expect that it might take (at least) several hours. Time is often a pretty fluid concept due to many SA cultures being polychronic. Unfortunately it is true that drug use is a huge problem all over SA, and in the Cape (specifically the Cape Flats), the drug problem (including "tik" (the "i" is the same as in pit, or pin, which is the SA name for crystal meth), weed, glue and pills) goes hand in hand with gang activity. Regarding the food, if you shop around at some of the other stores you might find some better produce, and you'll definitely find some top range produce at food markets. One last thing: the Atlantic ocean on the west coast of SA has much colder water than the Indian ocean on the east coast, the warmer water is due to the warm Mozambican sea current. This, along with winter being the rainy season in the Western Cape make the temperatures particulary cool. Even though Durban is usually much warmer than the south and central parts of SA in winter, it does get its days with very cold weather. Thanks so much for sharing all your interesting and exciting travels. We're having a great time along with you!

[@StAlfonzo87]

The "i" in "pin" many people pronounce as the "i" "pink" or "drink". You're right in saying it sounds like the "i" in "pit", or "spit".

[@SDav21]

I'm kind of shocked about the drugs thing. I'm south African and have lived in Joburg all my life. I had no idea drugs was an issue. I think I've heard of 2 people that were on drugs but they were friends of friends etc.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@SDav21]

@@cocoday6215 oh no. I've never seen that. First time I'm hearing the word. Maybe I've seen but then just assumed they were drunk?

[@Joe_Ndlozi]

Your keen observation is undeniably accurate as it directly mirrors the situation our nation is currently facing. While acknowledging the imperfections and challenges our country encounters, I hold a strong belief that we will successfully surmount those obstacles. Although the journey may not be swift, we will ultimately prevail and achieve our desired goals. Shalom! ❤✌🏾

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@umzulu101]

Facts. 4:34 😂😂😂 its called Bantu Time. 😂😂😂

[@StAlfonzo87]

Water being turned off is rather rare. In Cape Town at least. Ironically, you posted this video on a day that our water was off, but that was planned maintenance. Last time it happened was some time last year. The loadshedding has eased up a bit this past 2 weeks. We had it for 2 hours last night, but otherwise, haven't really had it in 2 weeks. It comes and goes.

[@missydandelion]

There was a pipe that burst in an area so Strandfontein and some other areas were affected for like 2 days, it's not a common thing as they think it is and I think some places are still pushing the "Day Zero" thing hence the "Restrictions" notices of some hotels.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the info

[@rakuengrowlithe4654]

I don't understand your food comments. There is no shortage of fresh food and unpackaged fruit. A lot of fruit is grown in South Africa so you can get good, fresh fruit for cheap. And there are also plenty of more informal markets where you can get fresh, loose fruit. You can even buy it at the robots (traffic lights). If you weren't getting fresh food then I think you were choosing bad places to go shopping. I don't know about other places but lemonade in South Africa is not fresh fruit juice.

[@mapstance9218]

FOOD LOVERS MARKET And even SPAR has an aisle of fruits and vegetables they got me lost aswell with that..

[@DreLBrown529]

The UBER Issue isn’t unique to just South Africa; here in America we experience some of the same unprofessionalism.

[@kgomotsokhoza6480]

It's tiring picking up short trips, because this apps don't care about drivers earnings, imagine picking up 30 trips fuel is almost 26 where is the profit there.

[@iamcraigk]

I’ve experienced situations where you book a slightly longer trip and the driver will stop in a nearby place and turn off the meter and pocket the remaining cash. I mean it’s wrong ethically but please accept my ride even it’s a very short one.

[@marianlouwrens7435]

I read this is an issue in the UK too

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@helen4652]

​​@@kgomotsokhoza6480f you do 30 trips of 10km each or one trip of 300km, you still drive 300km. Waiting for a long trip, that might not come your way and earning nothing, is like choosing an empty eggshell instead of half an egg. Half an egg is still better than nothing. Right?🤷‍♀️

[@masocha2621]

Load shedding is not a good thing in our country i agree....but remember..before the current government took over...only 25% of the country had electricity...I myself as a black south african finished my matric without knowing what electricity iswas using candles under the previous regime...now...over 95% of South africans have electricity which is remarkable and i am impressed about it...the thing is the current government should have thought about building more power stations when they were electrifying the poor over the past 15 20 years...thats the area where there was an oversight but i can tell you that South africa is probably the only country in Africa that provides the following benefits:1.Government grants for the unemployed 2.Disability grants 3.Old age grant 4.Child support grant,for children who dont have working fathers 5.Road accident fund grant 6.Unemployment fund grant for people who get retrenched from work 7. Free hospital care even for foreigners like you 8.Free food distribution to primary schools.9 . Free tertiary education ,the list is endless...yes there are issues but i always look at the possitive side

[@kaizerkhanyisa1804]

Spot on

[@africanadage852]

@masocha2621. I totally agree with you, that the benefits outweigh the casual glancer. The touristic eye and experience misses the nuances embedded in the society they pass through. Speaking from experience. As an outsider looking in, I also see that load-shedding is hastily unpacked and filed under section: Government shortcomings subsection: Mismanagement. No-one sees it the way you do; a) Connection to the grid of those who once had no electricity b) Rapid urban development and construction of houses and malls outstripping projected power needs. My own addition c) possible corruption induced Electricity tender processes leading to substard maintenance or service provision to the power utilities. It still all falls into the laps and oversight of the powers that be and requires their intervention. The drugs issue is worrying in Zimbabwe as well and points generally at high unemployment levels and economic turbulence. Truly worrying.

[@Gerrardboss-v2g]

ANC deployee at work 🙄🤔

[@Tinker8531]

Loadshedding is not brought to us by more people using the grid, BE HONEST, it is because our corrupt leaders looted Eskom to bankruptcy. It is the same with our train service, unless you want to pretend we never had trains before, everything including the state of the water system is due to corruption. Why don't you say we have more people on grants instead of work because our government is not interested in creating jobs because they too busy enriching themselves. This covering up for a corrupt government who caused all this problems is not cool.

[@Tinker8531]

@@Gerrardboss-v2g This is the problem when they cover for a corrupt government who is the cause of all the problems. This is why we will always have corrupt leaders in Africa.

[@clintwilliams3275]

I truly appreciate yours honest views and opinions about our beautifully flawed country. As South Africans we just love hearing good things about our country because it's been so misrepresented by Western media, however, it's equally important that we acknowledge the many issues we face if we are to do better. Just to add, drugs is probably South Africa's biggest problem, it's the reason why some young people commit crime, it's the reason why so many households are in shambles, and why we have so many homeless people!

[@jarodwilson4946]

I call South Africa, little America, because it looks like a smaller more beautiful America, it’s funny you guys say crime. But you don’t say what the crimes are and nobody ever sees crime, in America it’s gun violence everywhere, car hackings police violence against black people, mass shootings all the time and much more

[@CLOVISAHMED-ny5yz]

This happen all over the world in every ghettos that most black people live it's sad but this is the reality it's not going to change unless we make the change it starts within

[@jarodwilson4946]

@@CLOVISAHMED-ny5yz what you’re saying doesn’t make sense at all, they’re in South Africa, it’s no ghettos that black people live in, black live in every part of the country, all neighborhoods are mostly black, and unlike America the black people make all the rules because the government is black and the police are black

[@CLOVISAHMED-ny5yz]

@@jarodwilson4946 you sound like fool there's ghettos all over the world Africa is no different I'm not saying the whole SA is a ghetto they have certain parts of SA that have very bad living conditions slums now if I would of said the whole south Africa was a ghetto now that wouldn't of made any sence so get out of your feelings and go do something positive with your life have a nice day

[@SDav21]

I'm kind of shocked about the drugs thing. I'm south African and have lived in Joburg all my life. I had no idea drugs was an issue. I think I've heard of 2 people that were on drugs but they were friends of friends etc.

[@radeshafrika8558]

It’s unfortunate that where you lived you had water outages. However, we don’t have water outages in SA except if they are busy with maintenance.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know

[@siyabongamngomezulu9743]

I am disappointed in the people who brought about this situation.

[@palesamogorosi8939]

1. South Africa has winter, spring, autumn and summer. This is why research prior to traveling is important because if you did this then you would be aware. Again, I don't tjink complaining about the cold is reasonable when you literally come from a country that experiences the same thing and even worse. Unless your reasoning is clouded by some preconceptions that you may have had about "Africa". 2. Fresh produce of vegetables and fruits is widely available across the country and we do have healthy food too, not just the processed/junk. I think you need to go to different places or outlets for better options. Thank you for sharing your views.

[@stellieb3]

I don't think you are being fair. They mentioned that it's cold compared to other African countries they've been to, and in other videos you can see they have done research on our country before coming here.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

We did not complain. We are giving our opinions. Thanks for watching.

[@reantai7101]

The drug issue is worse in downtown San Francisco were even shops and businesses are closing down due to crime.

[@michellemuldrew827]

And it's even worse than San Francisco in rural Ohio! HEROIN!

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

We believe it

[@beautifulplanet4584]

Why impoverished Africans always comparing their own shit with America as if there’s no other drug infested countries on earth such as Mexico or Colombia?

[@myshepspud1]

Interesting! I walked the streets of San Francisco early 2013, met some homies off Market Street, got into a bit of a bad situation with African American gangster types on the wrong side of town when I befriended one, this lady seemed super strung out on drugs harranging me in open public. but ended up being "rescued" by some of them, walked me home to get paid. 😅. Also met an Asian American who was a really nice guy.. After taking me to a skyscraper and we smoking a joint on the top he casually said he used to be a crack addict.

[@Tinker8531]

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, not near the equator.

[@Antiracist379]

These people need a geography lesson. Looks like they have a preconceived idea of what africa should look like. A week here and there doesn’t make u an expert on Africa. U need to travel more

[@robfhiuo1]

The lack of professionalism here is something that has baffled me, a South African, who has lived in Cape Town almost my entire life. It's not universal, but as a native, after 45 years, I still can't explain it. Certainly not the number of people here who don't seem to understand the impact it has. Seems to have really got bad over the last 10 years.

[@lisalinnow4402]

Absolutely THE most annoying thing about trying to do business in Cape Town. Unprofessional and lazy! And I am Capetonian born. Capetonians will aggressively NOT commit to time.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@AltRock0827]

Agreed, the lack of professionalism and lacklustre attitude in some service industries does embarass me as a South African. People should TRY to be more professional, especially since there are many waiting at the door for their job (high unemployment).

[@helen4652]

It is unprofessional and disrespectful to not keep a business appointment or communicate a delay.🤦‍♀️😫

[@rachael-777]

Back in the day, a person would be fired if professionalism wasn't the order of the day. SAfricans' service was top notch during 70s-80s. Sadly, there was a decline over the years and I point it out when customer service staff give me bad attitude.

[@johnampiah2110]

Only 7 things you don’t like that’s a win for my favourite country in the world the beautiful South African ❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍🥰🥰🔥😡

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

😂😂 thanks for watching.

[@zwidenkosi]

😭😆😂🤣

[@khanyablossom]

😂😂😂😂😪🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tanyamisselbrook4923]

I love your channel. Had to smile at your surprise at the 'no show / very late showing up'. This is how we live and it's called Africa Time. What I do want to say is, this is across the board and includes white and black South Africans. I love my country and have no wish to live anywhere else in the world. Much love and all blessings, from Tanya a loyal South African.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@user39h2j8il]

Nope. It's not a white thing.

[@bpro3762]

This is the second video I watch from you guys after the Cape Town overview and you just feel like family in so many ways. Your commentary on the dislikes were all fair and you balanced it well that not all the things are issues all around South Africa. The drug issues go much deeper than you have seen and a serious issue in the bigger cities (as in most big cities), but we do have many organisations working to combat the addiction issues and support the families affected. I've worked with many of these issues as a pastor and the complexity of the drug problem is immense, with many factors like socioeconomic struggles, broken families, homelessness and the like all contributing to the challenges of combating the drug abuse issues. Many good folk from the entire spectrum of South African ethnicities are actively working together in attempting to combat the sad scourge of drug addiction. Really appreciate your honest evaluations of what you've observed and wish you well as you continue documenting your travels and experiences. God bless you.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for educating us

[@JJSmith1100]

That is interesting to hear about water problems. Living inm the Western Cape I am completely unaware of "water cuts".

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

I guess it’s a Johannesburg thing

[@MargieFord]

We only have water outages in Cape Town in certain areas where pipes burst due to aging.

[@JJSmith1100]

@@MargieFord Yes that is normal all over the world I suppose, but it seem like there is some "scheduled" interruptions up i Gauteng. I never knew about that. Realistically, how often do we have water interruptions? In a worst case maybe twice a year for an hour or two?

[@MargieFord]

@@JJSmith1100 We live in an area of CT where the pipes are 70 + years old. These past 2-3 years there are pipe bursts at least every few weeks in different parts of our suburb. The outages are being dealt with by our very capable Ward Councillor but it can be very frustrating.

[@jenknight7772]

Lots of unscheduled water outages, pipe bursts, sewerage overflows and filth into Disa river in Hout Bay, CT.

[@marshathomas6422]

Do you not have winter in America? Are you not used to the cold?

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

It’s warmer where we lived in America

[@niamomusic1826]

I live in Joburg and i have never experienced water issues, i guess in your case it was an area problem.

[@garyfareed5882]

I like you guys information you share about your experiences in Africa. It is very helpful to me for my plans or "bucket list" to visit South Africa and Ghana in the near future. Keep up the honest reviews.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thank you will do

[@maryvandermolen8345]

The thing with the cold in SA winters is not so much how cold it is, but the fact that SA doesn't do central heating like North America does.

[@iamcraigk]

But Cape Town cold is on another level. The cold goes right through you and inside your bones. Not to mention the rain and wind as well.

[@Jhetx]

Can barely keep the lights on but hey lets do central heating! It’s three months of cold weather a couple of years ago we had day zero where we had zero rain and it was like summer! Yeah, quick to forget!

[@maryvandermolen8345]

@@Jhetx Nobody suggested SA get central heating. Just saying there's a difference those coming from the US won't understand til they get to SA. :)

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Agreed

[@sondisamvemnyama3476]

There is no such thing as scheduled water outages in Joburg. Maybe there was a burst pipe in your area. I think on this one you guys are either exaggerating or extremely unlucky.

[@qaqambantabankulu1858]

I’m shocked myself when she they talk about that however when people don’t want to explain themselves to people from abroad they will create these kind of stories. After all they literally believe anything ‘bad’ happening in Africa. Especially wyt pipo.

[@missydandelion]

Yep. There was a pipe burst. A few places was affected in Cape Town, my area included. Water was trickling.

[@TheMbangel]

There were many days in Joburg where there was no water. I saw it at my school (I am a teacher) and we even had to fill up dustbins so that our learners could flush the toilets. And then of course, there is the schedule maintenance, for substations, that they let you know about 3 months ahead of time, but the letter arrives the day it is scheduled to go off

[@myshepspud1]

Come to Jozini KZN it's not scheduled it was a dirt road a year ago that is now a riverbed. 😅

[@kamohelosinqaba]

I completely understand your dislikes except for the cold. It’s winter time and we can’t switch up the weather.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

😂😂 hey thanks for watching.

[@ashwyllobermeyer6370]

Hi fam. I love the content that yall are creating. I've come to enjoy ur videos purely because of ur honesty. I'm happy that yall are being honest of how you experience South africa 🇿🇦 and that's refreshing. I can't wait to experience the rest of Africa on ur Channel. All the best for ur family of 3❤

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

We really appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@kokeletsomooketsi9005]

Thanks for the honesty. Much love...

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Always! Thanks for watching

[@anditeaches]

Everything YOU said, is EXACTLY what I've said to others. You are 💯 percent correct on each point. (Ive visited different parts of SA over a period of time, lived there for 3 + months, and was there just recently)

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@pholanbasson8613]

I find the complaining and facial expressions of the young lady before eating food to be extremely un-becoming/ and condescending at times, one could take you to a Michelin Star restaurant and you will still find something to complain about. And the generalizing done overall is not warranted. Humility goes along way some food for thought "excuse the pun"

[@murielpucoe9213]

You are not celebrities, so you couldn't pay for omfortability.

[@MosesMatsepane]

If you were to go deeper inland it can get even colder than Cape Town and Johannesburg, some places in the Free-State and Northern Cape go below freezing regularly. However if you want proper cold in Africa, Lesotho takes the cup, that's where I go for Snowboarding, it's snowing at the moment over there. 🥶🥶If you google "Lesotho Winter" you'll see what I am talking about.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Go to know

[@MargieFord]

This is Africa, guys…we have our own issues & our own cultures. Lateness is the African way. Professionalism: there are amazing professional companies all over South Africa that do wonderful work. We network here to raise up businesses who work hard and well. Food: you had a strange experience? There is plenty of fresh produce here in South Africa, yes we have Americanised outlets but wonderful fresh produce! We have amazing food! Weather: yes we have winter, we even have snow….some research may have helped 😉 Our Uber drivers are often not South African and do not know nor understand the politics or situation in South Africa. We do have a huge drug problem in South Africa as does America.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@Thabothelediturner]

Im proud of our country we don't hide anything

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@ohmyjosh3065]

Seems you had the full SA experience (You guys manage to get into Zam- buk). 7 things to dislike here is kinda low😂, just putting it out there, and yes we have our problems. Its really sad and we hope to resolve these issues. You moved around SA so much that you experienced water outages, something I never went through here. Awesome channel🔥

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

😂😂 thanks for watching.

[@charlenejulius8501]

Well in some places here in Johannesburg there is water shortage. Fortunately I haven't had any of that. If it ain't loadshedding than its cable theft. Not all South Africans are late😂but I know what you mean. It depends where you shop. Woolworths is the best but expensive. I love Joburg winter because it doesn't rain like Capetown. Durban summer too humid. I guess as a South African I know where to shop, which places to visit. You got to stay in South Africa for years to see the Good, the bad and the ugly. ♥️♥️♥️

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@DreLBrown529]

My opinion is that if you are going to have a list of things you don’t like about a county, you may want to spend more than just a few days there if you truly going to have a fair assessment about that country. I’m thinking at least around four to six months of living there. I just don’t think a week or two is enough time to make a clear and fair assessment about a country that you only spent very little time to explore.

[@Kassie637]

Well said.

[@Kassie637]

I'm not gonna lie. I was really enjoying this channel. Until they started doing the negative videos based on a week's worth of a visit. I wouldn't dare make a plethora of videos about New York or Atlanta based on a week's visit, where I barely saw the place

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

You’re wrong. We have been here for months.

[@basilplaatjies9425]

Good day. If i good add my opinion, I would say your personal experience when visiting a different place or area expences it differently than someone who are used to the environment. It is easy to get used to a negative situation; for me it is refreshing (in a way) when a new comer points it out. If you point it out immediately or in a year does not change the fact of how you experienced it.

[@slurpeegood7549]

All valid, welcome to South Africa. You’re family now 😂😉. Ps Durban rectifies most of the temperature problems. Also you won’t see the hard drugs they don’t seem to be as prevalent here, and I’ve noticed it in the cape as well

[@martinshelton1247]

Thanks for the information especially about the cold weather/ Hopefully in August the weather will be a tap better. The drugs are in every countries and cities not to worry about that too much. I will keep and eye on that. You have been great I learning more and more about Cape Town which will be a great help to me, when I get there!

[@Louisefenner]

Unfortunately August can often be just as cold, and wet if you are visiting the Cape. We are having a particularly wet and cold winter in the Western Cape but we are not complaining. Only a few years ago Cape Town nearly ran out of water due to a bad drought. If you want beach weather you need to come in Summer, although we can have glorious winter days that are warm enough to lie on the beach in Cape Town. Certainly wouldn’t swim though! If you want mild weather head to Durban.

[@martinshelton1247]

@@Louisefenner Thanks for the additional information. August weather is around 60-65 Degrees, not too bad! I also heard August is not as crowded as in Summer.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Glad to be able to help

[@allthebest1277]

You guys should consider checking goole for temperatures when traveling. I've noticed you all getting shocked by weather on a few trips before.

[@dzunisanigift5525]

Watershedding is not very common though, they were probably doing maintenance. Overall I enjoy your reviews ❤

[@sanelemwelase]

True, where I love I always have water. Always

[@mandisamtetwa8532]

You are so on point and open minded and your constructive criticism is welcomed. Sadly drugs are a real issue and destroying our youth.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Yeah, that’s tough

[@amandaoosthuizen9065]

We have areas were people live at, that does not have water and electricity at all. South Africa is ahead with somethings and very behind on otherthings. Reallity of it all is not aways dreamy, but we love our country nontheless. We work at it and sometime live with it. Thank you for seeing "the Good, the bad and the ugly".

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@stellieb3]

It really is dry here in the winter. I also hate it. Although this is a very cold winter this year. The water outages is more in Johannesburg than other places, but it definitely happens in SA. I live in a more well off area in Pretoria and drove home one night and saw a homeless guy shooting heroin in his arm. It made me so sad. I love our country and it is so beautiful, but we have a lot of problems. 😔

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@alphatango2614]

I agree with everything you said except the fruit not being fresh issue. Where did you buy the stuff? All the big supermarkets sell fresh export quality fruit & veg. Regarding the cold, look at the map man, we're way south, close to Antartica. Not our fault 😂

[@alphatango2614]

Then again, I'm in Cape Town. Most of our fruit & veg come from the surrounding areas.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching😂

[@k5v1nv]

You can get Zambuk in stick form too, which is easier to carry with you than the can. Best thing in dry weather for chapped lips for sure. Really enjoy the content, keep up the good work. :)

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

That’s good to know

[@helen4652]

Yes, in RSA lemonade has always been a soda. But some stores will sell the real thing.🍋 Seldom restaurants.

[@tshidioageng6918]

You won't fit anywhere if you expect things you like

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Not true

[@sobongilemaruping1988]

I live in Pretoria the area I live in we have no issues with water and electricity

[@asanda138]

My area as well in Centurion. No loadshedding no watershedding.

[@nozinyangamohlala1004]

​@@asanda138whereabout in Centurion? I want move there😂

[@asanda138]

@@nozinyangamohlala1004 Eco Park Centurion east. Come Mntase😂

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know

[@thetopg921]

Yeah it is winter currently, whatdid you guys expect, atleast we have much less know and no snow at all in most parts of the country

[@mbusoguma5504]

That's real. Props to you, family✊🏿

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@LeboMoore]

Its unfortunate that you came to SA during winter season cz it gets really cold and dry. As for water outage i had no idea tht happens unless ofcos if its due to maintenance. And drugs are bad here that much i know. I love you guys a lot i enjoy your reactions a lot❤❤

[@twitch3942]

You can get fresh organic fruit and veggies at the market stalls.We are in winter season now till August.And its better to find domestic workers here.

[@live.life.on.purpose]

same in the US. Fresh produce is at the local farmers markets available in every city. Sadly, many Black Americans stick to shopping at a grocery store and do not frequent farmers markets.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

That’s good to know

[@katlegochiloane3148]

I’ve lived in SA for 22years, as I’m 22 years old. Never have I ever experienced a water outage. I guess it goes with the area, but more specifically CPT has had a water situation. Also, it’s called African time lol we are never on time, so it’s best you make an appointment for “8am, knowing it’s actually 10am” 😂 , also it’s winter here, it’s bound to be cold , & CPT is colder coz it’s on the Atlantic ocean which is one of the coldest oceans 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching.

[@stoltzjr]

There are two major rainfall areas: 1. Summer rainfall - outside of the Western Cape - Winters are cold but No rain in the winter. Rains in the summer and hot in the summer. 2. Winter rainfall - The Western Cape - Receive rain in the winter - Gets extra cold. Summer No rain or very limited rain. Very hot.

[@JL-ti3us]

I live on the Hilly side of Melville, its been a month more or less without water. Luckily the nearby Mosque has a borehole and opens its taps to the community to just go and draw from. So you can take as many 5 litre of 10litre bottles there to fill up as you like.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

That sounds helpful

[@siyabonganxumalo4574]

Some of the things you don't like are unreasonable.

[@sykewtf9820]

brooo i also saw that too but i didnt wanna say anything,the reason they are experiencing some of the things they are experiencing is because they went to wrong provinces at the wrong time.

[@bonganibophela2819]

Like what?

[@siyabonganxumalo4574]

@@bonganibophela2819 complaining about Bananas being packed, complaining about the cold in South Africa as if only America is supposed to be cold.

[@palesamogorosi8939]

​@@siyabonganxumalo4574oh yeah you're right. I don't understand the weather issue as well. Is Africa only suppose to be hot? That's the common stereotype - that we all share the same weather. Well unfortunately this is SA and we have all four seasons.

[@mosalethoba5267]

😂😂 come on man you can't expect people to react the same way all the time . Besides we are not Utopia

[@aerofred2002]

Sadly, when development comes, food starts to get packaged which means more people getting access to it who wish to control it for profit, or other reasons. I remember growing up in Africa, people would sell you food and you sometimes had to go to their garden to pick it for yourself. I hated it as a child but now I realize the value in that simplicity. Farm to table is a wonderful concept that people in the third world hate, and those in developed countries, envy.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Yes, it would be great to go back to those ways. Thanks for watching.

[@thembi9645]

@@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFEit’s a pity u guy only focus on Cities. In Rural areas that’s how we eat Fresh meat and Veg cuz we farms

[@tshidioageng6918]

It depends on the area of the country South Africa is dry land unlike Tanzania where everywhere is green

[@thembi9645]

@@tshidioageng6918 Eastern cape is green and I believe KZN too,

[@tshidioageng6918]

@@thembi9645 I'm talking about country not province... Limpopo produce more crops than EC the soil is rich too.. SA has less rainfall compare to west and east Africa that's they produce various food.

[@Ed-wy2di]

The water issue is probably only in one or two areas. We have never experienced it. Winter is colder inland than at the coast. Huge parts of America it snows, which is not the case here.

[@kerryannehogg6009]

Here in Hibberdene in KZN we regularly go without water for anywhere between a week to a month. When we lived in the Western Cape we had water but were restricted.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know

[@BantuConnrct]

Yah the professionalism is something else thanks for your honest opinion. Frsh foods and veggies usually you get them from informal traders and from rural the rural province like limpopo. Supermarkets are a no no

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know, thanks for watching!

[@RuyaFortune]

Thank you. Enjoyed your video! Mostly spot on, but the watershedding is news to me. The only time we ever have water outages is when there is scheduled maintenance but this hardly ever happens. I dont know what was going on where you were living. 😄 Not having access to fresh food is also something strange to me. We export fresh produce! 😂 It can be bought almost anywhere including on a pavement/sidewalk. A packaged banana? 😂 Havent ever seen that unless it is a prepacked lunch pack in grocery stores with 3 other fruits. South Africa does get pretty cold in winter, but it depends on the region. The mildest weather during any season is along the Atlantic coastline. Been to Cape Town? 😃

[@theultimatebio-body2544]

Luckily all of us are not like that guys 🤗 but I agree with you, I also get frustrated like CRAZY dealing with bad service delivery and it drives me nuts if people cannot manage expectations by communicating. It's not just unprofessional, it comes down to good morals and values too. But Cape Town is better over all, living in the outskirts, but yes CT CBD has lots of drugs. Sorry you had to deal with some strange things in our country

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Absolutely, thanks for watching!

[@Philasande_Shange]

Water shedding is outcome of load shedding, when there is too much load shedding they introduce water shedding because water pumps work on electricity

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know

[@blackmac500]

I've never heard about the water situation . I know there was a drought a few years ago in the western cape. It water all over SA ?

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Not sure

[@WayneKitching]

There are two seperate issues: The drought in the Western Cape is over, but the dams in the Eastern Cape are still quite empty, despite good rains. In Johannesburg, the issue is ageing water infrastructure combined with the pump stations being without electricity due to loadshedding and cable theft. In Joburg we often have water restrictions even when the dams in the Vaal River system are full.

[@ultra_violet3035]

The most fresh food you'll get is at Food Lover's Market (it's a store) Other than that you'll need to get fresh from farm produce directly or at the fresh produce food market in City Deep, Johannesburg

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Yes, Food Lovers Market is definitely on my list.

[@martin5504]

I lived in Africa for 8 years. It is chaos. They need good people like you to help.

[@jenskriek4280]

If it's the cold that bothers you in Jozi or CT, just zip away for a weekend to Golden Gate Highlands National Park or anywhere along the KZN Drakensberg. Incredibly beautiful, but the cold will make you appreciate Joburg at its coldest! 😆 For real winter heat in SA forget Durban, visit Maputaland in northern KZN. Or better yet, go stay for a weekend at Punda Maria Rest Camp in northern Kruger!

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the recommendations.

[@stadleroux]

I've often heard foreigners comment how cold they get here. Part of the reason for that is that we don't really get extremely cold weather with snow and ice on the roads, etc in our more densely populated areas, so we're not geared for that kind of weather. Shopping malls would often be heated to a comfortable temperature, in fact making it uncomfortable for us who take care of ourselves by dressing for the cold weather(!), but very few individual shops and almost no homes have any kind of central heating like in the USA and Europe.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the info.

[@stadleroux]

@@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE, I really enjoyed hearing your perspective though!

[@phiwemanzi9583]

So accurate 😭all the things I can’t stand when I visit home ( poor customer service, loadsheding, water , winter with no central heating )

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@nomagcisacawe3297]

Phiwe, when you left was there central heating? Don't be artificial.

[@bakern1309]

​@@nomagcisacawe3297don't be hurt, she has experienced central heating so why would she want to go back to not having it

[@nomagcisacawe3297]

@@bakern1309 I'm not hurt. I'm fiercely protective/ defensive of Mzantsi. Let him/her go and be a "non existent" alien minority wherever without dissing Mzantsi (especially since he/she is not South African. I know the type)

[@bakern1309]

@@nomagcisacawe3297 that person is South African. One day you'll get to travel abroad as well, no need for jealousy

[@masilomorake2876]

Having watched American movies, seeing white Christmas, I always thought, Americans won't find South Africa that cold.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Well, we are from the south where it’s hot.

[@wolfieinu]

These are all very fair. Sad to hear about the drugs, not so much of an issue here in Tshwane side but I hear it gets pretty bad in Cape Town. Tik (meth) is one of the major ones

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@louislark3068]

Freedom Chasers- I like y'all transparentcy about the cons of South Africa.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thank you we appreciate that.

[@matttttt29365]

Fruit and Vegetables are super fresh here since most is grown here. Probably was shopping at different places. Food is also great. And the lemonade thing is subjective. You just got to ask if it’s fresh lemonade or the other. The can lemonade is basically Sprite.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@Gerrardboss-v2g]

Thanks for being honest , many don't like hearing the unpleasant truths . Crack cocaine is a huge problem together with various other drugs . I'm surprised your'll didn't comment on the filthy litter that's EVERYWHERE . Not so long ago EVERYTHING used to work ! Cities were clean , drugs were a minor problem , crime was low , unemployment rate was reasonable , no such thing as loadshedding EVER ! but then we also had apartheid ....

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Good to know

[@thatoselete8241]

they dont have fresh fruit and veg marts in johanesburg? or were you guys referring to the supermarket?

[@blackzen014]

Well, in terms of food, there are a lot of places where you can get fresh foods and organic fruits. Its more of a situation whereas you need to know where to go and which places deal with freshly grown foods since its grown here, its unfortunate that the stores have prepackaged goods because we export most of the best ones and keep the leftovers

[@reantai7101]

I live in Joburg and never had an issue with water running out maybe it was an area you lived inn.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Maybe

[@jpatpat9360]

Welcome to ANC led SA....its been stuffed up across the board. This used to be a 1st world country but top-notch food, setvices etc. but its gone down the tubes. Cape Town is the best area in the the country - you should visit other provinces like KZN to see the dirt and deterioration

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching.

[@jamysilver4575]

Pretty spot-on, I think you guys just had some bad luck with the food here, finding properly fresh produce (and restaurant food) isn't a typical problem in South Africa.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@jenellecoles3071]

You should come to Durban KZN it's a lot warmer and it's not dry at all. If you want fresh produce, you should go to a farmers market.

[@QueenB_ZA]

Watershortage has been happening alot lately in Joburg, the cause thereof I still don't know but it seems like it will be like electricity loadshedding unfortunately 😢 worst is the very cold icy winter with loadshedding and no water, I literally went straight into depression 😢

[@SDav21]

The water outages aren't as common as load shedding. It's more for maintenance. But I guess it depends on the area you're in.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@JK-nq1dl]

@@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE PLEASE BOIL SOME WATER AND USE IT IN A NETI POT. THE WIFE SOUNDS LIKE HER SINUSES STAY CONGESTED. NO DISRESPECT, TRYING TO HELP.

[@rudzanimashau8428]

Watershedding? That's weird.. Have never experienced that

[@fionakane9126]

Also not experienced it. But heard its coming

[@henkstols9326]

Jozi winters are dry and dusty but I would recommend you guys go hit a camping or glamping spot close by, the highveld bushveld is just amazing this time of year and sitting by a fire is soul changing. Also buy some old brown sherry to warm you up on the colder days, works wonders. Thanks for the feedback on the water and power issues, its crazy that they just caught a high up employee of our power supply company that had syndicates sabotaging our infrastructure.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@amandahunter4034]

I grew up in Cape Town, and 'SA time' has always been an issue. You hire someone to do something and they can show up hours, days or even weeks later. Just turn up ready to do the job when it suits them. If you're not in then it's your fault! Somehow, it always works out though.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Yes, I could be very frustrating. Thanks for watching.

[@WhaleTart]

LoL! I love Africa time. It has a drumbeat at the heart of it that is missing on the other continents. While I was doing renovations my carpenter told me he will come and finish the roofing on Monday. He didn't pitch up. Co-incidentally he came 5 weeks later on a Monday so I joked with him and said: You told me you were coming on Monday but you didn't say which Monday!

[@Msoja8]

Water outages are normally due to maintenance but it's not the norm like electricity loadshedding..

[@AlbertCloete]

Yeah man. I don't get it either. Work ethic is just something most South Africans lack. Just hope you never have to deal with anything government related. Government employees especially do not want to do their job, and you can't make them. You can definitely find fresh produce. I think you're going to the wrong shops.

[@akindele13]

That's damn near every country. Once you get a government job, it's easy street😂

[@Tinker8531]

@@akindele13 I disagree, I used to work for government in SA before. It is the calibre of people they hire now.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Absolutely, thanks for watching.

[@StAlfonzo87]

I'm not aware of crack, but meth has been very big here since at least 2002. Weed was only legalised a few years ago. When the Uber driver said crackhead, he probably just meant drug addict.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Maybe so

[@africaneagle7397]

Water problems are not common. When they do occur, they are caused by load shedding, if it's been for many hours. Since water pumps need electricity to pump water, water flow sometimes gets interrupted, but I've never experienced that problem. Professionalism has never been an issue for me, because I am very picky when it comes to service. I either rely on word of mouth, or do google search, and look at reviews. In South Africa we have two worlds, the first world and the third world. Our first world is similar to America in many ways e.g. food, music etc. Our third world is more similar to countries like Kenya and Tanzania. These are mainly our rural towns which are located in areas that were reserved for black people before 1994. I've worked in big cities like Johannesburg and Durban, but I come from a small rural town in KZN. In my hometown fresh organic fruit and veggies are everywhere. Many people also play traditional Zulu music and not American music. I consider myself lucky because I live in both worlds. When I get tied of the city life, I go to my rural hometown. One of the African American visitors went to rural Newcastle in KZN, and fell in love with it. He said he preferred our rural areas to big cities like Johannesburg.

[@africaneagle7397]

​@@alexchui3511I didn't mean it in a negative way, I wasn't thinking about buildings and all that jazz. I was thinking about the people and their main way of life. Many African countries are not as westernized as South African big cities, they do many things their African way. SO IT WAS MEANT AS A COMPLIMENT! 😊😊

[@africaneagle7397]

In fact, I was responding to what the visitors were saying, that South Africa is like America, but in Kenya you can easily get fresh produce from the market. In one of their videos, they also complained about SA music, compared to other African countries. They said it is American. So, I was telling them that in South Africa, there are places where you will find what you find in countries like Kenya or Tanzania. But people from the West call those places "third world". May be I should have used different terminology. In fact, I find the whole thing of making comparisons very problematic, coming from people who have experienced places for only a few days or weeks. I believe you should be in a place for at least 6 months to start making comparisons. I spent a week in Mombasa a few years ago, but I cannot compare it to any city in South Africa, because I was only there for a short time. But I learnt Jambo, Kwaheri, Karibu , Mzuri and Asante. Also found some words to be similar to Zulu(my language) like baba, mama and nyama. Amani na Upendo!😊😊

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@LM-he7eb]

As a South African, the professionalism thing is true. We're really lackadaisical when it comes to professionalism. Transport hire, cleaning companies, receptionists, HAIR DRESSERS, make-up artists, funerals, weddings.

[@charlesmacharia7446]

Your stay in Kenya was quite short. It would be nice to see you return to Kenya and do a video comparing South Africa and Kenya.

[@thembi9645]

Comparing SA to Kenya😂😂😂😂😂, plz don’t joke like this 😄😃😃

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Hopefully soon

[@Joe_Ndlozi]

Yo, pitting countries against each other ain't cool, man! It just stirs up unnecessary fights, divisions, and insults among us Africans, and that ain't what we need. Kenya, though, is a dope and well-developed country in East Africa and Central Africa, they are giants there, no doubt about it. But Kenyans gotta chill with the constant competition against South Africa. We South Africans are all about minding our own business and showing respect to other countries. But, yo, if you were to compare the two, let's be real, South Africa would totally outshine Kenya in every aspect you can think of. 1. Powerful Passport 2. Nominal GDP 3. Currency Strength 4. Infrastructure 5. GDP per Capita 6. Military Strength 7. Beautiful Cities 8 Beautiful Women, and the list goes on. So, my advice is, let's not even go there, 'cause that path ain't gonna end well, man. Let's stop the competition and embrace one another. One love to my Kenyan brothers and sisters. ❤😊✌🏾

[@futurescenarios3723]

@@thembi9645 Don’t be so overconfident about SA outshining Kenya! We know SA has fancy infrastructure, but if we were to take a sneak peek under SA’s hood, we would discover things are really terrible 😢 SA fails miserably in other factors that make a country be deemed as developed! From 16 hours a day power cuts to very high insecurity that makes SA one of the most dangerous countries in the world 🌍 And then there’s the high unemployment rate of 33% nationally and 62% among the youths 😢And I’ve not even touched on the inequality that makes SA the most unequal country in the world 🌎 Lol, and I heard from a fellow Zulu guy that black SAns don’t own land in SA😢 SA is only developed coz of its infrastructure, but basically underperforms terribly in socioeconomic factors!

[@thembi9645]

@@futurescenarios3723 yohh so disappointing coming from a Kenyan nd I really thot y’all knew better but unfortunately not. 1. U cannot come here nd tell m we only have infrastructure nd that’s it . 2. Is Kenya perfect? 3. So you don’t have hoods? Recently I saw very bad hoods from African Tigres nd that was nothing compared to our hoods, atlist we have roads in our hoods 3. U know very well we are wayyyy ahead of Kenya in every aspect intact you look up to SA nd that’s not a bad thing. 4. Electricity crisis is being sorted out nd it’s even better now already coz we are capable 🥵 it’s only 1 hour outage a day nd it’s not everyday at all …….disappointing ryt 😅 5. We are carrying millions nd millions of Africans and yet this country is very dangerous, 😂 6. Theeee most visited country in Africa nd yet soooooo dangerous 😂 7. Unemployed yes it’s high nd again that part is part nd parcel of politics, don’t worry even this we will fix just you have problems in your country. You people that are starving going to bed without food We have abundance of land in Rural areas nd we farm nd mentions living like king and queens. A SAn have houses in Cities nd Rural areas. Stop comparing yourselves to us coz you’re a bby. Please don’t embarrass yourself coz u know Kenya is a bby to SA don’t even try. Just stay in your lane nd focus on the fact that u only lead in East Africa.

[@iamcraigk]

Durban weather is very different to Cape Town. Durban is warm and humid mostly.

[@lindelwanothandongcobo8863]

It’s definitely warm but not humid Johannesburg is humid Durban is green we get a lot of evaporation then rain Cz of the ocean have you been to Durban?

[@iamcraigk]

@@lindelwanothandongcobo8863 hawu wena, born and bred. Durban has its sticky moments but I wouldn’t say the weather is dry. It’s even known as the warmest place to be.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

We’ve heard

[@rjj479]

Warning... if a South African uses the term "now-now" it ain't happening soon 🤣

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

😂😂😂

[@charlotten8520]

I love your videos ❤

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thank you

[@kabelomothogwane1726]

Guys there are lot of fresh food markets especially in provinces like limpopo and you can even get them at the taxì ranks

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the info.

[@tribalpeacock]

Majority of the drug dealers in SA are foreigners... the entire continent (and other places like Pakistan and Bangladesh) migrate to SA to settle ... this brings in much crime and drugs.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

thanks for the info

[@edith1705]

The cold in Africa is more due to the altitude above sea level than the fact that we are at the equator.

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for watching

[@kaylynlewis]

yeah there are a lot of drugs here in SA. tbh the easiest place to buy things like weed and shrooms is to make a stop at a High School. its also really easy to get stuff like coke, cat, meth etc, you can get that at most street corners

[@tribalpeacock]

Visit the KZN North Coast for warm, humid weather and fresh fruit and vegetables

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@tebogodlamini4194]

on your first video, I did say, it doooes get cold🥶🥶🥶 in South Africa and you'd need to get warmer clothes. Oh and by the way google Snow in South Africa within 24 hours - as it has snowed today in the Eastern Cape Another thing about the person that needs to come to service you, try and find out where they live, if its withing 10-15km then they should surely try and be there within 30minutes, hopefully. (if they have personal/company transport) But if the distance is longer, say 30km or so (and dont have personal transport), then the person would be more late to come. Esp if they are not coming from early in the morning. They most probably will need to take taxis/minibus's to get to you and those take longer to fill during the day than early in the morning. And will probably need to connect somewhere to get to you as not all transport goes to a place directly, so they might need to take 2 or 3 taxis just to get to you. And most probably they dont have an uber app and or cannot afford one, so public transport is cheaper but it takes longer to get around with it. Hopefully that might explain the lateness. So ya,just find out where they are coming from and check how far it would take to get to you. Say they are coming from Thembisa and you guys are in Fourways, something like that

[@ta_snakes5397]

I stay in Soweto and there's water 24/7. Yes electricity we get load shedding for 2hrs

[@lucymamonyane8575]

U don't hate nature every country have it own whether nature its created by God like water things is not true I'm not how long have you been in South Africa the country u coming from is heaven n perfect the water thing I'm not agree with you

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

We don’t hate anything it’s a preference.

[@njabuloedwinmasilela5306]

We have alot of problems here in South Africa. However, if you really wann see fiends strung out on drugs then you should go to Philadelphia.

[@StAlfonzo87]

In Cape Town some Uber drivers prefer the short trips. At least in the CBD, or downtown as you call it. I had multiple drivers who were kinda upset that I was taking them 30 kilometers out of town. They said they'd make more money doing 10 one-kilometre-and-under trips around the CDB than they would have taking my ass 30 kilometres home.

[@Natasha_Nisha]

Hate that about Uber drivers, you giving them business but it not enuf, then they b rude and mad at you (my experiences) many of them too full of themselves🙄😢

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Make sense

[@matselengraphela2262]

Water cuts are not a thing in Pretoria. I'm actually surprised that's something that made the list...

[@FREEDOMCHASERSLIFE]

Yeah, it surprised us also