In this episode of the Relocated South African podcast, host I speak with Kirsty Jones, founder of Federated Advisory in Dubai.
Kirsty shares her journey from South Africa to Dubai, discussing the safety, stability, and opportunities the UAE offers for expats.
She highlights the challenges of starting a business in a new country, the importance of transparency in advisory services, and the need for community among South Africans abroad.
She also believes that the UAE offers a transparent government and very low taxes combined with absolute physical safety.
Kirsty also addresses the cultural dynamics of being a woman in business, the cost of living in Dubai, and the unique challenges of communication in the UAE.
Maintaining family connections is critical for emotional well-being.
The conversation concludes with valuable advice for those considering relocation to the UAE.
Kirsty Jones: “Dubai is very fitness focused."
"I miss South African chips so much!"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Show
01:04 Kirsty Jones: Journey from South Africa to Dubai
02:13 Why Choose the UAE? Safety and Stability
03:16 Starting a Business in Dubai: Kirsty's Experience
05:14 The Need for Transparency in Advisory Services
06:56 Navigating Business Setup in the UAE
08:14 Common Business Ventures for South Africans
09:47 Supporting South Africans in Job Searches
11:07 Overcoming Red Tape in the UAE
12:19 Cultural Dynamics: Women in Business
15:46 Challenges of Isolation in a New Country
17:12 Building Community Among Expats
18:51 The Temporary Nature of Life in Dubai
19:07 Connecting People and Networking
20:02 Finding Accommodation in Dubai
20:30 Coping with the UAE's Climate
24:41 Cost of Living: Balancing Salaries and Expenses
28:30 Understanding Alcohol Regulations in the UAE
29:49 Communication Challenges: WhatsApp and VPNs
33:04 Advice for Future Expats
34:34 Final Thoughts on Relocating to the UAE
Contact Kirsty at www.federatedadvisory.com
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
A few thoughts on the complexities of celebrating Christmas as an expatriate from South Africa.
I share personal experiences of joy and sadness during the holiday season, with emphasis the emotional toll of immigration on family connections.
I talk about the challenges of maintaining relationships with children and grandchildren who live far away, and the bittersweet nature of long-distance family gatherings.
Treasure time with loved ones and to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar feelings of separation and loss.
Jan Hugo: “I know your pain. I know how you feel."
Chapters
00:00 Christmas Reflections: A Time of Joy and Sadness
06:04 The Impact of Immigration on Family Connections
08:45 Sharing the Journey: Connecting with Others in Similar Situations
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
In this episode, I speak with Justinus Adriaanse, a South African entrepreneur now based in Canada.
We discuss Justinus' journey from Pretoria to Canada, the challenges and triumphs of relocating.
He shares how skiing became a passion and a way to connect with his new life in Canada.
He emphasises the importance of family support during the immigration process.
Justinus shares insights on maintaining ties to South Africa and the impact of his coding academy, We Think Code which provides opportunities for preserving candidates to learn coding skills.We Think Code has transformed the lives of many underprivileged youth in South Africa
We also discuss his passion for rugby and the role it has in connecting South Africans abroad.
He emphasises the need for action and consistency in making a difference, whether in business or charitable endeavours.
Justinus Adriaanse: “Being on the same page is key." "You have to push your comfort zone."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Relocation
02:54 Justinus' Early Life and Move to Canada
06:35 The Skiing Adventure and Its Impact
10:52 The Importance of Family Support in Immigration
13:07 Children's Adaptation and Cultural Identity
17:36 Feeling More South African Abroad
19:48 Charitable Work and Impact of We Think Code
26:34 Government Support and Collaboration
28:45 Rugby Vision and Community Projects
31:12 The Journey to the Final: A Rugby Fan's Adventure
33:30 Building a Rugby Talent Pipeline in South Africa
36:44 The Importance of Opportunity in Sports
37:43 Challenges of Starting Over in a New Country
40:31 Networking: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success
42:42 Changing Perceptions: South Africans Abroad
50:28 Lessons Learned: Reflections on Immigration
53:49 Advice for Young South Africans: Exploring Opportunities
Justinus and Flip van Der Merwe´s podcast Winning the away Game is available on all podcast platforms and Youtube :https://www.youtube.com/@WinningtheAwayGamePodcast
Contact Justinus on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanse
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
In this episode I chat to Desmond Denton an award-winning filmmaker who lives in Washington DC in the United States.
We discuss his and his family’s journey from Stellenbosch to the United States.
We also explore the challenges and triumphs of immigration and he shares insights on his filmmaking career, the emotional impact of leaving home and the importance of preserving cultural identity.
Desmond’s film The Journey Home explores the lives of families and especially children who left South Africa for the United States.
It is clear from the film and our discussion that children often experience a different emotional impact during immigration.
We discuss the complexities of relocation, the significance of storytelling, and the lessons learned along the way.
I found the discussion truly motivational and I really enjoyed Desmond’s maturity, hi faith and his amazing love for the arts.
Desmond Denton: "You have to capture the present moment."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Desmond Denton and His Work
03:12 Desmond's Journey in Filmmaking
07:16 The Decision to Immigrate to the US
13:45 Living Out Faith in Filmmaking
16:27 The Journey Home: A Film on Immigration
22:14 Reflections on Leaving South Africa
23:59 Navigating Cultural Loss and Family Dynamics
27:13 The Journey of Doubt and Adaptation
30:48 The Emotional Toll of Immigration
34:11 Cultural Identity and Connection Abroad
37:07 Reflections on Life Choices and Opportunities
If you want to know more about Desmond and his filmmaking , his website is https://www.desmonddenton.com.
Festive Season Far From Home
To all South Africans spending this festive season far from the place that shaped you… we see you.
The longing hits a little harder this time of year—boerewors fires, familiar voices, the smell of rain on red earth.
Journey Home shares the real and raw experiences of families who took the brave leap to start over in the US. But the truest storytellers? Their children.
If you’re missing home, or know someone preparing for the journey… this film is a companion.
The Journey Home film is available on Amazon Prime in some locations and also on this link https://tubitv.com/movies/100028024/the-journey-home
or
https://www.roku.com/en-gb/whats-on/movies/the-journey-home?id=ff017c49a376ffde41d679b87bad2533
or
https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-journey-home/umc.cmc.4s5q6gynzbp3ztjqnfdm0onok
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
n this episode, I speak to Lumond Kritzinger, founder of HowzitExpats.com, about his emigration journey from South Africa to Ireland.
We discuss the challenges and planning involved in emigration, the importance of community, and the role of HowzitExpats in supporting South Africans abroad.
Lumondt shares insights on financial planning, cultural integration, and the significance of well-being for expats.
He emphasises the need to plan properly in order to make emigration successful.
He shares details for his well-being survey that is underway for South African expats.
Lumondt Kritzinger: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:03 Lumondt’s Immigration Journey
00:09 Challenges and Planning in Immigration
00:15 Community and Cultural Integration
00:21 Financial Planning for Expats
00:27 The Role of HowzitExpats
00:33 Well-being and Family Dynamics
00:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you want to know more about Lumondt and the well-being survey, his website is https://www.howzitexpats.com.
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
In this episode, I speak to Janet Edwards, author of The Overseas Caregiver's Guid.
We discuss the challenges and emotional weight of emigrating from South Africa to Australia.
We discuss the importance of planning for the future, including legal documents like power of attorney and wills, and the emotional toll of caring for parents from afar.
Janet shares her experiences managing her parents' care and finances, as well as practical advice for expats on how to stay connected with family back home.
The conversation emphasises the need for organisation, communication, and support networks for those navigating the complexities of emigration and caregiving.
She offers valuable advice for people with parents in South Africa and the importance of stayingg connected.
Janet Edwards: “Just “do one thing”
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Immigration and Family Separation
02:44 The Emotional Weight of emigration
05:44 The Overseas Caregiver's Guide: A Roadmap
08:38 Planning for the Future: Power of Attorney and Wills
11:49 Caring for Parents from Afar
14:27 Financial Management and Medical Aid
17:35 Dealing with Scams and Financial Safety
20:29 Balancing Emotions and Practicalities in Caregiving
23:24 Advice for Expats: Staying Connected
26:10 Reflecting on the emigration Journey
29:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
Janet’s contact details are as follows:
Website: https://www.theoverseascaregiver.com/overseascaregiver
Sales Page https://www.theoverseascaregiver.com/overseascaregiverorderform
Fb Group The Overseas Caregiver
Instagram the_overseas_caregiver
email janet@theoverseascaregiver.com
Book : AU$27 with a 44% discount voucher running until Friday, 12 December 2025 at 23h00 (Brisbane time)
Voucher Code: FLAMINGO
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Imagine learning Afrikaans at a university in America.
in this conversation I talk to Professor Jacques Duplessis who teaches Afrikaans at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
He shares shares his journey from South Africa to the United States, discussing his passion for teaching Afrikaans and the cultural connections he maintains.
He also talks about his love for poetry and the resources that he has built to promote the teaching of Afrikaans all over the world.
He emphasizes the importance of humor, music, and family ties in navigating life abroad, while also reflecting on identity and the challenges faced by immigrants.
Jacques offers valuable advice for young South Africans considering their future, highlighting the richness of their cultural heritage and the importance of staying connected to their roots.
I really enjoyed Jacques’ passion for Afrikaans and his people while building a life in the United States.
Jacques Du Plessis:"Afrikaans is a WYSIWYG language."
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Immigration and Personal Journeys
03:13 Cultural Connections and Language Teaching
05:50 Innovations in Language Education
09:12 The Global Interest in Afrikaans
11:56 Challenges of Less Commonly Taught Languages
15:01 Language Proficiency and Cultural Nuances
17:57 Understanding South African Humor
20:53 Cultural Differences in Friendships
23:46 The Depth of South African Connections
29:31 The Richness of Afrikaans Language
36:29 Cultural Identity and Language
44:57 The Role of Music in Language Learning
52:55 Reflections on Life Choices and Identity
Find out more about Jacques’ work on www.afrikaans.us and his personal website www.jacquesduplessis.com.
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Have you considered the feelings and emotions of parents whose children emigrate?
In this episode I talk to Dr Sulette Ferreira, a migration therapist specializing in emigration therapy for families living apart. We discuss the emotional challenges faced by families, particularly parents left behind when children emigrate.
Sulette highlights the concept of ambiguous loss, the importance of maintaining relationships across distances, and the need for community support. She emphasizes that emigration affects family dynamics and that parents often experience grief and longing for their children. The conversation also touches on the importance of seeking professional help and maintaining a positive relationship with children who have emigrated.
The conversation was interesting, and it made me appreciate caring for those who remain behind.
Sulette Ferreira: "Ambiguous loss is a continuous loss."
Chapters
00:00 Navigating emigration and Family Dynamics
03:23 Understanding the Emotional Impact of emigration
08:11 The Complexities of Long-Distance Relationships
12:40 Grief and Ambiguous Loss in emigration
17:01 The Role of Community and Support Systems
21:53 Financial and Logistical Challenges of emigration
26:36 Finding Meaning and Maintaining Relationships
33:47 Actionable Advice for Parents Left Behind
Dr Sulette can be contacted at www.drsulette.com. She is also on Facebook as Dr Sulette Ferreira and she has a private Facebook group for parents who stay behind “Worlds apart living in one heart”
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
The decision to emigrate has lifelong implications and challenges for everyone involved.
In this episode I talk to Andrew Rissik, the Group International Director of Sable International, a well know company that has a slogan of “internationalize yourself, your wealth and your business.”
Andrew speaks from own experience having moved to Portugal for part of the year while maintaining his roots in South Africa.
He highlights common misconceptions, the importance of planning, tax implications, and the emotional aspects of relocating.
There is no substitute for thorough research and professional advice when considering emigration.
He touches on the significance of community, education opportunities abroad, and the impact of leaving loved ones behind.
It was a great discussion with someone who has obviously paid his own school fees and is prepared to share his experience with the listeners.
Andrew Rissik: "Engage with a trusted partner."
Chapters
02:31 Andrew Rissik’s background and journey
04:52 Understanding the decision to Emigrate
09:36 The Importance of Planning and Research
11:57 Community and Support in New Environments
18:23 Navigating Tax Implications of Emigration
25:17 Navigating Nationality and Immigration Claims
27:35 Visa and Immigration Services Post-Brexit
29:55 Investment Migration and Financial Planning
32:15 Documentation Challenges and Government Backlogs
34:34 Housing and Accommodation Considerations
39:13 Understanding Costs of Living Abroad
46:02 Cultural Adaptation and Emotional Challenges
51:06 Family Dynamics and Caregiving in Emigration
48:23 Seeking Professional Guidance for Emigration
If you want to know more about the services of Sable International, their website is www.sableinternational.com. All the services and contact details are available on the website.
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Imagine being a young aircraft engineer in the 1980’s in South Africa who goes to Russia to work on a top secret military project.
In this episode, I talk to Kobus De Villiers, who shares his journey from South Africa to Canada. Kobus tells us about his experiences in aerospace engineering, and the secret project to build the MIG-29 engine into the South African Airforce’s Mirage and Cheetah aircraft.
Kobus has written 5 books and numerous articles, We discuss the challenges of emigration, the cultural adjustments in Canada, and his passion for writing, including his published works. He reflects on his life choices, the importance of commitment in emigration, and offers advice for those considering leaving South Africa.
It was a fascinating discussion with a man who has great passion for his work, his family and his writing and has lived an amazing life.
Kobus De Villiers: “my morals and my values are just not going to allow me to go there..”
00:00 Introduction to The Relocated South African Podcast
02:35 Kobus De Villiers: Journey from South Africa to Canada
05:03 Career in Aerospace Engineering and Military Projects
07:38 Collaboration with Russian Engineers on Military Aircraft
10:06 Transition to Life in Canada and New Opportunities
12:37 Challenges and Experiences in the Aerospace Industry
15:01 Family Life and Dual Citizenship
17:25 Writing Journey and Publishing Books
27:26 Writing and Personal Growth
33:34 Exploring the Publishing World
41:32 Reflections on Life Choices and emigration
48:21 Advice for Potential Immigrants
Kobus De Villiers’ books are available on Amazon both in hard copy and e books and at Kobus de Villiers Archives | Malherbe Publishers
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Imagine moving to the UK and building a successful life and career but after more than 20 years deciding to go back to South Africa.
In this episode, I chat to Wolf Dette, the owner of Wolfies Bar in London, who shares his journey from South Africa to the UK and back. Wolf discusses his early life, ambitions in finance and the challenges of running a business during COVID.
He talks about the family’s decision to return to South Africa for family and community support. He also explores the world of NFT's and crypto investments, reflecting on the importance of resilience and cultural identity.
I really enjoyed Wolf’s entrepreneurial spirit and his drive to provide what is best for his son’s health challenges.
Wolf Dette: "the amount of growing up that you do when you go overseas and there is no one to help you. No parents no friends ..”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
01:20 Early Life and Ambitions
04:29 Transition to the UK and Career Development
05:47 The Birth of little Wolf
08:21 A big UK tax bill
09:33 First Bitcoin purchase
16:30 Success in the UK
21:23 Community and Support Systems
23:20 Reflections on Safety and Crime
25:20 Cultural Identity and Resilience
28:00 Healthcare and Family Considerations
32:33 Crime in the UK
39:00 Things change when you emigrate and grow up
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Have you ever thought about the challenges of selling everything to be ready to emigrate and then Covid arrived?
In this episode, I speak to Hettie Meyer who relocated to Wellsford, New Zealand from the East Rand in South Africa.
We talk about the family’s journey from South Africa, the challenges of moving, and the differences in lifestyle, culture, and healthcare in New Zealand.
I really enjoyed hearing about Hettie’s experiences with moving, childcare and the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones back home. For me the conversation highlights the emotional aspects of emigration, the adjustments required, and the freedom and safety that come with living in New Zealand.
If emigration is on your horison you will find Hettie’s advice very useful.
"Don't bring your furniture."-Hettie Meyer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:46 Life in Wellsford, New Zealand
05:45 The Decision to Move
08:48 Challenges of Relocation
11:51 Family and Childcare in New Zealand
14:46 Cultural Differences and Community
17:30 Healthcare and Safety
20:32 Maintaining Family Connections
23:33 Reflections on South Africa
26:34 Food and Lifestyle Differences
29:08 Advice for Potential emigrants
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Do we sometimes neglect the feelings of parents who stay behind when their children decide to emigrate.
In this conversation, I speak with Rene Koekemoer, a South African mother who has two daughters who live abroad. We discuss the emotional journey of being a parent left behind, the sacrifices made by both parents and children, and the impact of distance on family dynamics. Rene shares her experiences of coping with separation, the importance of support systems, and the unconditional love that drives parents to want the best fortheir children, even when it means living far apart.
The discussion with Rene left me with a clear understanding of the emotional rollercoaster of a parent with children abroad. Her journey clearly reflects the emotional complexities of being a parent left behind.
Parents often suppress their emotions to remain strong for their children. Support systems for parents left behind are non-existent.
“I will never judge them."- René Koekemoer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Immigration
02:44 Life as a Parent Left Behind
05:51 Navigating Emotions of Separation
08:47 Understanding the Decision to Leave
11:54 The Impact of Distance on Family Dynamics
14:47 The Loss of Family Connections
17:32 Coping with the Emotions of Departure
20:38 The Role of Support Systems
23:23 Finding Positivity in Separation
26:34 Advice for Parents of Immigrants
29:27 The Unconditional Love ofParents
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to face major life challenges far away from the familiar comforts of home and family? Or how it feels to build a new identity and raise a family abroad, without the built-in support systems so many of us take for granted?
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Ruth Prinsloo, whose story takes us from her childhood in Boksburg, to a life spread across continents. Ruth has not only navigated the practical and emotional realities of relocating -moving through France, Japan, and now the Netherlands - but has also beat cancer, rebuilt her sense of self, and raised a family in a foreign land, all while being far from her closest relatives.
Interviewing Ruth left a deep impression on me. She speaks with such honesty about the difficulties of coping with illness when your family is thousands of kilometres away, the challenge of forming your own identity in a new country, and the bittersweet emotions involved in seeing your children create their own connections with South Africa from afar.
If you’re interested in the real, sometimes raw experience of carving out a life abroad - especially when it comes to family, health, and finding your place in the world - you won’t want to miss Ruth’s moving and insightful story.
“To be able to let go of my idea of how I thought it would work out and just simply take it as it comes.” - Ruth Prinsloo
00:00 Introduction
05:21 An out-of-the-blue opportunity in Japan
09:15 How she ended up in Amsterdam
11:20 Her journey with cancer
14:00 Crafting as part of recovery
16:35 Pursuing bronze sculpting
21:04 Meeting a renowned sculptor
26:43 Playing rugby in Holland
31:40 SA vs European perspective
35:06 Coping with fear and trauma
40:38 Looking forward, not backwards
44:53 She experienced a medical miracle
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever felt that your voice was being stifled, or wondered what it would be like to leave everything behind just so you could tell the truth? What would drive a journalist to walk away from their homeland - not out of adventure, but because they could no longer breathe under the weight of censorship?
In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Johan Allers, a man whose work on local television and radio was a familiar part of my own childhood. Johan’s career saw him reporting on some of the most important and difficult moments in our country’s history, but it was the growing pressure to toe the official line - and the inability to report freely and honestly - that eventually pushed him to leave South Africa.
Interviewing Johan was a powerful reminder of just how personal the choice to relocate can be. For Johan, it wasn’t just about career ambition or curiosity about life overseas; it was fundamentally about integrity, and the need to tell real stories without interference and fear. His reflections on those final years in South Africa, the moments when he realised he could not be the kind of journalist he aspired to be, really struck a chord with me.
Whether you’re thinking about moving abroad, facing similar professional crossroads, or simply interested in the stories behind South Africa’s media past, I hope you’ll find Johan’s journey as compelling and honest as I did.
“I actually became for the first time, truly confronted with the realities of South Africa as it was seen [through] the eyes of the Europeans at that time.” - Johan Allers
00:00 Introduction
05:14 Award-winning producer
09:16 Early career ambitions
11:50 Being a journalist during apartheid
14:24 Media manipulation in South Africa
20:15 Connections to the liberation movement
22:25 Meeting Kofi Annan
25:14 Chance encounter with Muhammad Ali
30:19 Moving to Amsterdam
33:26 Travelling Europe for TV
38:10 His views on the Afrikaans refugees in the U.S
41:46 Longing for home
44:04 The essence of SA
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pack up your life and move overseas - not just physically, but mentally as well? What does it mean to fully commit to a new country, instead of keeping one foot in the place you came from?
In this episode, I talk to Norman and Chantal van Wyk, the first couple I’ve interviewed who made the move from South Africa to Norway. What struck me most about our conversation was how determined they were, right from the start, to go all in. They didn’t leave with a safety net or a backup plan to return home. Instead, they put all their energy into starting over and truly making Norway their new home.
I really enjoyed speaking to them. Their honesty about the ups and downs of committing fully to life in another country really resonated with me. If you’ve ever wondered about what it means to let go of your old life and embrace a new one wholeheartedly, I think you’ll find their story both inspiring and relatable.
“We need to make Norwegian friends. We can't just stay in this South African bubble. Although we're very appreciative of them.” - Norman van Wyk
00:00 Introduction
06:25 Seeking safety abroad
08:49 Life in the countryside
11:59 Serendipitous Scandinavian job offer
13:52 Finding the right house
18:18 Aligning their mindsets was key
22:34 Adapting to life in a foreign country
27:58 Applying for a visa
35:24 Breaking barriers with locals
37:57 Yearning for familiar connections
42:14 Limpet the cat went missing in Amsterdam
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to pack up your life in South Africa and start over in a place as far away as New Zealand? What makes someone leave everything familiar behind and begin again, especially when safety and a better future for their family are at stake?
In this episode, I chat to Dr. Kobus Du Plooy, a clinical psychologist who took the leap from Pretoria to Otago, New Zealand with his wife, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about the tough decisions that led up to their move, including the safety concerns that played a big part, Kobus’s career journey, adjusting to a new country, and how starting over brings both challenges and unexpected joys.
I really enjoyed this conversation with Kobus. He was such a down-to-earth guest, and I appreciated how open he was about the emotional side of relocating - from leaving family behind, to facing loneliness, to eventually finding their feet and building a new life. I found it especially moving to hear how he and his wife support each other and the practical advice he had for others considering a similar move.
If you’re thinking of moving abroad, or you're just curious about life in New Zealand as a South African, I think you’ll find Kobus’s story both relatable and inspiring.
“When I speak to a lot of South Africans here, they said had their circumstances been different, they wouldn't have wanted to make this move.” - Kobus Du Plooy
00:00 Introduction
05:58 Making the move mid-pandemic
10:03 Prioritising family safety
15:48 Balancing familiarity and change abroad
20:05 Overcoming reluctance to socialise
27:57 “It’s not for sissies”
31:11 Life isn’t always fair
34:43 Navigating change for the sake of opportunity
38:20 Teaching our kids to have manners
41:38 What he would have done differently
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
In May 2025, the US welcomed its first batch of white Afrikaans South Africans as part of its divisive Refugee Admissions Program.
Some people are saying that they will be back, while others don’t even think they should have been accepted in the first place - it’s been dominating the headlines for months and today’s guest has become somewhat of a voice for the programme’s participants.
Andrea Shea is a wife, mother, and passionate activist for South Africans living in the United States. Andrea shares her journey of relocating from South Africa after her family won the diversity visa lottery, after many years of trying. We talk about everything from settling in Florida, cultural adjustments, and raising a family in a new country, to her activism in support of South Africans seeking a "safer and brighter future".
My discussion with Andrea was a truly eye-opening experience. Her honesty about the challenges of leaving South Africa, the realities of moving to the US, and her tireless work supporting others really struck a chord with me. I left our conversation feeling inspired by her resilience and her unwavering commitment to help fellow South Africans navigate these uncertain paths.
If you’re considering relocation, wanting to know more about the refugee programme to the US, or simply curious about what life is like after such a big move, this episode has plenty of insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss.
“I think people have it in their head that [if] you're a refugee, there's kind of like a stigma behind it. But no one I've known that has gone over on the programme has been stigmatised.” - Andrea Shea
00:00 Introduction
07:18 Visiting South Africa
12:19 US-SA relations
14:50 South African politics and the race debate
18:22 Is change imminent?
19:35 Addressing poverty
23:56 Chaotic start to refugee programme
27:20 Relocating for children’s future
31:37 Work visa vs. refugee programme
32:32 Misconceptions about being a US citizen
38:35 Embracing local culture abroad
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
To stay, or not to stay? Relocating overseas is one of the biggest, toughest decisions that one can make. You have to consider your reasons for it, look at the pros versus the cons, and weigh up all of the things you gain (and give up) when making that move.
Relocating from South Africa is not always easy. And today I'd like to share my own experience of going through that exact process.
In this episode, I'll be reflecting on the many insights and lessons learned from both my personal journey and from 24 previous conversations with other South Africans who have relocated. I'll talk about what makes people happy in South Africa, and what happens when those things start to disappear. Whether it's concerns about physical safety, job opportunities, or wanting a better education for your children, I'll cover the main reasons people find themselves seriously considering a move overseas.
I'll also speak honestly about the difficult parts - like missing family, the challenges of starting from scratch in a new country, and the grief that can come with breaking up close-knit communities. But it's not all negative! I'll share the practical things to think about before relocating, the joy of discovering new freedoms and opportunities, and why, after everything, my wife and I are settled and happy with the decision we made.
If you're thinking about relocating abroad, or just want to know what really goes through a person's mind before, during, and after such a big move, I hope you'll find some value in this episode.
“Sometimes it's hard to make the sacrifice now, but five years down the line, you look back and you'll say, wow, I did the right thing.” - Jan Hugo
00:00 Introduction
06:09 Essentials to consider pre-relocation
09:09 Opportunities abroad
11:07 Challenges of family separation
14:04 Making an aligned decision
19:04 Reflecting on leaving SA
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
From being born in South Africa, to moving to Canada as a teenager, and then back to South Africa (this time as an adult), today's guest has been on quite the journey!
Bronwyn Rodrigues is a mother, entrepreneur, and content creator who left South Africa at 15-years-old to start a new life in Canada - only to return home 23 years later. Bronwyn opened up about her reasons for relocating, the challenges and realities of life in Canada, and what ultimately brought her back home, with her young son.
Recounting her experience of navigating Canada’s healthcare and education systems, Bronwyn shared how local doctors told her she would “never be able to have children” and what it felt like to realise there was no place for her child in school as someone with special needs.
It was fascinating speaking to her, as she shared the difficult moments of navigating public systems in a foreign country and the ups and downs of resettling in South Africa. I think her story offers lots of relatable moments - whether you’re considering a move abroad, thinking about returning home, or just looking for inspiration from someone who’s faced tough choices and kept moving forward.
“I could not imagine how I was going to have a special needs child in that country.” - Bronwyn Rodrigues
00:00 Introduction
06:22 Mixing with SA expats in Canada
07:19 From endometriosis to falling pregnant
09:29 A long and difficult labour
11:22 Seeking help in the US
13:53 Returning to SA
18:12 Multiple businesses to support son’s medical needs
18:54 Feeling like she doesn’t belong
25:08 Virtual tour business
27:57 Commitment to local progress
30:41 Corruption and safety concerns
33:16 Navigating SA social dynamics
39:05 Overcoming depression in Canada
45:27 “Stay and appreciate your country”
48:05 Holidaying in Cape Town
Resources
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency: