Pretoria - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large, to the point you will not know most expat families, even in your own mission. Because it is so large and developed, there is not much of a community. Morale is generally good as it is a nice city and post. - Oct 2024
It's a very large post. Morale is moderate. The office can be stressful depending on agency/team and many people find the security situation stressful. - Apr 2023
Expats blend in to local society, so this is hard to say. I find people have diverse opinions about life here, but I find it exceedingly comfortable. South Africa has its problems, but the private sector/market/community keeps things functioning, and its lifestyle provides a holy grail of high-quality plus affordability. You will not find this combination (as it is here) anyplace else. As mentioned above, South Africans are warm and friendly but seem stand-offish to developing closer relationships with outsiders. I have had numerous people express to me that I am only staying here a short time. - Mar 2023
It is quite large. In my opinion, morale at the Embassy is not good. It is a split campus, with buildings in two locations. This really limits interactions with colleagues at work. We were also mostly remote until recently. I haven't met many other expats so not sure how morale is for them.There doesn't seem to be any cohesive expat community. - Jun 2022
Extremely large. Morale is okay in general (poor to awful at work but that's another issue) and the crime situation is a real drag for everyone. This is compensated for by the amazing variety of travel opportunities, great weather, superb wine and food, and overall recreational activities, all of which come at a great value due to the exchange rate. - Jan 2020
Large, very large. Morale is good. People are generally very happy here. It's large enough city, country, and community that people can find their niche. That being said, getting settled and finding your niche can be difficult. You're pretty much on your own. - Dec 2019
Very large group here (between all the embassies and NGOs). People seem to be pretty happy. - Mar 2019
Pretoria is a big expat community, but also a big Afrikaans community. I think most diplomats recognize they live in a pretty quiet dormitory compared to Joburg and Cape Town. Morale is decent, because life here is easy and pleasant. - Jan 2018
Not sure of size because it is spread throughout the city. As for morale, there is not a community feel here since there is much to do. The housing areas are all U.S. personnel but each one kind of does his or her own thing, much like it is in the States. So it is what you make it. The Embassy does offer events and outings to give you a chance to gather and enjoy life together. - Oct 2014
Large but not cohesive. - Jun 2012
Large, lots of diplomatic missions. - Dec 2009
Large; South Africa is a huge hub for all of Africa for many embassies, so there are lots of diplomats here. Plus, there are many NGOs working on AIDS and other regional issues. - Aug 2009
Huge. There are loads of embassies, NGOs, and others associated with business. - Feb 2009
Vast. - Oct 2008
Large. Pretoria has many, many embassies. - Sep 2008
Large. - Jun 2008
