The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

In this episode I speak with Cornis van der Lugt, a South African sustainability expert. 

He shares insights on his international career, the transition from apartheid to democracy, and living across different cultures. 

This episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, cultural diversity, and building a meaningful life abroad.

He discusses his childhood and family history rooted in the Western Cape and Dutch heritage and his involvement in anti-apartheid activism and transition into international environmental governance.

He provides insights on navigating life and career in Europe, including language learning and cultural integration

He shares his view on the importance of diaspora networks, maintaining roots, and fostering diversity

Cornis Van Der Lugt: "Stay positive and embrace your roots"

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction: Cornis van der Lugt’s journey from South Africa to Europe

02:18 - Early influences: Family, upbringing, and political awakening

05:37 - University years and student protests in Stellenbosch

08:20 - First encounters with the ANC in Lusaka and exile experiences

10:37 - Transitioning into government work and South Africa's democracy

12:11 - Reflection on South Africa’s post-apartheid progress and challenges

15:13 - Foreseeing South Africa's future and lessons from history

17:34 - Rebuilding infrastructure and leadership in South Africa today

19:28 - Addressing crime and safety issues in South Africa

22:41 - Living abroad in Paris, Geneva, and cultural adaptation

25:12 - Language skills and cultural experiences across Europe

27:31 - Food, travel, and the joys of European multiculturalism

30:37 - Living in Switzerland: multicultural food and community life

32:24 - Staying connected to South African roots and diaspora networks

36:36 - Why South Africans excel abroad and resilience in the diaspora

39:22 - Cost of living, healthcare, and quality of life in Switzerland and Europe

41:32 - Success stories of South Africans internationally and their mindset

44:31 - Future plans: Retiring between South Africa and Europe

45:55 - The role of education, diversification, and AI in career planning

48:50 - Reflections on staying connected to South Africa and cultural roots

49:46 - Cornis’s advice to young professionals and future opportunities

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

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Documents with convenience.

In this episode, I sit down with Marilise de Villiers-Basson — TEDx speaker, high-performance coach, founder of Roar Coaching & Consulting, and bestselling author — for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations the show has had.

Marilise grew up in Bredasdorp in the Cape Overberg, studied B Accounting at Stellenbosch University, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PwC in Cape Town. 

It was during her induction training at PwC that she realised her true calling wasn't in numbers — it was in people. Within three years of qualifying she had become the firm's Training Manager for the Western Cape.

In 2004, mid-20s and newly in love, she gave her now-husband Heini an ultimatum: are you coming or going? 

He chose to go — with her — to London. What followed was 18 years of building a career, a family, and a life in England, including 16 years with PwC and a pioneering move into the human side of cyber security, a field she continues to shape today.

But it wasn't all plain sailing. Marilise shares openly about the four-year ordeal of being bullied by a managing director — and the moment she was publicly demoted in a boardroom in front of her entire team. She talks candidly about becoming her own biggest bully in the process, the burnout that followed, and her journey back to herself through physical health, coaching, and eventually, her writing.

Her first book, Roar: How to Tame the Bully Inside and Out, was born out of that experience — and out of the realisation that workplace bullying is a silent epidemic that far too many people suffer alone. Now being republished in South Africa under her own brand, Roar is more relevant than ever.

Then came the decision to return home. COVID shifted everything. Parents were getting older. The boys — born in England — were growing up. And something about South Africa kept pulling them back. In 2023 they moved into their dream barn-style home in Jamestown, just outside Stellenbosch. But re-entry brought its own challenges: reverse culture shock, a second burnout, and the humbling reality of rebuilding a business in a new market.

That experience became the seed of her brand-new book: Moar: How to Play to Win Without Burning Out — a guide to finding your unique "more" and pursuing it with energy, intention, and joy, without losing yourself in the process.

In this episode we cover:

• 01:18 — Growing up barefoot in Bredasdorp and studying at Stellenbosch University
• 01:55 — Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and discovering a passion for training at PwC
• 04:46 — Moving to London in 2004 and spending 18 years building a career and family
• 04:58 — Transitioning into cyber security — and why it's fundamentally a people problem
• 06:25 — The brave decision to return to South Africa after 18 years
• 12:37 — Reverse culture shock and the reality of rebuilding life back home
• 17:39 — Four years of workplace bullying and what it taught her about resilience
• 19:55 — Being publicly demoted — and why it was the turning point she needed
• 24:44 — Recovering from burnout and her journey into high-performance coaching
• 28:22 — A second burnout in 2023 — and why she had to "live the curriculum first"
• 31:21 — The new book Moar and what it means to play to win without burning out
• 45:52 — Advice for South Africans thinking about leaving — or coming home

Connect with Marilise:

• Website: marilise-de-villiers.com
• Podcast: Roar for More
• Books: Roar and Moar — available on Amazon worldwide, Exclusive Books, and Takealot in South Africa

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

Visit Apostil here -⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠⁠

Documents with convenience.

In this episode, I speak with a South African couple Jannie and Karen Kotzé about their migration journey to Australia.

They discuss  the challenges they faced, and practical advice for others considering the move. 

We talk about safety concerns, immigration processes, cost of living, and cultural adjustments, providing valuable insights for prospective migrants.

Karen also shares some insight on Australian immigration process and visa options

They also talk about the mistakes they made in their personal journey.

 Jannie and Karen: “Focus on the reasons why you want to migrate"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Kotzé family's journey

04:08 The Decision to Migrate: Personal Experiences

10:01 Navigating the Migration Process

16:15 Life in Australia: Expectations vs. Reality

21:21 Healthcare and Cost of Living in Australia

27:06 Final Thoughts on Migration and Consultancy

28:56 The Emotional Cost of Immigration

31:37 Cultural and Work Adjustments

33:58 Navigating Legal Differences in Australia

35:14 Impact of COVID-19 on Migration

37:49 Current Immigration Landscape in Australia

41:20 Who Should Consider Migrating?

43:21 The Migration Process Explained

48:26 Building a New Social Network

52:15 Reflections on Migration and Adaptation

 resources

Karen's Email - karen@kotzélaw.com.au

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

Documents with convenience.

In this episode I chat with Marco Bouwer, A South African entrepreneur who builtds bridges between South Africa and China through his work in international trade. 

He shares insights into living in China, doing business there, and the cultural nuances that shape this unique experience.

Marco discusses how to build trust in Chinese business culture and navigating Chinese regulations and red tape.

He also shares the important role of WeChat in daily life and business

Through his business, mychinalink.com he not only facilitates business but also tourism between South Africa and China.

Marco Bouwer:  "China's speed is unmatched in the world"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marco Bouwer and His Journey

06:18 From Journalism to Living in China

11:08 Life in China: Challenges and Opportunities

16:10 Daily Life in Shanghai

20:45 Healthcare and Cost of Living in China

24:25 Starting MyChinaLink: Business Insights

29:11 Navigating the Chinese Market

34:38 Logistics and Cultural Experiences

40:35 Reflections on South Africa and Future Aspirations

MyChinaLink - https://www.mychinalink.com

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. 

Need your documents sorted? Visit Apostil here -https://tinyurl.com/apostilcozaDocuments with convenience.

In this episode, I speak with South African entrepreneur Francisca Lombard who shares her journey from South Africa to Canada.

Discover how she turned tech innovator, leveraged Canadian industry experience to create MineGPT—an AI system tailored specifically for the mining sector. 

This episode explores themes of adaptation, entrepreneurship, and the transformative power of AI in resource exploration.

She gives personal insights on immigration, cultural differences, and building a new life abroad.

She shares the challenges of healthcare, cost of living, and maintaining family connections overseas

00:00 - Introduction to Francisca Lombard's migration story and AI ventures 

02:15 - How and why Francisco chose Canada for mining opportunities 

03:52 - The influence of South Africa's mining industry and exporting engineering talent 

05:14 - Insights into Canada’s mining industry and global influence 

06:54 - The challenges faced with visa processes and immigration lotteries 

08:23 - Personal motivation: coping with the loss of Francisco’s brother and desire for international experience 

09:33 - Family life in Canada: marriage, parenting, and adapting to harsh winters 

10:36 - The emotional impact of being far from family and support networks 

11:33 - Differences in healthcare systems and access to medical services 

12:19 - The cultural dynamics among South Africans abroad and community experiences 

14:26 - How Canadian lifestyle differs from South Africa in leisure and infrastructure 

16:43 - Cost of living and the high expenses associated with imported goods 

21:03 - The evolution of Francisco’s AI business and its potential in South Africa 

29:11 - How AI is accessible globally, even for those with minimal development experience 

32:16 - How MindGPT simplifies regulatory report analysis and risk assessment in mining 

35:14 - AI’s role in transforming the mining industry and analysis of large technical documentation 

37:14 - Future of work, AI adoption, and evolution of industry standards 39:11 - Perspectives on South Africa’s mining industry and mineral wealth 

42:55 - Connecting with family and revisiting South Africa 

44:10 - The impact of COVID-19 on living and working abroad 

46:20 - Advice for young professionals contemplating international careers 

48:17 - Reflections on belongings and the value of accumulated possessions during migration 

50:12 - Final thoughts on resilience, entrepreneurship, and the journey of emigration

Resources & Links:

• mindgpt.ai — Francisca’s AI platform tailored for mining
• LinkedIn: Francisco Lombard — Connect with Francisco

Thanks for listening! If this episode resonated, please share it and subscribe for more inspiring migration and industry insights.

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. 

Need your documents sorted? Visit Apostil here -https://tinyurl.com/apostilcozaDocuments with convenience.

In today’s episode I talk with Lazola Tutani who shares his inspiring journey from South Africa to the US via Germany.

We discuss his early life and the lessons learnt from his rugby coaches in the Eastern Cape.

He highlights his career in manufacturing, cultural adaptation, and future ambitions to contribute back home. 

He shares insights on living abroad, career growth, and maintaining family connections across continents.

He talks about how his young family adapted two two moves across continents and how they enjoy life in the US

His ultimate goal is to return to South Africa to make a contribution to the country.

Lazola Tutani: "Anything is possible if you have a vision”      

                        ”Work hard and be stubborn to pursue your dreams"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Lazola's Background

02:24 Early Life and Education in South Africa

05:34 Working as a Petrol Attendant During University

08:06 Relocating to Germany for Career Opportunities

09:29 Learning German and Cultural Integration

12:11 Family Challenges and Adaptation in Germany

16:43 Transition from Germany to the US

20:33 First Impressions and Life in the US

22:56 Visa, Work, and Family in America

26:28 Participating in Ironman and Personal Challenges

29:01 US Healthcare and Food Culture

31:44 Family Exercise and School System in the US

35:58 South African Community and Cultural Integration

37:48 Challenges of Living in the US

39:19 Missing Family and Future Plans

41:48 Return to South Africa and Contributing to the Country

45:10 Mentorship, Giving Back, and Future Aspirations

46:31 Final Advice and Inspirational Message

LinkedIn Profile of Lazola Titani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lazolatitani

Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? Visit Aposil here -https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza

Documents with convenience.

In this episode I speak with  Jesse Green the founder of Apostil.co.za.

He shares his journey from South Africa to Seville in Spain.

He provides insights on immigration, and the services offered by apostill.co.za to assist South Africans with documentation and legal processes.

He discusses some of the challenges and solutions encountered in dealing with international documentation. 

We explore the cost of living and quality of life as well as the language, culture, and integration in Spain

Jesse Green: "Immersing in the culture is essential."

"Professional help saves time and money."

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Immigration: From South Africa to Spain

05:48 Cultural Immersion and Language Challenges in Spain

12:17 Navigating Tax and Healthcare as an Expat in Spain

19:00 Building a Business: Apostil.co.za and Its Growth

24:48 From Recruitment to E-commerce

26:20 The Need for Documentation

31:33 Being Document Ready for Immigration

34:05 Services Offered for South Africans

36:41 Navigating Visa Applications

39:05 Common Mistakes in Document Processing

42:00 Last-Minute Solutions and Delays

46:48 Entrepreneurship Across Borders

48:38 Cultural Differences and Personal Touch

 Resources

Website - https://apostil.co.za

Jesse Green links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jessegreen

In this episode I speak with Rob Mailich, a seasoned South African entrepreneur and recruitment expert.

He shares his fascinating journey from Johannesburg to London and beyond. 

He discusses the importance of maintaining cultural roots, the realities of immigration, and the value of international experience for young professionals.

He highlights the cultural attributes of South Africans that make them stand out globally.

Rob says that the role of family in cross-border relocations and immigration choices can never be underestimated.

Rob emphasises that embracing change, maintaining cultural pride, and continuously learning are key to thriving abroad. His insights remind us that regardless of where we are in the world, staying connected to our roots and fostering community are vital for success and happiness.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Rob Mailich 

02:14 - Growing up in Johannesburg and early educational path

03:32 - Rob’s first international move and work in Atlanta, Georgia

05:28 - Returning to South Africa and transition into recruitment

06:18 - Starting Redi Recruitment during the 2008 financial crisis

07:22 - Rob's move to London to establish UK operations

09:01 - Rob's perspectives on cultural identity and maintaining South African roots abroad

10:47 - The South African passion, humour, and community spirit

15:12 - Top countries for South African professionals to immigrate to, including the UK, Canada, and Australia

16:45 - Skills in demand abroad: engineers, CAs, and other professionals

18:54 - Trends of returning South Africans and age demographics influencing immigration

20:20 - South African work ethic, problem-solving, and diversity as attractive qualities abroad

25:07 - Follow-up for placed candidates and career growth over the years

27:04 - The emotional challenges of immigration and the importance of community support networks

29:55 - Family considerations and the influence of children and aging parents on migration decisions

31:42 - The psychological effects of migration and lessons learned

35:11 - Rob's advice for those contemplating migration and cultural adaptation

37:16 - South African identity across borders and the emotional pull of home

38:34 - Support and unity among South Africans abroad

40:35 - Rob’s favourite country to live in: South Africa, and his love for travel and lifestyle

48:00 - How to connect with Rob and resources for career and relocation guidance

Resources & Links:

• https://rediholbourne.com/
• Rob's LinkedIn profile (search "Rob Mailich")
• Rob's Instagram and Facebook page links (available on his website)

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

Explore the compelling story of Ankia Coetzer, a South African whose life has spanned several countries, careers, and personal challenges. 

Her journey highlights the complexities of migration, the importance of resilience, and the evolving meaning of home.

Ankia shares  how her early relocation from Johannesburg shaped her perspective on migration

She talks about the experiences and lessons learned during her two decades of living and working in London and how she navigated visa pathways, citizenship, and tax implications across the UK and South Africa

She highlights the impact of family, health crises, and personal growth on her international decision-making

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to Ankia´s unique relocation story

01:16 - Early beginnings and moving between South African towns

02:41 - First move to London and initial work experiences

03:24 - Why London was the chosen destination in 2000

04:44 - Starting her career in retail and retail management

06:26 - Transition into recruitment and HR consulting

08:08 - Returning to South Africa and the challenges of visa and education rules

10:29 - Deciding to study HR and career development in South Africa

12:02 - Balancing work, study, and entrepreneurial efforts as a student

14:23 - Re-entering the UK visa system and professional growth

16:53 - Building lasting relationships and community across different years and countries

18:57 - The complexities of immigration compliance and becoming a UK citizen

22:26 - Reflections on the privilege of citizenship and the costs involved

24:09 - Moving back to South Africa in 2020 during the pandemic

33:27 - Navigating homelessness and repatriation during COVID lockdowns

36:52 - Realising her impact through coaching and relationships in her current career

40:07 - The importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in leadership

42:13 - Family, safety, and balancing dual identities across borders

45:42 - What South Africa means to her and the pull of home

53:52 - The challenges and opportunities of working in both countries

54:12 - Looking back and advice for her younger self

Connect with Ankia

• LinkedIn - Ankia Coetzer MBA
• Email - [email protected]

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]

In this episode, I speak with Johan Jooste who has lived in 4 countries abroad and is considering moving back to South Africa.

He shares his extensive journey as a South African expatriate, detailing his experiences living in various countries including Jersey, London, Singapore, and Liechtenstein. 

He discusses the challenges of relocation, the importance of family dynamics, and the emotional and logistical hurdles faced during their transitions. 

Johan reflects on the lessons learned throughout his journey, the impact on his family, and the considerations involved in potentially returning to South Africa. 

He emphasises the need for flexibility, thorough research, and the significance of support systems in navigating life abroad.

He highlights that financial strains can be unexpected when relocating to a new country.

Johan Jooste: “You can't do too much research."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Johann's Journey

01:06 Early Life and Education

02:29 Career Beginnings and First Move

05:03 Life in London and Transition to Singapore

16:21 Challenges of Relocation and Family Dynamics

21:41 Considering a Return to South Africa

32:04 Comparative Experiences in Different Countries

46:08 Cost of Living and Bureaucracy Insights

52:18 Reflections on the Journey

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]