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“It is great to be part of something that will make a positive impact in the lives of many, to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela” – said Alex Brits, Marketing Manager at Intouch Relocations.

Mandela Day is celebrated annually in South Africa and around the world, on or around Nelson Mandela’s birthday the 18^th of July. The Mandela Day message is a global call to action that asks people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to serve a cause that espouses the ideals for which Nelson Mandela fought for 67 years – to alleviate poverty and promote peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity.

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The increased demand for water created by Johannesburg’s ever growing population, together with poorly maintained, aging infrastructure, has combined with the effects of 2 years of drought to place a great deal of strain in the city’s water supply.

Cape Town’s dam storage levels are also critically low, as a result of drought, meaning that the water supply needs to be carefully managed to ensure all resident’s have access to water during the coming dry summer months.

Level 3 water restrictions are in place in Cape Town as from 1 November 2016. Level 3 water restriction tariffs will be implemented from 1 December 2016.

Level 3 Water Restrictions currently in place in Cape Town are as follows:

• Do not water gardens with a hose or irrigation system. Only buckets and watering cans may be used. It is recommended that residents only water in the mornings and evenings.
• Do not use hosepipes to wash cars or cleaned paved areas and driveways.
• Manual topping-up of swimming pools is only allowed if a pool cover is in place.
• Use of portable play pools is prohibited.

Johannesburg has Level 2 water restrictions in place, as well as water restriction tariffs on domestic users effective from September 2016. This means that households will be charged higher tariffs for using too much water. Fines of R1,500 will also be issues by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department to residents who do not comply with the water restrictions.

Level 2 Water Restrictions currently in place in Johannesburg are as follows:

• Do not water or irrigate gardens between 6am and 6pm.
• Only hand held hosepipes, buckets or watering cans can be used outside these hours, not irrigation systems.
• Swimming pools may not be filled with municipal water, however residents are allowed to “top-up” pools to above the weir to ensure proper functioning of the filtration system.
• Do not use hosepipes to wash cars or to clean paved areas and driveways.

It looks as if these water restrictions are here to stay for a while. We in South Africa may need to get used to more sustainable and conservative water use and make some long term lifestyle changes. All who live in Johannesburg will be affected by this. Your water bill may rise quite sharply. Houses with large gardens may become very expensive to maintain and therefore less popular. And ultimately, it is in the interests of all citizens of the world to live in a sustainable manor and be conscious of the environment.

Some tips for saving water:

• Mulch garden beds to retain water better
• Fix dripping taps and running toilets. Sometimes all that is required is to replace the washers
• Take shorter showers and shallower baths
• Choose water-wise plants from the nursery
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
• Always use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
• Check for leaks by turning off all your taps and then checking the water meter at the sidewalk. If it is still turning, then you may have a leak on your property.
• Consider installing a grey water system or a rain water catchment system

For more information on the water restrictions and tariffs, please visit the City of Johannesburg website and the City of Cape Town website.

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Of 209 cities surveyed by Mercer this year with number one as the most expensive, Johannesburg came out 204^th and Cape Town 208^th. Windhoek (Namibia), also in Southern Africa came out cheapest. Out of the ten cheapest there were six cities in Southern Africa. One of the world’s most expensive however is also a near neighbour – Luanda (Angola) – which is second behind only Hong Kong which was in first place in the survey this year. The other African cities in the ten most expensive are Kinshasa (DRC) and Ndjamena (Chad), which we found a little surprising. Durban was not surveyed by Mercer, and its residents generally claim that it is significantly cheaper than both Joburg and Cape Town.

We also have always felt that for corporate expatriates, Cape Town is a more expensive location than Johannesburg, especially when it comes to renting good quality accommodation in a nice area. Suburbs in Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard feature some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Recently a house there sold for US$20 Million, apparently the highest price ever realised for a home in South Africa. Johannesburg, as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, with a far bigger economy than Cape Town, also does have some expensive suburbs and properties.

Currently rental property in Johannesburg is something of a buyer’s market though, with high availability. Mercer’s survey gives Johannesburg’s median monthly rental for a 2-bed apartment as around $1,500 per month (ZAR 22,000 in our money), compared with $5,000 in New York and $6,500 in Luanda and Hong Kong. If one wants to live in a three bedroomed house the differences are even more striking. Joburg’s median rent for one is just under $2,000 whereas a renter will be asked to pay around $9,500 in New York, over $12,000 in Hong Kong and typically more than $15,000 per month in Luanda! One could buy such a house in Joburg for the price of a year’s rent in Luanda. It’s all about supply and demand, and petrodollars.

When it comes to buying a beer, Johannesburg is similarly a lot cheaper than other places in the survey, especially East Asia. In Joburg you will pay around a Dollar (obviously not a restaurant or club price!), compared with $1.95 in New York and over $2.20 in Singapore. A litre of milk on the other hand is a similar price in Joburg and New York, also at around a Dollar. In Singapore it will set you back $2.50 and in Hong Kong nearly $4.00! Something we all need regularly is a cup of coffee, and the price for that simple item seems to vary wildly. In Joburg it is a very reasonable $1.20, and in New York it will cost a little over $2.00. In the Asian cities however prices are very different – around $4.50 in Singapore all the way up to nearly $8.00 in Hong Kong according to Mercer.

Cost of living surveys by their nature are selective, and can only sample commodity type items that can be compared between one place and another. At Intouch Relocations, we have always considered that the best value for people coming to South Africa is to be found in our hospitality industry. Our hotels and guesthouses offer remarkable value in terms of both price and quality, especially outside the main business centres. Restaurants, especially in Cape Town, offer world class cuisine as well as “hit-the-spot” family fare, at prices that startle the newly arrived for their value.

Coupled with Joburg having what some consider the best climate in any major city in the world, it really isn’t a hardship posting. Security is of course an issue, but given sensible precautions, generally less stringent than many cities in the Americas, there is no reason to feel unsafe. A few years ago in a survey of their expat clients by HSBC as to their favourite city to live in, Joburg came in third overall behind only Vancouver and Bangkok. In some categories polled (ease of settling-in was one) it came in first place.

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Eura is an association which represents relocation professionals in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Its goal is to promote best practice in the relocation industry, provide support to relocation professionals and drive innovation. Eura has traditionally focused on the European market, and has now decided to expand its reach to Africa and the Middle East.

This conference is a great opportunity to get involved in this exciting venture from the beginning, and become part of a truly global industry.

Choosing Cape Town as the location for its first African Conference also affords delicates the opportunity to visit this spectacular city.

Top 10 things to do in Cape Town

1. Table Mountain – Half a day

If you could only do one thing while in Cape Town, it would have to be a trip up Table Mountain. A world heritage site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” this landmark dominated the Cape Town landscape and can be seen from all parts of Cape Town. Named Table Mountain because of its 3 kilometre plateau, the top is often shrouded in a layer of cloud fondly referred to as “The Table Cloth”. The Table Mountain National Park is the richest floristic region in the world. To get to the top you can take a ride on the Cableway, which offers spectacular views on the way up. Beat the queue by buying your ticket online beforehand and also check that the cableway is running as it is sometimes closed due to weather conditions. www.tablemountain.net.

For the more adventurous, you can hike up Table Mountain or follow one of the many hiking trails within the Table Mountain National Park: www.tablemountain.net

2. Robin Island – Half a day

Take a tour of the Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 28 years, and learn about South Africa’s fascinating history. The tour begins with a ferry trip to the island. Ferries depart three times a day from Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront. The ferry trip offers a stunning view of the cape peninsula, however it can be unpleasant in high seas and rough weather so be sure to choose a clear day. The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island. The tour includes a bus trip around the island and visits to the significant sites such as the maximum security prison, and is guided by former political prisoners. www.robben-island.org.za

3. Town – 2 to 3 hours

Take a walk around Cape Town’s City Bowl, experience the vibe of Long Street with its many shops, restaurants and night spots. Pick up some souvenirs at the craft market at Green Market Square. Cruise down Bree Street and grab a bite to eat or a cocktail at one of the many vibrant eateries. You can see why Cape Town was named the word Design capital 2015 when exploring the carefully curated shops and galleries in this region. Bo-Kaap, the traditional home of Cape Town’s Muslim community, is one of the most colourful suburbs in Cape Town. With its colourful Victorian Terrance houses and cobble streets, as well as its Cape Malay cuisine, a visit to Bo-Kaap is sure to be a unique cultural experience.

4. Beach – 2 to 3 hours

Cape Town’s coat line is superbly beautiful, and there are many beaches offering opportunities to soak up the sun’s rays and participate in a variety of activities, depending on your preference. St James beach is famous for its colourful beach huts and is a great sheltered swimming, if you don’t mind the chilly Atlantic waters. Boulders Beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins, much loved by locals and visitors alike. Camps Bay, probably Cape Town’s most famous beach, offers visitors the perfect blend of beach café’s; tanned, beautiful people; stunning scenery; sand and surf. Camps Bay’s Victoria Road strip is often likened to San Tropez and is a great spot to sip a cocktail, or perhaps some local sparkling wine and fresh oysters, whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.

5. Dining – 2-3 hours

The Cape Town restaurant scene keeps pace with global food trends and can truly compete with any major city in the world. 2 of Cape Town’s restaurants recently made it onto The Worlds 100 Best Restaurants list – The Test Kitchen at 22, and La Colombe at 76. Luke Dale Roberts (of The Test Kitchen fame) is also behind The Potluck Club, The Shortmarket Club and Naturalis, exciting newcomers to the Cape Town scene. Dinner at The Test Kitchen consists of a multiple course dégustation menu, with wine or tea paring, and is a truly special gastronomic experience. Be sure to book at least two months in advance.

6. V&A Waterfront – 2 to 3 hours

The V&A Waterfront is a complex of shops, restaurants, hotels and apartments centred around a working harbour. A short distance from the city centre, The Waterfront is an ideal location to visit if you don’t have much time to explore. There are many restaurants overlooking the harbour, ideal for a pleasant lunch, however don’t expect fine dining in these touristy spots. The new Watershed Market is an excellent place to shop for South African treasures, showcasing a curated collection of the finest crafts, fashion and design. You can also take a ride in the Cape Wheel, a giant observation wheel that offers a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of Cape Town, from fully enclosed cabins for R100.

7. Constantia wine route – Half a day

The Western Cape of South Africa is a world famous wine producing region, with most of its wine estates spread out to the north of Cape Town in the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek areas. It is well worth while exploring this beautiful region, if you have a couple of days to spare, however The Constantia Valley offers a terrific experience, only 15 minutes from the Cape Town city centre. The Constantia valley is steeped in history and tradition. Simon Van der Stel founded Constantia’s first wine farm, Groot Constantia in 1685 and the heritage buildings at this estate are fine examples of the Cape Dutch architectural style. Escape the city into the magnificent scenery of mountains and vineyards, sample award winning wines and delicious seasonal food at wine estates like Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwagting, and Constantia Uitsig. http://constantiawineroute.com/

8. The Neighbourgoods Market – Saturdays 09h00 – 14h00 – 2 to 3 hours

The Neighbourgoods Market is a great place to experience Capetonian culture and mingle with the hip local population, as well as sample some delicious local delicacies and find some locally made treasures to take home. This award-winning market features over 100 specialty traders every Saturday, creating a weekly platform for local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, and micro enterprises. The market is housed in an old sky-lit brick warehouse and courtyard at the Old Biscuit Mill in the industrial neighbourhood of Woodstock, Cape Town. It is as much a source for farm fresh as well as organic foods and locally produced specialty goods, as it is a meeting point to enjoy community, swap ideas and stories, and become educated about what we buy and eat by going directly to the source. www.neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za/cape-town

9. Chapmans Peak Drive – 2 to 3 hours (or longer if you stop for lunch)

Chapmans Peak Drive offers a breath-taking view around every bend. The road is also a feat of engineering and has been closed several times since it was first build due to rock falls. However it has remained open since 2009 and is considered safe, except during extreme weather conditions and heavy mists. Chapmans Peak Drive is a tolled road and a pass costs about R40. Take Chapmans Peak Drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, and beyond, stopping at the many viewpoints along the route. Check the website for road and weather conditions before you go. www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za

10. City Tour Hop-on-Hop-off Bus – 3 hours up to a day

A great way to explore Cape Town’s many wonderful tourist attractions at your leisure. There are three routes available, depending on which sites you would like to see and you can choose to hop off and explore any one, or all of the attractions. Stops include Table Mountain, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Districs Six Musiem, Castle of Good Hope and Imizamo Yethu Township. Tickets cost R170 for a one day pass. www.citysightseeing.co.za/cape-town

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When Intouch Relocations was acquired by Africa Capital in 2006, and later when Sebastien Besson joined the organisation in 2008, it set its sights on expanding throughout the Middle East. Having established itself well in this market, a strategic decision was taken in 2014 to join forces with the leading destination service provider in Africa, Elliott Corporate Relocations, to form one of the largest regional DSP’s in the world, with coverage in over 28 locations.

In June of 2016, Intouch Relocations acquired Cielo Mobility, further consolidating the DSP sector in the Middle East. Shirley Doran, who headed Cielo Mobility and has had more than 20 years of industry experience, joined the Intouch team as Business Development Director.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved, thankful to all who have supported us and contributed to our many great endeavors and are looking forward to many more successful years!” – says Sebastien Besson, shareholder and CEO.

Corallie Pringle, CEO of Intouch Relocations, Africa (formerly Elliott Corporate Relocations) echoed Sebastian’s sentiment: “It is terrific to be part of such an exciting and visionary organisation and a truly phenomenal team”.

Commenting on what gives Intouch Relocations its unique competitive advantage, Kavit Handa, its Chairman, had this to say: “We understand, first hand, the complexities of doing business in the world’s emerging markets and have the experience to guide our clients every step of the way.”

So, what is in store for the future? Intouch Relocations is always looking to expand into new markets in the Middle East and Africa where our clients need us to be. Intouch Relocations is collaborating on developing exciting new technology that will be an industry game changer.

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Not only does the new website look fantastic, it offers the added functionality of a Knowledge Centre, providing in-depth information and insights into the locations we cover.

Additionally, we have included a News section and a brand new Newsletter to keep our clients and partners informed about what is going on in our markets. We pride ourselves in sharing the most up-to-date local insights and guidance.

To visit our new website, please go to www.intouchrelocations.com and log in to the Knowledge Centre. You can also sign up to receive our newsletter and join us on social media to stay connected.

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The Expo 2020 will be a festival of human ingenuity, providing visitors with the chance to see spectacular architecture, merge with global cultures, examine thoughtful and thought provoking exhibitions, and taste food from every corner of the globe. Above all, visitors to the event will witness the very latest in thinking and technology all in one place and at one time.

In preparation for the 2020 expo, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the launch of its Route 2020 project, which covers the extension of the Metro Red Line 15 km from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station to the Expo 2020 site.

The Dubai route 2020 project has been awarded by to a consortium of Turkish, French and Spanish firms at the cost of 10.6 Billion AED. The route 2020 plans to provide 46 000 riders per hour going both directions. This route will cover Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Fujan, Jumeirah Gold Estate and the Dubai Investment Park as well as the Dubai 2020 grounds, allowing visitors as well as 270 000 residents and office workers easy transport in Dubai. This will enhance the existing metro lines and increase their popularity.

The Dubai Future Foundation will have a new home in the world’s first 3D Printed Office Building. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the innovative project on the Emirates Towers premises on 24^th May 2016. The Dubai Future Foundation centers around the development and research of future technologies and its capabilities of it being integrated into our daily lives. The office is a stepping stone in promoting sustainable economic cities in line with Dubai’s s development for Expo 2020.

With Abu Dhabi concentrating more on the development of Cultural attractions, the first of the Crown jewels of the new Saadiyat Islands Cultural District, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is due to open in late 2016. It will be twenty-four thousand square meters and will showcase artwork from various countries with particular focus placed on Eastern and Western art.

The first 2000 seater performing arts theater open its doors in Dubai’s Opera District and new Cultural Hub in the emerging Downtown area. Internationally renowned performances such as Mozart’s Gala, Coppelia and Les Miserable’s are but a few to be expected.

Other projects scheduled for 2016 include: the Dubai Frame Project allowing panoramic views of old Dubai and the skyline of new Dubai from each side, this will be situated down at Zabeel Park; and the New Water Canal, a 3 kilometer canal with apartments, townhouses, villas, office space, a retail and a sports centre and public park.

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Several members of the Intouch Relocations team where in attendance, including Kavit Handa, Chairman, Sebastien Besson, CEO, and Shirley Doran, Business Development Director – all the way from Dubai; as well as Corallie Pringle, CEO Africa, Alex Brits, Marketing Manager, Kelly McChesney, Africa Services Manager, Vanessa Traub and Angeline Shirley, Account managers – from Johannesburg; and Jenifer Awori, Managing Director of Intouch Relocations East Africa – from Nairobi. We used the opportunity to get together as a team and also to network with many of our partners from across the continent and the globe.

The plenary sessions were all highly relevant and interactive. Corallie Pringle participated in a panel, hosted by Isabel Cudell, CEO Moving-ON Mobility; which focused on mobility across cultures, together with Dr Marius van Aswegen an acclaimed cultural expert from Expat Web and Shinaaz Montgomery, an HR professional with more than 20 years’ experience in Global Mobility on the African Continent. The session provided Fascinating insight into the many cultures one encounters when doing business in Africa and how best to manage the impact and prepare expatriates for these scenarios.

The conference ended on a high note with a fun filled evening at The Grand Beach Café, hosted by Relocation Africa.

All of the delegates loved spending time in the spectacular host city, Cape Town, and many found time before or after the conference to explore its world famous beaches, vineyards and fine dining restaurants (some among the world’s best). Some of the extracurricular activities included a 2-hour hike to the top of Lions Head, which the Intouch Relocations’ team completed and found the views from the top well worth the effort!

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As part of our festive season newsletter edition, Intouch Relocations would like to wish our clients a safe and joyous holiday season.

Certain types of crimes appear to be on the rise over the festive season. These include contact crimes such as robberies, burglaries and hijacking. Criminals appear to be targeting shopping malls, and in response, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has increased its police presence significantly in identified crime “hot-spots”. Criminals are also targeting high value items such as Rolex watches and diamond jewelry.

House break-ins may also spike, as criminals are aware that homes are left vacant while families travel over this period.

Due to the increased traffic on the national highways, road safety is also a paramount concern at this time of year.

Here are some practical ways that you can keep your family and possessions safe over the holidays”

While doing your holiday shopping:

• Keep a close eye on your children in crowded shopping malls. Ensure that you have a meeting point if you get separated and that they know your name and phone number (some parents even write it on their arm with e permanent marker).
• Avoid ostentatious displays of jewelry, watches (Rolex in particular) in public places
• Keep a close eye on your valuables, such as mobile phone, cameras and tablets.
• Keep your handbag closed and tucked under your arm
• When leaving a shopping mall, or after drawing cash (and in-fact, at all times) ensure that you are not being followed by a vehicle. If you think you are being followed, don’t drive home, head to the nearest police station.
• Avoid cyber-crime and credit card fraud by only doing your Christmas shopping at reputable sites. Look out for card skimming machines and treat with suspicion anyone who asks to scan your card a second time

If you are planning on being away from your home for a prolonged period:

• Consider hiring a house sitter to look after your property, garden and pets while you are away
• Check that your alarm system, and backup battery, are in good working order and arm it before leaving
• Notify your private security company that you will be away (you needn’t give them specific dates) and request that they provide increased patrols
• Leave a set of keys with someone you trust who can drop by occasionally to check on things and gain access in case of an emergency
• Lock jewelry and valuables that are remaining behind in a safe.

When driving:

• Ensure that doors are locked and windows are closed and that valuables are stored in the trunk of the car.
• Allow enough space between the car in front of you when stopped at a light so that you can move around it if need be (you should be able to see the tires of the car in front).
• If you are planning on having more than one drink, use Uber to get to and from your destination
• When approaching your house, make sure that there are no suspicious people or vehicles around, that the area is well lit and that your gate is open before you turn into your driveway. If you are at all concerned, contact your private security company to follow you home or meet you at your gate.
• Drive carefully on long-distance trips. Plan for heavy traffic which may add to your travel time.
• Plan your stops to ensure that you don’t get fatigued or run out of fuel.
• Stick to the speed limits, particularly when approaching towns.
• Avoid driving at night, particularly in rural areas where livestock may wander onto the road.
• Be cautious when overtaking and also look out for other vehicles overtaking dangerously.

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