I don't know about that. As a freelancing expat, you could probably avoid truly being impacted by South African politics. The politics of much of the Midwest aren't exactly stellar. Especially in the most affordable parts. Lastly, as cheap as the Midwest is, bang for the buck in South Africa is far more exciting. I'm not an expert on S.A., but I have been there. And I spent the first 21 years of my life in the Midwest.