The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

In this episode, I speak  with Wendy Carlsson, a South African who relocated to Sweden. 

Wendy shares her journey from growing up in a coloured community in Cape Town to adapting to life in Sweden.

She shares her experiences with cultural differences, starting a business, and the challenges of being away from her family. 

She reflects on the beauty of her new life while also expressing the emotional complexities of leaving her homeland. 

Wendy offers insights into the cost of living in Sweden, the importance of community, and advice for young South Africans considering emigration.

She makes a point to travel back home regularly to see her family.

Wendy Carlsson: "Life in Sweden has been wonderful, perfect growth for me in that in a world where you don't have to worry about safety," 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:49 Wendy's Background and Early Life

11:51 Life in Sweden: A New Beginning

13:06 Starting a Business in Sweden

15:05 Adapting to Swedish Winters

17:11 Cultural Differences and Food

20:01 Reflections on South Africa

23:26 Cost of Living and Community

28:31 Advice for Young South Africans

33:15 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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 to Marlene Prentice the owner of Migration Network Australia.

She shares the inspiring journey of a family determined to emigrate to Australia despite facing numerous challenges. 

Their journey motivated her to leave her accounting career to become an immigration agent to help others.

One of the beautiful stories she shares is about a young mother who, lacking qualifications and work experience, embarked on a seven-year journey to secure a visa for her family. Through perseverance and dedication, she successfully navigated the visa process, ultimately achieving her dream of settling in Australia with her family.

She offers valuable advice for people who want to immigrate to Australia.

Marlene prentice: “ I don’t like taking people’s money knowing that they are not going to get a visa…”

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

00:03 Marlene's Journey to Australia 

00:09 Cultural Differences and Challenges 

00:15 Establishing Migration Network Australia 

00:21 Advice for Future Immigrants 

00:27 Current Immigration Landscape in Australia 

00:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

Marlene’s contact details are as follows: Website https://www.migrationnetworkaustralia.com

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 Nic Latouf, a South African entrepreneur and co-founder of the Lekker Network. 

We discuss Nic's journey from Pretoria Boys High to building a global network for South Africans, emphasising the importance of community, connection, and the potential of the South African diaspora. 

We explore the challenges and opportunities faced by South Africans abroad, the significance of networking, and the positive impact of the Lekker Network in fostering collaboration and support among its members. 

Nic shares insights on maintaining a positive mindset, the emotional toll of immigration, and the upcoming book 'Winning the Away Game,' which highlights the successes of South Africans worldwide.

He also discusses the need top maintain positivity and wellness for South Africans abroad.

Nic Latouf: “Focus is the key to success."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Podcast

01:10 Nic Latouf: Background and Early Ventures

03:01 The Birth of the Lekker Network

08:42 Building a Global Community of South Africans

12:59 The Power of the South African Diaspora

16:14 Connecting Opportunities: Real Stories of Impact

18:54 Future Plans and the Impact of the Lekker Network

30:37 Maintaining Independence and Future Investments

33:12 The Power of Positivity in the Diaspora

36:22 Navigating Family Dynamics and Immigration Challenges

42:25 Inclusivity in Business Networks

46:56 Celebrating South African Success Stories

53:03 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

56:59 Balancing Work and Family Life

Nic is active on Linkedin @niclatouf. Visit the Lekker network at www.the lekkernetwork.com.

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 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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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/

Fb Group   The Overseas Caregiver

Instagram   the_overseas_caregiver

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]

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 [email protected]