Affordable but effective external flash for my Nikon D3000?

I'm looking at getting an external flash for my Nikon D3000. I've looked at the Nikon flashes and they seem pretty pricey to me! Where in South Africa can I get an affordable yet still effective flash for my camera?

Depends on your definition of affordable. Bottom end of the market the only flash I'd even consider is the new Nissin models with iTTL.

Impossible to answer without knowing what is "affordable" - you have bought a decent camera so no point buying a 10 cent cheapo flashgun and expecting good results.

Go for a Nikon brand speedlight. To get anything more useful that the built in it must have a tilt and swivel head. The more you pay the more power you get - buy the most powerful you can afford.

Precision Design DSLR300 High Power Auto Flash is as described and works as it should. I did have a complaint about the design of the Flash Bracket though. Unless your packing Allen wrenches with all of your other equipment my first recommendation would be to replace the flip Allen screw with a new bolt and wing nut. That is what I did. I also secured the wing nut and screw (on both ends) with some locking washers. Once that is fixed you will love the much cheaper alternative to what is out there. I know I will really love it when I do get a chance to really use it for longer periods of time.