The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
- Episodes
- 99
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 9, 2026
About the podcast
The show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future. Join host Jan Hugo as he shares authentic emigration stories from South Africans who've taken the leap. You'll hear about what drove their decision to leave, the mistakes they made, and how they've built new lives abroad. We'll explore everything from the emotional reality of leaving friends and family behind, to the challenges of emigrating to a foreign country. Relocating isn't always simple, but this show will provide you with the certainty, practical information and support to make the whole process easier.
Episodes 99
From South Africa to Dubai to Luxembourg: Andries Venter's Journey Abroad-Ep 97
Andries Venter’s journey abroad has taken him from South Africa to Dubai and, eventually, Luxembourg.In this episode, Andries talks about leaving South Africa, building a life in Dubai and what eventually led …
Show notes
Andries Venter’s journey abroad has taken him from South Africa to Dubai and, eventually, Luxembourg.
In this episode, Andries talks about leaving South Africa, building a life in Dubai and what eventually led him to Luxembourg.
We explore the realities of living and working abroad, adapting to different cultures, building relationships and creating a new life far from home.
It’s a conversation about the twists and turns that can shape an emigration journey — and how sometimes the destination you eventually call home is not the one you originally imagined.
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For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – From South Africa to Luxembourg
01:36 – Where exactly is Luxembourg?
02:57 – Languages and adapting to life in Luxembourg
04:55 – Growing up in Klerksdorp and studying at Potchefstroom
07:08 – When did the idea of living abroad begin?
08:17 – The opportunity to move to Dubai
10:43 – Arriving in Dubai and the first six months
14:13 – Building a South African community in Dubai
14:28 – Meeting Lee in Dubai
15:04 – Seven years in Dubai
15:19 – The reality behind the Dubai lifestyle
17:51 – Adapting to Dubai and living in a Muslim country
19:11 – Why Dubai was always going to be temporary
21:12 – How the Luxembourg opportunity came about
23:33 – Arriving in Luxembourg: cold, dark and lonely
26:37 – Building a new community and avoiding loneliness
28:09 – Safety in Dubai, Luxembourg and South Africa
29:40 – Dubai vs Luxembourg: cost of living
32:00 – Quality of life: Luxembourg vs Dubai
32:51 – The Cappuccino Index
34:03 – How difficult is it to get a Luxembourg passport?
35:30 – Is Luxembourg the long-term destination?
36:10 – Family back in South Africa
37:38 – Going home to South Africa as an expat
38:47 – When family is far away
39:19 – How Andries' father reacted to the move
40:28 – Making the decision despite family concerns
41:36 – The biggest surprise since leaving South Africa
41:58 – Meeting Lee: the biggest blessing of the journey
43:08 – South Africa → Dubai → Luxembourg
44:13 – Final thoughts and farewellConnect with the podcast
Website: https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
31 Years Abroad — Why Rob Hersov Came Home-EP 96
Rob Hersov spent 31 years building a life and career overseas, working with some of the biggest names in international business. Then, in 2017, he returned to South Africa with his family.In this candid …
Show notes
Rob Hersov spent 31 years building a life and career overseas, working with some of the biggest names in international business. Then, in 2017, he returned to South Africa with his family.
In this candid conversation, Rob reflects on leaving South Africa, his years in America and Europe, and why he believes life abroad can be romanticised. He explains what brought his family home, why he became an outspoken voice on South Africa's future, and why he believes many South Africans living overseas could one day return.
We also discuss personal safety, the realities facing ordinary South Africans, the country's economic prospects, and his advice to young people considering emigration.
“There is no place like home, but I'm telling you there's no place like South Africa.” — Rob Hersov
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Sable International
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
_______________________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:34 Growing up in South Africa and building an international career
02:59 From Italy and London to 31 years abroad
04:59 Why he chose not to return in the 1990s
08:04 Why America made such an impression
10:20 Is life abroad romanticised?
13:06 Bringing the family back to Cape Town
16:17 What surprised him about returning
18:34 Why he became an outspoken activist
22:07 Could South Africans abroad return and invest?
25:21 Safety and the realities of living in South Africa
28:13 His advice to young South Africans
29:11 What he would tell his younger self
31:09 Why he believes the future can be better
Connect with The Relocated South African
https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/podcast/
If you enjoyed this conversation, follow The Relocated South African, share the episode with someone considering emigration, and join the conversation. Should South Africans build their futures abroad, return home, or find a way to do both?
From Durban to Glasgow: 24 Years of Building a Life in Scotland-Ep 95 with Marc Christensen
Marc Christensen left Durban for the UK in 2001 with a simple plan: spend a couple of years overseas and then return home.Twenty-four years later, he is still in Scotland.After an initial spell in London, Marc …
Show notes
Marc Christensen left Durban for the UK in 2001 with a simple plan: spend a couple of years overseas and then return home.
Twenty-four years later, he is still in Scotland.
After an initial spell in London, Marc discovered Glasgow and immediately felt that it reminded him of Durban. He packed a few bags, jumped on a bus and started again.
In this episode, Marc talks openly about:
- Growing up in Durban and leaving South Africa at 21
- His first experiences living overseas
- Why London never felt like home
- Discovering Glasgow and making the move north
- Building a career from working in pubs to sales and IT
- The guilt that came with being away when his mother died
- Co-parenting his son after divorce
- Running South African community groups in Scotland
- Helping South Africans find work, accommodation and support
- Why he believes immigrants shouldn't automatically "start from the bottom"
- The cost-of-living difference between London and Scotland
- Why he believes South Africans should look beyond London
- Building a remote recruitment business connecting South African talent with international companies
- Scotland's weather, safety and what has changed over the years
- What he would tell a young South African considering leaving home
Marc's story is also about giving back. After building a life abroad, he is now using his experience and network to help other South Africans create opportunities for themselves.
"You've got one life and you've got to live it for you, not for other people."
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Sable International
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Welcome to Marc in Glasgow
02:18 – Growing up in Durban
03:58 – Leaving South Africa in 2001
04:58 – Getting British citizenship
05:25 – First experiences living overseas
06:51 – Arriving in London
08:30 – Discovering Glasgow
09:18 – Moving to Scotland with a few bags
10:51 – Finding work and building a life
12:06 – Moving from pub work into sales and IT
14:42 – Did he ever consider going back?
16:09 – Family, loss and the guilt of being away
18:19 – The emotional impact of emigration
20:05 – Building South African community groups in Scotland
22:30 – Why he doesn't want to commercialise the community
23:58 – The biggest mistakes South Africans make when relocating
24:10 – Why starting from the bottom can be a mistake
26:43 – The impact of relocation on relationships
28:34 – London versus Scotland: cost of living
30:12 – The cappuccino test
30:53 – His experience running a South African restaurant
32:38 – Starting a new business after leaving employment
35:00 – Building a remote recruitment business
36:35 – Connecting South African talent with international companies
39:12 – Giving back to South Africa
39:51 – Life and weather in Scotland
41:16 – Has Scotland become less safe?
44:03 – Haggis, black pudding and Scottish food
45:41 – Marc's advice to young South AfricansConnect with Marc
Simpatico Solutions
Email: [email protected]South Africans in Glasgow – Facebook
Official South Africans in Scotland – FacebookConnect with The Relocated South African
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.If Marc's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African considering life abroad.
From Cape Town to the UK: Building Two Businesses and a Life of Purpose-Ep 94 with Sharon Constançon
Sharon Constançon left South Africa after a hijacking changed the way she viewed her future.Originally from Cape Town, Sharon had already built a successful career and business in South Africa when the security …
Show notes
Sharon Constançon left South Africa after a hijacking changed the way she viewed her future.
Originally from Cape Town, Sharon had already built a successful career and business in South Africa when the security incident made her ask a simple question: if she couldn't safely travel two miles between her office and home, why was she living there?
She moved to the UK, where she has now spent more than two decades. Along the way she built a career with the South African Chamber of Commerce and went on to build not one, but two very different businesses.
Today Sharon runs Valufin, a foreign exchange and risk management business helping importers and exporters manage currency exposure, and Genius Boards, where she works with boards, CEOs and senior management on governance, board effectiveness and the dynamics that determine how organisations actually work.
But this conversation goes well beyond business.
We talk about growing up in South Africa, educating herself after being discouraged from pursuing further education, leaving South Africa, the importance of having family already in the UK, relationships and emigration, the realities of integrating into British life, why some South Africans struggle with being pigeonholed professionally, and what she misses most about home.
Sharon also shares her thoughts on the cost of living in the UK, the price of a £6.50 cappuccino, safety in South Africa, and whether she could ever see herself moving back permanently.
Her answer is revealing: she doesn't regret leaving, but she hasn't stopped being South African either.
Quote of the episode:
“Nothing is on a plate. Nothing is given to you on a plate.”
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SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:11 – Welcome and introduction
01:17 – Winning the Away Game feature
02:49 – Growing up in Cape Town and Johannesburg
04:49 – Education, mobility and the UK connection
06:03 – The security incident that changed everything
07:57 – Returning to South Africa after ten years
09:03 – Having family already in the UK
11:15 – Helping South Africans through the Chamber
12:45 – Why some South Africans return to Cape Town
15:14 – Property and financial ties to South Africa
16:28 – Relationships and the reality of emigration
18:59 – Finding your South African community abroad
20:30 – Being South African in the UK
21:09 – Building two very different businesses
24:01 – Running a global team
25:45 – Governance and working with South Africa
27:21 – UK and South African governance
29:34 – Board accountability
31:45 – South Africans and the work ethic
34:19 – What Sharon misses from South Africa
36:48 – South African or British?
37:30 – The cost of living in the UK
39:33 – The £6.50 cappuccino
40:55 – Safety and returning to South Africa
42:55 – Would she do it again?
44:38 – How to connect with Sharon
44:58 – Closing thoughts
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Connect with Sharon Constançon:
LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sharonconstancon
The Relocated South African
https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/
From Johannesburg to Canada: A Life at Sea, Starting Again-EP 93 with Dale Lyell
Dale Lyell grew up in Johannesburg, joined the Safmarine Merchant Navy after matric and spent years travelling the world on container ships, bulk carriers and even the QE2.In 1998, Dale and his South African …
Show notes
Dale Lyell grew up in Johannesburg, joined the Safmarine Merchant Navy after matric and spent years travelling the world on container ships, bulk carriers and even the QE2.
In 1998, Dale and his South African wife left South Africa for Canada. They arrived with no job waiting, very little support and no guarantee that things would work out.
What followed was a fascinating journey of starting again, finding community, building a new career and eventually establishing a successful technology business.
Dale talks openly about why he left South Africa, the reality of those early years, adapting to Canada, raising a son with South African roots and the safety mindset that many South Africans carry with them long after they leave.
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Sable International
For over 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans navigate international relocation, including visas, second passports, tax, wealth planning, foreign exchange and studying abroad.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:13 — Welcome to Dale in Ontario, Canada
01:35 — Growing up in Johannesburg and joining Safmarine
02:51 — Life on container ships and the QE2
04:58 — Dale's Canadian connection
06:43 — Why he left South Africa in 1998
08:47 — Crime, safety and quality of life
10:10 — Arriving in Canada with no job
11:54 — Starting again without a support network
13:40 — Finding community through martial arts
16:23 — Integrating into Canadian society
18:36 — Finding work and building a career
20:47 — Dale's technology business
22:01 — From a chocolate factory to technology
24:45 — Doing business in Canada
25:46 — Healthcare in Canada
28:06 — Raising a son with South African roots
30:35 — Family left behind in South Africa
32:10 — Staying connected to home
34:02 — Getting used to safety in Canada
35:11 — The difference in everyday life
36:43 — Dale's love of travel
38:53 — Advice for South Africans considering emigration
42:28 — What he would do differently
43:24 — Expectations and the five-year cycle
45:27 — Never give up
45:33 — Canada vs South Africa
47:10 — Final thoughtsThe Relocated South African
The show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.
https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/podcast/
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African living abroad.
From Springs to Taiwan to London: Why South Africa Is Calling Again -Ep 92 with Quinton Pullinge
Quinton Pullinger’s story is anything but a straight line.He grew up in Springs, South Africa, trained as a goldsmith, and then took an unexpected leap to Taiwan after seeing an advert to teach English. What he …
Show notes
Quinton Pullinger’s story is anything but a straight line.
He grew up in Springs, South Africa, trained as a goldsmith, and then took an unexpected leap to Taiwan after seeing an advert to teach English. What he thought would be a one-year adventure became nearly nine years.
In Taiwan he learned Mandarin, built a career in the bicycle industry, travelled extensively and learned how to adapt to a completely different culture. He eventually moved into senior roles, including an eight-and-a-half-year journey with Brompton, before another opportunity took him to the UK in 2008.
Now, after 18 years in Britain, Quinton is asking a question many long-term South African expats eventually face: could South Africa become home again?
We talk about:
• Leaving South Africa with no long-term plan
• Arriving alone in Taiwan and surviving the first six months
• Learning Mandarin and adapting to a new culture
• Why negative expat thinking can hold people back
• Building an international career by saying “yes” to opportunities
• His journey through the bicycle industry and Brompton
• Starting again in the UK with no contacts
• Raising a family abroad and how that changes your risk profile
• The NHS and the UK cost of living
• Why Cape Town would be his choice if he returned to South Africa
• Whether a part-time “swallow” lifestyle could work
• His advice to his younger self: be more adventurous and take more risks_______________________________________________________________
SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey: bit.ly/3R3g1sy
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Weybridge and life near London
02:41 Growing up in Springs
06:00 The unexpected move to Taiwan
07:14 Learning Mandarin and surviving the first six months
09:16 Working and living in Taiwan
13:26 Returning to South Africa — and leaving again
15:10 Building a career in the bicycle industry
16:06 Why he eventually left Taiwan
18:13 Getting the opportunity to move to the UK
20:12 Meeting his wife and starting a family
21:08 Moving abroad alone
22:26 The danger of negative expat thinking
25:32 Values, friendships and identity abroad
26:08 A career built without a plan
29:44 Starting over in the UK
31:08 The mindset needed to make emigration work
33:49 Could South Africa become home again?
36:14 Why Cape Town would be his choice
37:33 Could a part-time return work?
39:33 South Africa, France or the UK?
40:14 The NHS and healthcare
42:32 The UK cost of living
44:08 What would he do differently?
46:21 How family changes your risk profile
47:17 Advice to his younger self
48:56 Staying true to your values
50:05 Final thoughtsConnect with The Relocated South African: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
From South Africa to Chile: Love, Language and a New Life-Ep 91 with Wynand Kuhn
Wynand Kuhn's move to Chile was never part of a grand plan.Born and raised in Upington, Wynand was working in the restaurant industry in Durban when his brother-in-law invited him to Chile in 2005 to help set …
Show notes
Wynand Kuhn's move to Chile was never part of a grand plan.
Born and raised in Upington, Wynand was working in the restaurant industry in Durban when his brother-in-law invited him to Chile in 2005 to help set up a South African-themed restaurant.
He arrived knowing almost no Spanish. Then he met the woman who would become his wife — and decided to stay.
More than 20 years later, Wynand lives with his wife and three sons near Santiago and has built an international career in business and renewable energy.
In this episode, Wynand talks about arriving in Chile, learning Spanish without formal classes, building a career from English teacher to senior executive, returning to South Africa in 2011 and eventually making his way back to Chile.
We discuss life in Chile compared with South Africa, safety, healthcare, education, cost of living, food and wine, raising children between two cultures, and why Chile could be an option for South Africans considering a less conventional destination.
Wynand also talks about the Chilean South African Chamber of Commerce, his possible future move to the United States, and whether South Africa could ever be home again.
SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Growing up in Upington
02:50 How Wynand ended up in Chile
05:56 Meeting his wife
06:24 Learning Spanish without classes
07:25 Returning to South Africa in 2011
08:09 Raising three boys
09:03 The challenges of starting out
10:16 Building a career in Chile
12:41 From supermarket worker to general manager
14:31 Returning to South Africa
16:00 Finding opportunities through Spanish
18:00 Why Chile became home again
23:49 Considering another move
25:16 Chilean residency and citizenship
25:40 The possibility of moving to the USA
26:46 The Chilean South African Chamber of Commerce
28:19 Living outside Santiago
29:19 Safety and crime in Chile
32:27 Healthcare and schooling
33:57 Minimum wages and cost of living
34:46 The cappuccino index
36:12 Chilean food and seafood
37:53 Chilean wine
38:54 Staying connected with family in South Africa
40:32 Could Chile work for South Africans?
42:52 Tax in Chile
44:07 Would Wynand ever return to South Africa?
46:01 His advice to young South Africans
47:20 Final thoughtsCONNECT WITH WYNAND
Wynand Kuhn is active on LinkedIn. You can connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynand-kuhn/
THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
The podcast for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
If Wynand's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
South Africa, UK, Singapore... And Back to Cape Town-EP 90 with Tracey Shearer
Tracey Shearer left South Africa in 2003 with an Irish passport, a printer and no real plan beyond seeing what life abroad had to offer.What followed was a 13-year journey through the UK and Singapore before …
Show notes
Tracey Shearer left South Africa in 2003 with an Irish passport, a printer and no real plan beyond seeing what life abroad had to offer.
What followed was a 13-year journey through the UK and Singapore before eventually returning to Cape Town.
Tracey grew up on Johannesburg's East Rand and spent 13 years running a design agency with her sister before deciding it was time to leave. In London, her original entrepreneurial plans didn't work out, and she eventually found her way into maritime recruitment, a career she has now been in for around 20 years.
Singapore became a major part of her life. She ran a recruitment company there for seven years, built an international network and experienced a very different way of living.
Eventually, however, her heart was pulling her back to South Africa.
In this episode, Tracey talks honestly about leaving South Africa, the realities of starting again overseas, the cost of living in London, Singapore's safety and efficiency, healthcare, building an international career, and why she ultimately chose Cape Town.
We also discuss the role of family, the idea that the grass is always greener somewhere else, and how technology has made it possible for Tracey to continue recruiting internationally while living in South Africa.
_______________________________________________________________
SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 Introduction
01:15 Growing up in Johannesburg
02:36 Leaving South Africa in 2003
03:44 Arriving in London with a printer
04:17 Trying entrepreneurship in the UK
05:16 Finding maritime recruitment
06:13 Discovering the maritime industry
10:52 The cost of living in London
12:24 Adjusting to life overseas
13:05 Moving from London to Singapore
21:58 Healthcare in London and Singapore
23:27 Why Singapore works so well
29:47 Building a recruitment company in Singapore
30:19 Returning to South Africa
30:52 Working internationally from Cape Town
32:10 Why family pulled her home
32:47 Is the grass really greener?
33:15 Choosing Cape Town
34:00 Building a life back in South AfricaCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
The Relocated South African is the show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Listen, subscribe and explore more stories from South Africans around the world.
If Tracey's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
From Durban to Budapest: A South African Finding Home in Hungary-Ep 88 with Connor Jackson
Connor Jackson was born in Durban, spent much of his childhood in Tanzania, returned to South Africa, and then unexpectedly found himself building a life in Hungary.At 18, Connor went to Hungary on a Rotary …
Show notes
Connor Jackson was born in Durban, spent much of his childhood in Tanzania, returned to South Africa, and then unexpectedly found himself building a life in Hungary.
At 18, Connor went to Hungary on a Rotary exchange programme. He didn't choose Hungary as his first option, but what began as a one-year adventure became a life-changing experience.
He returned to South Africa after the exchange, started studying at Stellenbosch University, but soon realised that he wanted to return to Hungary. He eventually moved back to Budapest, restarted his degree, learned Hungarian and began building a career there.
In this episode, Connor talks about:
Growing up in Tanzania and living in an expat mining community
Arriving in Hungary with virtually no Hungarian
The challenge of learning one of Europe's most difficult languages
Returning to South Africa and discovering that he had changed
Leaving Stellenbosch and moving back to Budapest
Studying international relations and starting his career in Hungary
Finding community through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugby
What life in Budapest is really like
Safety, public transport and the cost of living
Working for Hungarian companies
The challenges of Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy
Being forced to leave Hungary after a visa problem
How a lawyer helped him return
Why he recently became a Hungarian citizen
Travelling and building a life across Europe
Connor also explains why putting yourself out there is so important when you move abroad, and why joining a sports club or other community can be one of the best ways to make friends and build a new life.
And despite becoming Hungarian, Connor says you never stop being South African.
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SUPPORTED BY SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:11 Welcome from Budapest
01:02 Growing up in Tanzania
03:43 Life in a Tanzanian gold-mining community
07:20 How Connor ended up in Hungary
09:08 Living with Hungarian host families
10:59 Arriving in Hungary with no Hungarian
13:35 Learning the Hungarian language
14:51 Returning to South Africa
16:28 Leaving Stellenbosch for Budapest
18:23 Studying and working in Hungary
19:12 Finding community through martial arts
21:35 Living in Hungary during COVID
23:44 Building a social life in Budapest
24:40 What Connor loves about Budapest
27:52 Cost of living in Hungary
30:50 Working in Budapest
32:42 Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy
35:23 Advice for South Africans considering Hungary
36:55 Becoming a Hungarian citizen
38:25 Travelling around Europe
40:00 Committing to your new life abroad
41:28 Braai, biltong and staying South AfricanCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Listen to The Relocated South African on Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
If Connor's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
From Green Card Lottery to HR Director: Starting Again in America-Ep 87 With Andreas Pyper
Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later, they packed up their lives in …
Show notes
Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later, they packed up their lives in South Africa and moved to California.
What followed was anything but easy.
Andreas arrived in America as an experienced HR manager, but found himself starting again at the bottom. His first job was as an HR filing clerk. He had no US credit history, no professional network and no company waiting to welcome him. His wife also had to start over, completing the requirements to become licensed as a therapist in California.
The first 18 months tested their family and their marriage. They experienced financial pressure, loneliness and uncertainty. Later, they lost their home during the 2008 financial crisis and had to rebuild again.
But Andreas kept going.
Today, 26 years after moving to the United States, he is a Human Resources Director for a large county organisation in California. He shares the practical lessons he learned along the way, from building a US credit history and choosing the right employer to understanding pensions, healthcare and the importance of accepting that you may have to take a few steps backwards before moving forward.
Andreas also has some strong advice for South Africans considering America: build relationships with Americans, don't expect your South African career success to transfer immediately, be prepared to work your way up, and don't underestimate the importance of having a strong marriage and family partnership.
This is an honest conversation about immigration, resilience, humility, career rebuilding, marriage and making a new life work.
_______________________________________________________________
SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:17 Welcome and Andreas' life in California
02:32 Growing up in Durban and Cape Town
07:44 His political upbringing
09:13 University and national service
10:31 Working in HR and the Green Card Lottery
11:16 How his wife won the Green Card Lottery
13:16 Discovering California
16:07 His father's life after politics
17:10 How the Green Card process worked
19:19 Leaving family behind
21:02 Starting again in America
24:29 Building a US credit history
28:25 His wife's professional re-licensing
29:30 The difficult first 18 months
35:29 Immigration and marriage
37:25 Losing their home during the financial crisis
42:24 Building their lives again
42:41 The importance of government jobs and pensions
45:10 Healthcare in America
47:02 The biggest mistakes South Africans make
49:25 Advice for anyone considering emigrating
52:45 The one thing he would have done differentlyCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African considering life abroad.
22 Years in Japan: Why This South African Still Wants to Go Home-Ep 87 with James WhelanEp
James Whelan was born and raised in Johannesburg before moving to London in 1998. Five years later, after meeting his Japanese partner, he moved to Japan for what was supposed to be one year.More than two …
Show notes
James Whelan was born and raised in Johannesburg before moving to London in 1998. Five years later, after meeting his Japanese partner, he moved to Japan for what was supposed to be one year.
More than two decades later, he's still there.
James is now married, has three children, works in recruitment and has permanent residency in Japan. But despite building a successful life in Tokyo, he still feels a powerful connection to South Africa and says that if circumstances allowed it, he would move back home tomorrow.
In this episode, James shares the reality of life in Japan as a South African.
We talk about moving from Johannesburg to London and then Japan, the culture shock of arriving in Japan, living there without fluent Japanese, finding work, Japanese working culture, raising children in Tokyo, safety, healthcare, the cost of living, public transport, Japanese food and what it feels like to remain a foreigner after more than 20 years.
We also explore whether Japan has really become home for James, his connection to South Africa and his thoughts about eventually returning.
_______________________________________________________________
SABLE INTERNATIONAL
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Growing up in Johannesburg
03:05 Moving to London
03:11 From London to Japan
05:00 Learning Japanese
08:43 Culture shock
11:32 Settling into Japan
13:00 Permanent residency
14:46 His children and South Africa
16:23 Working in Japan
18:31 Visas and red tape
20:23 Japanese work culture
24:02 Life in Tokyo
25:43 Safety in Japan
28:14 Food and adapting to Japanese cuisine
31:19 Healthcare
33:03 Cost of living
35:24 Public transport and cars
37:16 Family and leisure
40:14 Is Japan home?
42:52 What James would tell his younger self
45:01 Final thoughtsCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
The Relocated South African is the show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Listen, subscribe and explore more stories from South Africans around the world.
If James's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
27 Years in America: Why He's Building a Base Back in South Africa-Ep 86 with Andries Coetzee
Andries Coetzee left South Africa for the United States in 1999 to do a PhD. His plan was simple: complete his studies and return home.Instead, 27 years later, he is still in America.After completing his PhD at …
Show notes
Andries Coetzee left South Africa for the United States in 1999 to do a PhD. His plan was simple: complete his studies and return home.
Instead, 27 years later, he is still in America.
After completing his PhD at the University of Massachusetts, Andries joined the University of Michigan, where he has built a successful academic career. What began as a temporary move became a life in the United States.
But his connection to South Africa never disappeared.
After becoming an American citizen, Andries found that his South African identity became more important to him. His research shifted towards South Africa and Africa, and regular visits home gradually strengthened his desire to maintain a deeper connection with the country he left behind.
A powerful experience during a University of Michigan orchestra trip to Soweto finally convinced him that he wanted a second base in South Africa. He has now bought a property in the Stellenbosch area and is considering spending much more of his time there after retirement.
In this episode we discuss leaving South Africa, adapting to American academic life, the differences between South African and American universities, life in Ann Arbor, the cost of living and healthcare, South African identity abroad, and what it means to be at home in two countries.
We also talk about Andries' optimism about Africa's future and why he believes more South African and African students should consider postgraduate study in the United States.
Most importantly, this is a conversation about something many emigrants eventually discover: you can build a successful life somewhere else without losing your connection to where you came from.
"As an expat, you're at home in two places, but not really fully at home in one."
_____________________________________________________________
For over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:06 – Why Andries went to America in 1999
03:04 – Growing up in rural Limpopo
04:08 – Adjusting to the American university system
08:37 – From PhD student to professor at Michigan
11:00 – Why he didn't return to South Africa
14:48 – Family, loss and building a life in America
18:53 – The South African "soft landing"
20:32 – Why Africa became important again
24:42 – His optimism about Africa's future
27:11 – Why he's considering a base in South Africa
31:02 – The Soweto experience that changed his thinking
34:06 – Buying a property in Stellenbosch
34:41 – Could he eventually return permanently?
38:07 – Retirement, money and exchange rates
40:33 – Healthcare in America and South Africa
43:43 – Afrikaans, culture and identity
46:57 – Being at home in two countries
48:38 – Advice for students considering AmericaCONNECT WITH ANDRIES COETZEE
University of Michigan
Email: [email protected]Andries also offers workshops and guidance to African students interested in studying in the United States.
CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Andries' story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.
From Johannesburg to Australia: Why Olaf Duve Chose to Start Again-EP 86
Olaf Duve has lived in four countries, built an international career and ultimately settled in Sydney with his wife and three children.Growing up in Johannesburg, Olaf left South Africa at 18 to study in …
Show notes
Olaf Duve has lived in four countries, built an international career and ultimately settled in Sydney with his wife and three children.
Growing up in Johannesburg, Olaf left South Africa at 18 to study in Germany before spending eight years in the UK. After a decade in Europe, he returned to South Africa to join his family's logistics business, eventually helping grow and sell the company.
Then, with three young children, a casual conversation over a braai planted the idea of Australia.
Olaf had never even visited Australia. He booked a flight, spent a week interviewing for jobs and, three months later, moved his family to Sydney.
Nearly ten years later, Australia is home.
In this conversation, Olaf talks honestly about the realities of moving countries with a young family, why the first two years can be the hardest, the challenges of adapting to Australian working culture, the cost of living, family left behind in South Africa, and why South Africans shouldn't automatically assume that emigration is the right answer.
We also discuss why Australia feels surprisingly familiar to South Africans, the importance of integrating into your new country, and what Olaf would tell someone considering making the move today.
His advice is refreshingly balanced: don't leave simply because everyone else is leaving. Make sure the move is right for your family and go in with your eyes wide open.
"Just be grateful and don't get so stressed... appreciate the decision you've made and enjoy the benefits of where you are."
______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:06 – Introducing Olaf Duve
00:41 – Growing up in Johannesburg
01:38 – Having a German passport
02:26 – Moving to Germany and then the UK
05:29 – Why he eventually returned to South Africa
06:00 – Starting his career in logistics
08:37 – The conversation that sparked the move to Australia
09:30 – Moving to Australia with three young children
11:00 – Australia's visa and skills requirements
12:05 – The first two years with a family
14:24 – Why Australia feels familiar to South Africans
17:15 – The South African community in Australia
20:48 – The cost of living in Australia
25:33 – Deciding that Australia was home
28:00 – The challenge of ageing parents back in South Africa
31:02 – Australian versus South African working culture
36:38 – Will he ever return to South Africa?
39:13 – The advice he'd give his younger self
40:37 – Should young families emigrate?Connect with Olaf Duve
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaf-duve-889893109/
Connect with The Relocated South African
🌍 www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
🎙️ The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Olaf's story resonated with you, share this episode with someone considering a move to Australia—or someone trying to decide whether emigration is right for their family.
From Johannesburg to America: Taking Americans to Play Golf in South Africa-Ep 84 with Murray Collier
When Murray Collier left South Africa for the United States, the plan was simple: gain some international experience and eventually decide what came next.Reality turned out to be very different.Despite a strong …
Show notes
When Murray Collier left South Africa for the United States, the plan was simple: gain some international experience and eventually decide what came next.
Reality turned out to be very different.
Despite a strong career in South Africa, Murray spent 18 months searching for work after arriving in Chicago. It was a lonely and financially difficult period that tested both him and his wife. From sharing a tiny studio apartment with Airbnb guests to eventually building a successful corporate career, his story is one of resilience, determination and starting again from scratch.
Today, Murray has combined his passion for golf with his love for South Africa by founding South Africa Golf Tours, introducing American golfers to the country's world-class golf courses, spectacular wildlife, incredible food and wine, and unforgettable hospitality.
In this episode, we discuss the realities of emigrating to the United States, overcoming loneliness, adapting to American life, raising a family abroad, and why South Africans continue to make an impact wherever they go.
We also explore why South Africa remains one of the world's greatest golf and safari destinations—and why so many American visitors return home with a completely different view of the country.
It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, identity and discovering that sometimes the best way to appreciate where you come from is to see it through someone else's eyes.
"I'm South African first... I get to stand with a foot on each continent."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introducing Murray Collier
01:08 – Growing up in Johannesburg and studying at Stellenbosch
02:30 – Moving to Chicago
05:15 – Eighteen months without finding a job
08:00 – Loneliness and adapting to life in America
10:30 – Chicago winters and moving to Connecticut
12:10 – Financial struggles and renting out their apartment
18:10 – The South African community in the US
21:20 – Why he started South Africa Golf Tours
24:00 – Selling South Africa to American travellers
27:10 – Creating luxury golf and safari experiences
35:30 – Leopard Creek, Rovos Rail and Gary Player
39:10 – Building relationships with American golf clubs
41:20 – Americans' biggest misconception about South Africa
43:10 – Seeing South Africa through American eyes
46:30 – Would he ever move back?
48:10 – Advice for South Africans considering the USA
Connect with Murray Collier
🌍 Website:
www.southafricagolftours.com💼 LinkedIn: Murray Collier
📸 Instagram / X: @SouthAfricaGolfTours
Connect with The Relocated South African
🌍 Website
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Murray's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to the United States—or anyone passionate about golf, travel and showcasing the very best of South Africa.
From South Africa to Malta: Finding Opportunity on a Mediterranean Island
When Merle-Louise first arrived in Malta, she wanted to get straight back on the plane. Fifteen years later, she can't imagine calling anywhere else home. After building a successful career in hospitality …
Show notes
When Merle-Louise first arrived in Malta, she wanted to get straight back on the plane. Fifteen years later, she can't imagine calling anywhere else home.
After building a successful career in hospitality, event management and running her own conference business in South Africa, Merle-Louise faced difficult business challenges that ultimately led her to consider a new chapter overseas. What began as a reluctant move has become a passionate mission to help other South Africans discover opportunities on one of Europe's best-kept secrets.
Today, through MaltaLifestyle.com and the South African Family & Friends in Malta community, she assists South Africans looking to relocate, study, work or retire in Malta, while helping them navigate the practical and emotional realities of starting over.
In this episode, we explore why Malta has become an increasingly attractive destination for South Africans, its thriving financial services, gaming, aviation and tourism industries, residency options, healthcare, education, property, safety and quality of life.
We also discuss one of the biggest challenges of emigration—making the decision itself. Merle-Louise shares practical advice on preparing for a move, avoiding common mistakes, embracing change, and why success abroad begins long before you board the plane.
Whether you're actively considering emigration or simply curious about life in the Mediterranean, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest advice.
"Success has to be intentional. We can't wait for somebody else to make up their mind for us."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:06 – Introducing Merle-Louise and life in Malta
02:13 – Growing up in South Africa and building an events business
04:50 – Why she left South Africa
06:18 – First impressions of Malta
07:55 – Flying to Malta and its location in Europe
10:07 – Tourism, history and why Malta is unique
11:38 – Why Malta became home
15:10 – The importance of integrating into your new country
17:13 – Preparing properly before emigrating
18:17 – Should you leave a back door open?
20:32 – What South Africans struggle with most overseas
22:04 – Is Malta still a good option?
25:50 – Residency, citizenship and permanent residence
28:40 – Cost of living, rentals and healthcare
30:25 – What she misses about South Africa
32:25 – Helping young South Africans build international careers
35:34 – The emotional price of emigration
39:07 – Advice for anyone considering a move abroad
41:36 – Would she ever return to South Africa?
Connect with Merle-Louise
🌍 Website: www.maltalifestyle.com
Facebook: South African Family & Friends in Malta (SAFF Malta)
Connect with The Relocated South African
🌍 Website:
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Merle-Louise's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or anyone curious about life in Malta, one of Europe's hidden gems.
From Dubai Back to South Africa: Why This Doctor Came Home-Ep 82 with Casper Joubert
Most South African doctors leave. Dr. Casper Joubert did the opposite.After qualifying at Stellenbosch University, Casper and his wife—also a doctor—built successful medical careers in Dubai before moving to …
Show notes
Most South African doctors leave. Dr. Casper Joubert did the opposite.
After qualifying at Stellenbosch University, Casper and his wife—also a doctor—built successful medical careers in Dubai before moving to Mauritius. Like many South African professionals, they embraced the opportunities that came with working overseas.
But after more than a decade abroad, they made a surprising decision.
They came home.
Today, Casper is completing his specialist training in Occupational Medicine at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, where he believes South Africa still offers some of the best medical training and greatest opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
In this conversation we discuss life as a doctor in Dubai, practicing medicine in Mauritius, the realities of working in different healthcare systems, why South African doctors are so highly regarded around the world, and the emotional journey of returning home after more than ten years abroad.
Most importantly, Casper explains why he believes young South African professionals should travel the world—not to run away from South Africa, but to broaden their horizons before deciding where they truly belong.
It's an honest, balanced conversation about career, purpose, perspective and what "coming home" really means.
"If you've got the opportunity to go, go—but run towards something, not away from something."
___________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
______________________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:10 – Introducing Dr. Casper Joubert
01:20 – Growing up and studying medicine at Stellenbosch
02:30 – Why he left South Africa for Dubai
05:30 – Building a medical career in the Middle East
09:10 – Living and working in Dubai
13:20 – Cost of living and life as an expat doctor
19:30 – Moving to Mauritius
23:20 – Living through COVID in Mauritius
25:20 – Why the family returned to South Africa
27:45 – What Occupational Medicine actually is
29:20 – South African doctors on the world stage
33:20 – Advice for young doctors considering emigration
36:20 – Readjusting to life back in South Africa
Contact Casper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casper-joubert-a45836ab/
The Relocated South African
🌍 Website
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
🎙️ Available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Casper's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a career overseas—or someone wondering whether coming home is still an option.
From Cape Town to the Netherlands: Taking a Leap into a New Life-Ep 81 with Wendy Minnie
What happens when opportunity knocks later in life? Do you stay where you're comfortable—or do you take the leap?For Wendy Minnie and her family, the answer was clear.After successful careers in South Africa …
Show notes
What happens when opportunity knocks later in life? Do you stay where you're comfortable—or do you take the leap?
For Wendy Minnie and her family, the answer was clear.
After successful careers in South Africa, Wendy and her husband spent more than a year researching life in the Netherlands before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. With a teenage son, adult daughters, and decades of life already established in South Africa, this wasn't a decision made lightly.
Today, Wendy works for Heineken in the Netherlands, where she has embraced a truly global career while discovering the realities of learning a new culture, adapting to Dutch life, and building a future in Europe.
In this episode, we talk about relocating as an established professional, raising teenagers abroad, navigating the Dutch education system, buying a home, work-life balance, cost of living, learning Dutch, and why South Africans have earned a reputation for being some of the hardest-working people in the world.
This is an honest conversation about courage, preparation, family, and proving that it's never too late to start a new chapter.
"If you've got the opportunity and there's a part of you that's curious to know what life could be like somewhere else, take the jump. And if it doesn't work out, you can always go home."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans navigate visas, immigration, citizenship, foreign exchange and international financial planning.
Whether you're planning your move abroad or already living overseas, Sable International has the expertise to help make your journey easier.
Find out more:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:10 – Introducing Wendy Minnie
00:54 – Growing up in Cape Town and Pretoria
02:00 – Why the family chose the Netherlands
03:30 – Joining Heineken after Distell
05:00 – Schooling, learning Dutch and settling in
07:30 – Language, culture and everyday life
08:30 – Visas, relocation and Dutch bureaucracy
11:20 – Choosing where to live in the Netherlands
12:45 – Working for a global company
14:20 – Do South Africans work harder?
16:00 – Why they decided to emigrate
18:20 – Family, adult children and opportunity
19:10 – Residency and Dutch citizenship
20:30 – The emotional first six months
25:00 – Cycling, commuting and Dutch life
26:15 – Cost of living in the Netherlands
31:15 – Housing and buying a home
33:20 – What Wendy misses most about South Africa
36:20 – Would she do anything differently?
38:10 – Advice for South Africans considering the move
🌍 Website:
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Wendy's journey resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad. Your support helps more South Africans around the world discover stories, insights and practical advice from people who have already taken the leap.
From Johannesburg to Ireland: Building Community Far From Home-Ep 80 with Berilyn Teeling
When Berilyn Teeling moved from South Africa to Ireland, she wasn't just looking for a better life—she ended up creating one of Ireland's largest celebrations of South African culture.After growing up in …
Show notes
When Berilyn Teeling moved from South Africa to Ireland, she wasn't just looking for a better life—she ended up creating one of Ireland's largest celebrations of South African culture.
After growing up in Johannesburg, spending a year as an exchange student in Paraguay and later marrying into an Irish family, Berilyn and her husband made the bold decision to relocate to Ireland with their young son and just three suitcases.
Finding work during a recession wasn't easy, but through determination, resilience and a willingness to start again, they built a new life in County Wicklow.
Today, Berilyn is best known as the founder of The South African Gathering—an annual event that brings together more than 1,500 South Africans from across Ireland to celebrate their heritage, reconnect with old friends and support South African businesses.
In this episode we discuss the realities of starting over, raising children abroad, adapting to Irish life, finding work during difficult times, the cost of living, healthcare, and why maintaining your South African identity can be just as important as integrating into your new country.
It's an uplifting conversation about community, belonging and proving that home isn't always a place—sometimes it's the people you bring together.
"I wanted everyone to come out, have a good day, and just celebrate being South African for a day."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
_______________________________________________________________
Time stamps
00:06 – Introducing Berilyn Teeling
00:57 – Growing up in Johannesburg
02:54 – Marriage, Ireland and taking the leap abroad
05:42 – Starting over with three suitcases
10:01 – Why Wicklow became home
11:51 – Finding work during Ireland's recession
16:27 – Adjusting to Irish weather and culture
19:16 – The story behind The South African Gathering
22:42 – From 200 people to more than 1,500 attendees
24:45 – Supporting South African businesses in Ireland
27:19 – Feeling South African while building a life abroad
28:42 – Family, parents and living across continents
34:40 – What makes Ireland such a great place to live
37:26 – The cost of living in Ireland
40:06 – Healthcare and everyday life
41:22 – Any regrets?
42:11 – Advice for South Africans considering Ireland
🇿🇦 South African Gathering
Facebook: South African Gathering Ireland
Website: https://www.sagathering.ie/
Podcast:
Website:www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.If Berilyn's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to Ireland—or someone who simply wants to stay connected to their South African roots.
From Cape Town to Brazil... and now Bali-Ep 79 with Janlo Van Den Heever
From Cape Town to Brazil... and now Bali.Janlo van den Heever has never been afraid to challenge conventional thinking.After building a successful career with Red Bull in South Africa, he relocated to São …
Show notes
From Cape Town to Brazil... and now Bali.
Janlo van den Heever has never been afraid to challenge conventional thinking.
After building a successful career with Red Bull in South Africa, he relocated to São Paulo, Brazil, before returning home to be closer to family. But the experience had changed him. He immersed himself in startups, technology, cryptocurrency and remote work, eventually asking a bigger question:
If work is no longer tied to a location, why should life be?
Today, Janlo, his wife and two daughters are building a new life in Bali, embracing a slower pace, homeschooling their children and creating businesses that allow them to work from anywhere.
In this conversation we discuss life in Brazil, why they chose Southeast Asia over Europe, raising children abroad, the future of remote work, cost of living, healthcare, crypto, AI, and why South Africans should future-proof their skills in an increasingly global economy.
It's a fascinating conversation about challenging assumptions, embracing change and intentionally designing the life you want.
"The biggest thing standing in the way of South Africans being successful around the world is staying in South Africa."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy______________________________________________________________
Timestamps
00:11 – Introducing Janlo van den Heever
00:56 – Growing up in Pretoria
03:22 – Life with Red Bull and moving to Brazil
07:04 – Living in São Paulo and raising their first child
08:48 – Healthcare in Brazil
10:11 – Returning to South Africa
13:32 – Discovering startups, crypto and remote work
18:57 – Why the family chose Bali
20:24 – South Africa, safety and raising children
23:01 – Why Bali feels so different
26:48 – Cost of living in Bali
29:48 – Residency and visas
30:31 – Homeschooling and family life
32:31 – Healthcare in Indonesia
33:34 – Building a new community
35:46 – What he misses about South Africa
37:32 – Advice for South Africans considering life abroad
Connect with Janlo:
🌐 Website: janlo.xyz
💼 LinkedIn: Janlo van den Heever
Website:
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.comConnect with the Podcast:
The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.If Janlo's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone interested in remote work, raising a family abroad, or building a location-independent life.
From Port Elizabeth to Melbourne: Building a New Life in Australia-Ep 78 with Duncan Goldsmith
Duncan Goldsmith made the life-changing decision to leave South Africa in 1986—long before emigration became commonplace. Nearly four decades later, he reflects on what it really takes to build a successful …
Show notes
Duncan Goldsmith made the life-changing decision to leave South Africa in 1986—long before emigration became commonplace. Nearly four decades later, he reflects on what it really takes to build a successful life abroad.
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Duncan began his career in banking before an opportunity in information technology opened the door to Australia. Arriving in Melbourne with his wife, two young children and little more than determination, he embraced a country that would eventually become home.
In this candid conversation, Duncan shares the realities of emigrating before Facebook, WhatsApp and South African expat communities existed. There were no soft landings, no biltong shops and no online groups to answer questions—just the determination to make it work.
We discuss the emotional cost of leaving family behind, adapting to a new culture, raising children in a different country, Australia's work ethic, cost of living, healthcare, taxes and why many South Africans struggle because they're trying to recreate the country they left.
Whether you're considering Australia or already living abroad, Duncan's advice is practical, honest and shaped by nearly 40 years of experience.
"If you're looking for South Africa in Australia, you'll be disappointed. Come with an open mind and make Australia your home."
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Introducing Duncan Goldsmith
00:30 – Growing up in Port Elizabeth
02:50 – Why he emigrated to Australia in 1986
05:38 – The emotional challenge of leaving family behind
09:02 – Parents, grandchildren and life across continents
14:07 – Why going back was never an option
15:30 – Starting over without a South African community
17:00 – The biggest mistakes South Africans make in Australia
20:24 – Why Melbourne became home
24:58 – Cost of living and buying property
30:37 – Healthcare, taxes and getting value for your money
34:20 – Do South Africans really move back?
37:00 – Practical advice for new migrants
39:30 – Safety in Australia today
41:30 – Should you visit before emigrating?
43:40 – Marriage, teamwork and adapting overseas
44:50 – Boks vs Wallabies: Who does he support?_______________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Connect with the podcast
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Duncan's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African considering a move to Australia—or anyone interested in what it really takes to build a successful life abroad.
From Cape Town to China: A South African Author's New Chapter- Ep 77 with James Fouche
Crime novelist, screenwriter and creative writing graduate James Fouché has swapped Cape Town for central China, where he's beginning a completely new chapter—not only in his career, but in his family's …
Show notes
Crime novelist, screenwriter and creative writing graduate James Fouché has swapped Cape Town for central China, where he's beginning a completely new chapter—not only in his career, but in his family's life.
After years of building businesses in South Africa, publishing crime novels and teaching online, James made the leap to China to teach English at a medical university. His wife and three homeschooled children will soon join him, turning what began as a solo adventure into a family relocation.
In this conversation, James shares what it's really like living in a part of China where almost nobody speaks English, adapting to a completely different culture, and preparing his family for one of the biggest moves of their lives.
We also dive into his career as a crime writer, why South Africa provides such rich storytelling material, China's remarkable pace of development, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can change your perspective forever.
It's an honest and fascinating conversation about creativity, family, and embracing the unknown.
"It's a big world out there. You're doing your kids a disservice if you keep them in a tiny triangle." — James Fouché
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Introducing author James Fouché
03:22 – Growing up in Cape Town and becoming a writer
06:14 – Why he moved to China
08:30 – Turning South African crime into compelling fiction
13:48 – Releasing his latest novel Grey
16:22 – First impressions of living in China
18:31 – Preparing his family for the move
19:23 – Learning Chinese and overcoming the language barrier
21:30 – Teaching English at a Chinese university
22:58 – Adapting to Chinese food and culture
24:17 – Finding great coffee in central China
26:45 – China's emerging wine industry
28:29 – The surprisingly low cost of living
31:09 – Teaching at a medical university
32:51 – Chinese bureaucracy and work visas
35:51 – Healthcare and China's rapid development
38:39 – WeChat, Alipay and China's digital society
41:10 – What he misses most about South Africa
43:14 – Is China a long-term move?
45:01 – How living abroad changes your perspective_______________________________________________________________
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:
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_______________________________________________________________
Connect with James Fouché
🌐 Website: www.jamesfouche.com
📘 Facebook: @JamesFoucheWrites
📷 Instagram: @JamesFoucheWrites
Connect with the podcast
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If James' story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering life abroad—or anyone curious about living and working in China.
From Pretoria to Poland: Finding Home in Unexpected Places-Ep 76 with Retha Jacobs
After 25 years abroad, Retha Jacobs has built a life across three countries—but South Africa has never left her heart.Growing up in Pretoria, Retha took the road less travelled. She skipped university after …
Show notes
After 25 years abroad, Retha Jacobs has built a life across three countries—but South Africa has never left her heart.
Growing up in Pretoria, Retha took the road less travelled. She skipped university after school, moved to London with friends, later completed degrees in Human Movement Science and Neuroscience, and eventually found herself in Poland—a country she knew almost nothing about before falling in love with its mountains, culture and people.
Over the past decade she's built businesses in tourism, coached squash, become fascinated by mushrooms, and embraced life in one of Europe's fastest-growing economies.
In this conversation, Retha shares what it's really like living in Poland, learning one of the world's most difficult languages, building a business as a foreigner, and why, after 25 years overseas, she feels an even stronger pull back to South Africa.
It's a fascinating look at a country few South Africans know—and a reminder that sometimes the longest journeys lead you back to your roots.
"Life is so short, and there are so many places to see and people to meet. Every country changes you." — Retha Jacobs
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey:
https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Introducing Retha Jacobs
00:57 – From Pretoria to London
04:22 – Why she moved to Poland
06:57 – Learning the Polish language
10:25 – Neuroscience, entrepreneurship and curiosity
11:32 – Building a tourism business in Poland
13:48 – Poland's national sport: mushroom picking
17:10 – Mushrooms, neuroscience and PTSD research
19:55 – Squash, sport and staying active
23:56 – What makes Poland unique
27:47 – Cost of living in Poland
32:42 – Healthcare and quality of life
35:50 – Business, bureaucracy and taxes
37:39 – Residency, passports and Brexit
41:39 – Missing South Africa after 25 years abroad
44:33 – Advice for South Africans considering emigration_____________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Retha Jacobs:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/retha-jacobs-470b7355/
Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Retha's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or someone curious about life in Poland.
From South Africa to the World: Lessons in Leadership and Life-Ep 75 with Dr Deepak Bhootra
Dr. Deepak Bhootra spent 15 years building a career in South Africa before taking that experience across Singapore, India and eventually the United States.Born in India and raised around the world thanks to his …
Show notes
Dr. Deepak Bhootra spent 15 years building a career in South Africa before taking that experience across Singapore, India and eventually the United States.
Born in India and raised around the world thanks to his father's work as a forensic pathologist, Deepak arrived in South Africa in the early 1990s and quickly discovered a country that would shape the rest of his life.
Today he's based in Houston, where he coaches business leaders, entrepreneurs and sales professionals around the world. But despite living on three continents, he still credits South Africa for much of his work ethic, leadership philosophy and outlook on life.
In this conversation, Deepak reflects on adapting to new cultures, earning trust, building a meaningful career, and why success is no longer measured by money—but by the lives you impact.
It's a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose and what emigrants can teach the world.
"Success isn't about how much money you leave behind. It's about what people say about you when you're gone." — Dr. Deepak Bhootra
_______________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.
Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
_______________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:11 – Introducing Dr. Deepak Bhootra
01:06 – Life in Houston and surviving hurricanes
02:32 – How his family ended up in South Africa
06:12 – Falling in love with South Africa
07:38 – South Africans' unique sense of humour
10:09 – What South Africa taught him about work ethic
12:52 – Experiencing South Africa before democracy
17:02 – Leaving South Africa for Singapore
20:18 – Moving to India, then Houston
21:26 – Why South Africans succeed overseas
29:12 – Reinventing yourself after emigration
33:33 – Why trust is the foundation of success
37:42 – Leadership, balance and life beyond work
40:05 – How his definition of success changed forever
47:39 – "Grow Together. Rejoice Together."
51:00 – His message to South Africans living abroad
56:35 – Where to connect with Dr. Deepak Bhootra____________________________________________________________
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.
______________________________________________________________
Connect with Dr. Deepak Bhootra:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra
Website: www.deepakbhootra.com
Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Deepak's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African navigating life abroad.
Life's Way of Bringing You Magic —Ep 74 with Werner Trieloff
Werner Trieloff left the Free State at 21, chased whiskey and languages through Scotland and London, then followed a Brazilian love story to Porto Alegre in 2008 with only enough Portuguese to order a beer …
Show notes
Werner Trieloff left the Free State at 21, chased whiskey and languages through Scotland and London, then followed a Brazilian love story to Porto Alegre in 2008 with only enough Portuguese to order a beer. Nearly two decades later he runs a business connecting Africa, Brazil, Europe and the US — despite qualifying as a CA and never doing a single day of actual accounting since.
Jan and Werner get into Brazil's brutal tax bureaucracy (rules can change ten times a day), the WhatsApp group of 55+ South Africans in Porto Alegre swapping milk tart recipes, and why joining a local rugby club and a motorbike gang did more for Werner's integration than any expat community ever could.
"Life has got its way of bringing magic to you." — Werner Trieloff
____________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
_____________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS
00:10 – Welcome to Werner in Porto Alegre
00:52 – Where Porto Alegre sits in Brazil
01:53 – Free State roots, early moves abroad
03:11 – Meeting a Brazilian in Austria
03:52 – Learning Portuguese from scratch
04:55 – Whiskey connoisseur talk begins
05:33 – Talisker 18 and Japanese Hibiki
06:05 – From CA to management accounting
06:52 – Hired without speaking Portuguese
11:14 – Business grounding without doing accounting
11:49 – South Africa, easiest entry to Africa
12:46 – Africa's cultures vary country to country
13:23 – Comparing Brazil and South Africa culture
13:53 – Brazil's brutal tax complexity
15:04 – South Africans in Brazil WhatsApp group
16:57 – Continental Brazil, huge regional differences
18:43 – Regional food differences across Brazil
20:43 – Braai with just salt, no spice
21:04 – Physical safety versus South Africa
22:57 – Corruption and policing realities
24:52 – Public healthcare system SUS explained
26:35 – Visas, red tape, bureaucracy
27:35 – Company registration much faster now
30:42 – Biggest sacrifice: distance from family
34:09 – Advice: find a local sport
36:42 – Wife's adjustment to South Africa
37:37 – Cost of living in Brazil
38:58 – Minimum wage and daily prices
40:20 – Comparing prices to Portugal, UK
41:05 – Housing costs, apartment living
41:56 – Would he ever return to SA?
43:21 – Raising bicultural kids in Brazil
44:55 – Advice to his 22-year-old self
46:06 – How to connect with Werner
_____________________________________________________________
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.
_____________________________________________________________
Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all platforms
Werner's on LinkedIn (Werner Trieloff) if you want to reach out about business in Brazil or planning a trip there.
If this one hit home, send it to a fellow South African abroad — and follow the show wherever you listen.
Five Years of Visa Limbo, No Couch Included —Ep 73 with Justin Levitt
Justin Levitt grew up in Welkom and Cape Town, toured the country as guitarist in rock band Red Tape Riot, then built a career in SEO.In 2019 he followed a partner to the Netherlands, landing in Amsterdam just …
Show notes
Justin Levitt grew up in Welkom and Cape Town, toured the country as guitarist in rock band Red Tape Riot, then built a career in SEO.
In 2019 he followed a partner to the Netherlands, landing in Amsterdam just two weeks before COVID lockdown hit.
What followed was six unsettled years: a relationship that didn't survive lockdown isolation, a company sponsorship that evaporated when the business went bankrupt, and a year spent without a couch because he never knew if his contract would be renewed.
Justin talks candidly about finally getting permanent residency, the night in Paris when the Springboks won the 2023 World Cup semi-final, and why he's still proudly South African at heart.
"I don't know if I'm going to have my contract renewed. So, you know, I'll just live with the bare minimum until I really know." — Justin Levitt
____________________________________________________________
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _____________________________________________________________
TIMESTAMPS:
00:26 – Guest intro: SEO specialist
00:37 – Growing up in Welkom, the Goldfields
01:04 – Welkom's famous traffic circle legend
01:41 – School, university, bands in Cape Town
03:22 – Landed in Netherlands, COVID hit
04:18 – Learning guitar, convincing parents
05:05 – Backing a solo artist, touring years
06:40 – Forming rock band Red Tape Riot
06:54 – Why music never became a career
08:06 – Jan's theory: SA diversity vs France
08:45 – Radio stations that once launched careers
10:35 – Still plays guitar daily
11:31 – What SEO actually means
13:38 – Expectations before leaving SA
14:53 – Netherlands isn't just a Dutch UK
15:31 – Better government, worse restaurants
15:59 – Afrikaans doesn't help much here
16:47 – Dutch switch to English instantly
17:10 – Dutch know little SA history
17:51 – Arrived days before lockdown
18:17 – Locked down in a small town
19:02 – Lockdown strain on relationship
20:06 – Dutch bureaucracy, organized online
21:25 – Working remotely through lockdown
22:17 – Never settled, five cities
23:56 – Relationship ended in 2022
24:50 – Biggest sacrifice: uncertainty
25:45 – No couch for a year
26:09 – No regrets despite the struggle
27:20 – Struggle as priceless life experience
28:57 – Dutch supermarkets' tiny meat sections
30:30 – Hard to crack Dutch friend groups
31:12 – South Africans seen as hardworking
32:29 – Strict 5pm cutoff culture
34:00 – Feels completely safe here
35:36 – Still proudly South African
38:31 – Who Holland suits best
40:24 – Surprised by SA's racial dynamics
40:51 – Advice: experience first, then leap
41:50 – Doesn't see himself moving back
42:08 – Realizing the weight he carried
42:42 – Misses family and biltong most
43:35 – Best night: Paris 2023 World Cup semi
_____________________________________________________________
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.
_____________________________________________________________
Connect with the podcast:
Website: [www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com](https://www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com)
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all platforms
Loved Justin's story? Share this episode with someone weighing their own move abroad.
From Johannesburg Burglaries to 30 Years a Kiwi — Ep 72 with Jenny Forest Angel
In this episode of The Relocated South African, I sit down with Jenny Forest Angel, who moved from Johannesburg to Wellington, New Zealand in 1997 with a 20-month-old and a 3-year-old in tow — no internet, just …
Show notes
In this episode of The Relocated South African, I sit down with Jenny Forest Angel, who moved from Johannesburg to Wellington, New Zealand in 1997 with a 20-month-old and a 3-year-old in tow — no internet, just fax machines and expensive phone calls.
Nearly 30 years on, Jenny's sons are thriving, her late parents followed her out and are buried in New Zealand, and she says she'd do it all again without hesitation.
We talk about the break-in that finally pushed the decision, the 18 months it took to feel settled, the "green stars on the calendar" trick she used to track her hardest days, and why she'll never send a car or a dining room table overseas again.
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
TIMESTAMPS
00:01 – Introducing Jenny Forest Angel, 30 years in Wellington
00:41 – What prompted leaving South Africa in 1997
00:54 – Five burglaries in 18 months and a safety tipping point
02:48 – The break-in that made them commit to going
03:15 – Selling the house, packing a truck — "what a mistake"
03:41 – Landing in NZ on 31 August 1997, the day Diana died
04:39 – Leaving parents and siblings behind
05:26 – How her parents adapted to a hard move at a late age
06:50 – "We were the lucky ones"
07:12 – Husband's contract ending and landing a NZ job offer
08:57 – Deciding to bring her parents across
09:08 – Sorting her parents' residency paperwork
10:24 – The brutally hard first year, no support networks
10:44 – Crying every day for three months
11:21 – The infamous fish and chips "scoops" story
12:25 – Fax machines twice a week, no Facebook groups
12:35 – Her parents packing up 40 years of life in four months
14:07 – The airport reunion and chocolate-ginger confetti
14:26 – Were her parents financially secure enough to move?
15:33 – How her sons adapted — school, university, careers
16:34 – Sons' success: actuarial science and a master's degree
16:47 – The key to success: green stars on a calendar, "don't give up"
17:49 – Settling financially, and a quirky job exploring Wellington
20:14 – South African pride vs. "no job's beneath me" overseas
20:58 – Would things have turned out the same in South Africa?
21:24 – All Black or Springbok supporter?
21:46 – A 2011 Rugby World Cup ticket mix-up story
23:18 – Making friends: Kiwis vs. fellow South Africans
23:47 – Why the "soft landing" myth doesn't guarantee friendship
24:56 – What she'd leave behind if she did it again
26:56 – The personality traits that make immigration succeed
27:23 – "You can't swim upstream" — adapting without losing yourself
29:10 – "As the plane took off, I knew we were here to stay"
29:20 – How long it took to feel safe again
29:40 – No security bars, no fear — leaving windows open
31:17 – Returning to SA in 2001, her kids' reaction to locked doors
32:11 – Kids playing freely — the value of living without fear
32:25 – Advice for parents on the fence about immigrating
33:06 – Why moving young helps, but older kids adapt too
34:00 – The shrinking window for older parents to immigrate today
34:24 – Her parents' legacy and why she never gave up
___________________________________________________________
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.
_____________________________________________________________
Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all platforms
From Naboomspruit to Norway — Scrap Art & Viking Axes with Martiens Bekker .- Ep 71
Martiens Bekker is a sculptor, blacksmith and multi-medium artist from Naboomspruit. He served in the SA Police Force, studied forestry, and built a career making scrap metal sculptures and film props for …
Show notes
Martiens Bekker is a sculptor, blacksmith and multi-medium artist from Naboomspruit.
He served in the SA Police Force, studied forestry, and built a career making scrap metal sculptures and film props for Warner Brothers and DreamWorks.
In 2009 he moved to Cornwall, UK, where he ran a coffee shop, served on the Coast Guard rescue team, and sold art — including a piece to the drummer of Queen.
A chance invitation brought the family to rural Norway in 2014, where they've lived ever since. Martiens became a Norwegian citizen in 2024.
______________________________________________________________
Whatever taking your future global means for you, Sable International has the expertise to unlock what the world has to offer. With cross-border services spanning visas, second passports, tax, wealth planning, forex and studying abroad, they'll simplify the complexities so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future, beyond borders.
Ready to take your future global? Connect with Sable International today: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
Timestamps
00:44 — Introduction: calling in from the mountains of Telemark, Norway
03:16 — Growing up in Naboomspruit, a family of Springbok athletes, and losing his father at age four
03:68 — Police force, forestry, Israel — finding his path back in South Africa
04:35 — Meeting his wife outside Cape Town and deciding to leave in 2009
05:35 — Life in Cornwall: coffee shop, Coast Guard, exhibitions — and worrying about British youth culture
07:26 — How Norway happened: a sawmill invitation that fell through, and a school principal who convinced them to stay
09:17 — SA → UK (2009) → Norway (2014) — and a visa battle with the Home Office involving a court case
11:41 — Becoming a Norwegian citizen in 2024 and the language test
13:20 — Which move was harder? Why he'd tell South Africans: "Find somewhere they speak English first"
15:07 — What Norway gets right: unlocked doors, great healthcare, open-source tax transparency
17:24 — The scrap metal art: making props for Warner Brothers and DreamWorks from a Cape Town workshop
23:29 — The Falmouth market story: selling a fish made from pick handles to the drummer of Queen
27:49 — Living with narcolepsy, diagnosed after sepsis in 2016
29:30 — Winter income: copper jewelry, firewood for a traditional bakery, and a heritage market in Mjønøy
31:56 — The price of immigration: reuniting with his brother in California after 16 years apart
36:12 — Why they left: giving the boys a better chance — and what that cost in family connections
37:10 — Would he do it again? His son thanked him for getting him out of Cornwall
38:12 — What he lost: his heart is still in South Africa, but his mind can't align with what he sees there now
39:43 — Could he go back? A brother-in-law's farm and a nephew with Angelman syndrome
41:22 — Advice for young South Africans: understand passive income, tax, and build a foundation
43:28 — Final advice: don't set expectations too high — every country has its problems
Quote of the Episode
"The grass is greener on the other side — you know why? Because there's more sht there."* — Martiens Bekker
Links & Resources
- Martiens Bekker — Instagram: search MJ Bekker or Martiens Bekker
- BBC Autumnwatch -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DowbAXSquqA
More conversations. More destinations. More stories of South Africans navigating life abroad. Explore the full episode library at http://therelocatedsouthafrican.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/apostilcoza
Documents with convenience.
_______________________________________________________________
From Kempton Park to Kent — Crime, Courage & Coaching Expats with Kerry Deamer- Ep 70
Kerry grew up in Kempton Park, playing cricket and hockey his whole life before building a bulk tanker business with his wife on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. After years battling fuel theft syndicates and …
Show notes
Kerry grew up in Kempton Park, playing cricket and hockey his whole life before building a bulk tanker business with his wife on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. After years battling fuel theft syndicates and escalating personal threats, he made the call to move his family to the UK in July 2019 — arriving just months before COVID-19 turned everything upside down. Now, drawing on five years of hard-won expat experience, Kerry has retrained as a life coach to help South Africans navigate the emotional realities of emigration — before, during, and after the move._______________________________________________________________
Whatever taking your future global means for you, Sable International has the expertise to unlock what the world has to offer. With cross-border services spanning visas, second passports, tax, wealth planning, forex and studying abroad, they'll simplify the complexities so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future, beyond borders.Ready to take your future global? Connect with Sable International today: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
_______________________________________________________________Timestamps00:06 — Jan introduces Kerry and sets the scene: Kent, just outside London01:13 — Growing up in Kempton Park.01:40 — Building a bulk tanker business from scratch.03:47 — The moment everything changed.04:43 — The reality of transport crime in South Africa.06:06 — Impact on the kids.07:04 — Moving as a team.07:57 — Arriving in July 2019.09:32 — When reality sets in.10:59 — Cost of living surprises.12:44 — Making friends in the UK.15:30 — Did they ever consider going back? 16:43 — What Kerry found personally hardest.18:50 — The pivot to life coaching: from trucks to transformation.20:33 — Jan on the broader need.22:08 — Kerry's coaching business.23:10 — Why focus on South Africans specifically? 25:03 — The two biggest struggles Kerry sees.26:29 — Identity loss and cultural shock.28:19 — Are people regretting emigrating? 30:13 — Wrong reasons to emigrate.32:45 — How to make a better decision: 33:33 — Practical advice for new arrivals.35:28 — Sitting on the fence? 36:55 — Pushed vs pulled.37:59 — How to reach Kerry: [email protected] (website coming soon)Quote of the Episode"Stop digging the hole. Just take account of where you are in life, how you got there, and understand what needs to change — to make change." — Kerry DeamerKey Takeaways* Don't emigrate out of frustration. Decisions made from a negative, exhausted mindset rarely lead to the outcome you're hoping for.* The hardest part of the move isn't the logistics — it's the loneliness. Deep friendships take years to build, and the UK makes it harder than most.* You have to assimilate, not replicate. Trying to recreate South African life in the UK will leave you disappointed.* If you've just arrived, get involved — sports clubs, volunteering, community. Don't wait for people to come to you.* The story you're telling yourself about why you left matters. Make sure it's true.If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don't forget to follow and rate The Relocated South African wherever you listen to podcasts._______________________________________________________________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.
______________________________________________________________More conversations. More destinations. More stories of South Africans navigating life abroad. Explore the full episode library at http://therelocatedsouthafrican.com.
From Cape Town to Prince George and Back with Monty Stephenson-Ep 69
Monty Stephenson, chartered accountant (South Africa and Canada), business leader, and director of the Solulo Foundation. Monty grew up in Plettenberg Bay and qualified as a CA with Deloitte Johannesburg before …
Show notes
Monty Stephenson, chartered accountant (South Africa and Canada), business leader, and director of the Solulo Foundation.
Monty grew up in Plettenberg Bay and qualified as a CA with Deloitte Johannesburg before emigrating to Prince George, British Columbia in 1996.
Over ten years he built a senior career in audit, raised a family of three daughters, and came within six months of making partner — before making the emotional decision to return to Cape Town for family.
He and his wife Cathy have now lived in Cape Town for 20 years and recently reclaimed their South African citizenship.
Quote of the Episode
“We never left South Africa angry. We left to go and experience a different culture — and fell in love with the country. But we’re committed South Africans.” — Monty Stephenson
For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome & intro.
03:29 — How the move to Canada happened: a chance conversation at a hotel in Joburg led to a call from Deloitte Canada .
06:40 — Cathy's struggle to find work as an occupational therapist in Canada.
11:01 — On Canadians: their warmth is earned, not automatic.
15:00 — The first 18 months were tough.
20:40 — How a planned two-year stay became ten — and what that meant for family left behind in South Africa.
25:12 — Monty's mom visited Canada and her peace at seeing their life there.
33:15 — The difficult decision to leave.
39:02 — How they ended up back: an impromptu interview in Joburg organised by his brother-in-law, then one in Cape Town the next day — and a job offer from Ernst & Young on the spot.
45:00 — The final push to say yes:
46:08 — Reintegrating into South Africa. Early months in Camps Bay were a shock — the crime headlines hit hard. But within three months they found their feet and reconnected with community.
50:07 — Monty's philosophy on safety: "There's one criminal in our community and 99 of us are sitting inside letting him own the street. Let the 99 go outside and be connected — and he'll move on."
52:00 — Monty's involvement with the Solulo Foundation, supporting township and rural entrepreneurs.
58:37 — His eldest daughter is now back from London. His advice: go, explore, get your Canadian passport, and come back if South Africa calls you.
01:02:50 — A message to South Africans abroad: "Please don't crash us overseas.
01:03:53 — Wrap-up and sign-off.
_____________________________________________________________
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.
_____________________________________________________________
More conversations. More destinations. More stories of South Africans navigating life abroad. Explore the full episode library at http://therelocatedsouthafrican.com.
From Alberton to London to Langebaan with Dale Anderson-Episode 68
Dale grew up in Alberton and on a farm in Walkerville, Johannesburg. Armed with a British passport and a bass guitar, he landed in London in 2002 with little more than a suitcase and £100. Over 16+ years he …
Show notes
Dale grew up in Alberton and on a farm in Walkerville, Johannesburg. Armed with a British passport and a bass guitar, he landed in London in 2002 with little more than a suitcase and £100. Over 16+ years he built a career in real estate, raised over £1.5 billion in property transactions, and won multiple industry awards — before returning to South Africa just weeks before COVID-19 lockdown. He now lives in Langebaan, Western Cape, and runs RGA Global, helping investors diversify into offshore property markets.
Timestamps
00:05 — Jan introduces Dale and the Lekker Network connection
01:40 — Dale's early life: Alberton, a farm in Walkerville, and playing in bands
02:01 — Landing in London in 2002 with a British passport and a dream — working factories, call centres, and finding his feet
03:42 — The South African community in Wimbledon and the early 2000s working holiday visa era
04:17 — Life in London: braais, band gigs, and the hard realities of cost of living
05:13 — Bass guitar, the band Starseed, and gigging at the Clapham Grand
06:44 — Was the UK always temporary? Jan asks whether Dale always planned to come back
07:55 — Starting from the bottom: minimum wage jobs, a shared flat with a coin-operated shower, and a pivotal moment on Wimbledon High Street that launched his property career
13:32 — Character-building hardship: was there ever a moment they nearly quit and went home?
15:30 — A crossroads: Dale's wife packs up and leaves — and then things turn around
16:23 — Resigning from a six-figure job, twin daughters born, and the decision to return to South Africa
17:24 — Moving to Langebaan two months before COVID — setting up a remote company right as the world went into lockdown
18:03 — Did Dale need the UK to get to where he is today?
21:02 — The biggest misconceptions South Africans have about moving to the UK
23:27 — Red tape and reintegration: tax, IDs, schools, banking, and why the first three to six months are the hardest
27:29 — Safety and security: why Dale chose not to return to Joburg, and how he researched Langebaan's crime statistics before moving
30:18 — The positivity of the Lekker Network and why it matters for South Africa
30:51 — What Dale does today: offshore property investment, RGA Global, and his Fractional Sales Director role with Sable International
33:40 — Golden visas, rental yields, mortgages, and why UK property still makes financial sense for South African investors
35:43 — Is there offshore appetite for South African property? Cape Town's boom, semi-gration, and the long-term investment risks
39:04 — The digital nomad lifestyle: earning in pounds, living in South Africa, and why more people are asking Dale how to do it
40:42 — RGA Global launch: UK, Thailand, Mauritius, Bali — and a cautious watch on Dubai
41:43 — What Dale would do differently: less partying, sobriety, health, and discovering Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
43:35 — Advice for young South Africans: should they go offshore?
45:47 — Closing thoughts: you can always come back
Quote of the Episode
"Focus on your faith, your business, your health, and becoming a man. You can have fun when you're young, but don't get carried away — next thing you realise you're burning a candle at both ends." — Dale Anderson
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