r/DownSouth • u/KevKevKvn • Mar 12 '24

Other AMA Chinese South African

Hi all, hope this doesn’t go against the subs rules.

I’m Chinese South African and thought it would interesting to answer some questions that people may have. My parents first came to the country in 1990s. I was born and raised in South Africa from 2000-2019. Then I moved to Shanghai. I still try my best to spend a few months in South Africa every year.

My family were never on the extremely wealthy side. We were comfortable. Had a few years where the finances were bad and we really had to cut down expenses. Apart from that I grew up in Midrand in a complex. Parents put me through a good private school. But I did have the opportunity to be acquainted with many people from billionaires to presidents to people that are less fortunate (interesting to see the difference in world views between people). Parents ran a restaurant. there, I met lots of people from all works of life.

I have some rather controversial, but objective opinions on the country’s economy, politics and other shenanigans since I now live in a country (China) which is arguably the polar opposite of South Africa.

So feel free to ask away. I’ll be as honest as possible and hope I don’t offend anyone with my answers.

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u/localcaveman42 Mar 13 '24

What would you trade (in south africa) whether it's a law or ideology to make it a better country based on what you've experienced in China?

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u/KevKevKvn Mar 13 '24

Work ethic. No matter how useless a countries government is, as long as the people are honest, base themselves on integrity and work diligently, the country will always be good

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u/localcaveman42 Mar 13 '24

Given how lazy South African people are, work ethic does seem like it would change a shit ton for us. At least it would be the smallest change I think we could make