The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

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

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

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

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

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

Timestamps: 

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

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

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

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

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

06:26 - Transition into recruitment and HR consulting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33:27 - Navigating homelessness and repatriation during COVID lockdowns

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with Ankia
LinkedIn - Ankia Coetzer MBA
Email - [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Johann's Journey
01:06 Early Life and Education
02:29 Career Beginnings and First Move
05:03 Life in London and Transition to Singapore
16:21 Challenges of Relocation and Family Dynamics
21:41 Considering a Return to South Africa
32:04 Comparative Experiences in Different Countries
46:08 Cost of Living and Bureaucracy Insights
52:18 Reflections on the Journey

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

In this episode, I speak with Wendy Williams who left South Africa for Australia at age 45.

Wendy shares her inspiring story of moving from Zimbabwe to South Africa and eventually settling in Australia. 

Her journey highlights the courage it takes to restart later in life, navigate complex immigration processes, and embrace new opportunities.

She discusses adjusting to life in Australia: safety, quality of life, and cultural difference

Her advice for prospective emigrants: seize opportunities and stay positive

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:51 Wendy’s early life in Rhodesia and education background
02:52 Moving from Zimbabwe to South Africa in 1984
03:44 Farmer life and family in South Africa before emigrating
04:54 The gradual decision to leave South Africa amid political uncertainty
06:51 Deciding to emigrate to Australia and the four-year process
10:15 Navigating visa challenges and qualification recognition
13:22 The emotional and practical coping strategies during the long wait
14:57 Landing in South Australia with immediate PR and support
16:53 The kids’ experience and integration into Australian life
17:09 The importance of community and support networks
19:51 Farm work, career shifts, and embracing change at mid-life
23:45 The bold move into hydraulics and starting a new business
29:44 Adjusting to life on the coast, retirement plans, and lifestyle in South Australia
30:55 Reflections on missing South Africa, safety, and wildlife
32:07 Thinking retrospectively: leaving earlier or at the right time?
34:28 Advice to young families considering migration
36:59 Wendy’s current activities: selling biltong and community involvement
38:46 The joy of sharing South African culture abroad and future outlook

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

In this episode, I speak with Vincent Heys, a South African immigrant to Canada, about his journey of relocation, the challenges faced in adapting to a new country, and the importance of financial planning for immigrants. 

We discuss family dynamics, the decision-making process behind immigration, and the role of faith and community support. 

Vincent shares insights on the differences in education and healthcare systems between South Africa and Canada, as well as the mission behind his business, WealthStack, which aims to provide clarity and peace of mind for clients navigating their financial futures in a new country.

He highlights that immigrants often underestimate the emotional impact of leaving friends and family behind.

Vincent Heys: “It's not for sissies."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Immigration and New Beginnings
02:20 Vincent's Journey: From South Africa to Canada
07:45 Family Dynamics in Immigration
10:32 The Decision to Leave: Push vs. Pull Factors
15:59 Faith and Community in Decision Making
20:08 Adapting to Life in Canada
28:47 Education and Healthcare: A Comparative Perspective
36:41 Financial Planning for Immigrants
45:50 Building a Business: WealthStack's Mission
54:30 Advice for Future Immigrants

Vincent is active on Linked in and his business can be found at www.wealthstack.ca.

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

In this episode, I speak with Graham Cosgrave, a recruiter for doctors in Ireland, discussing the intricacies of relocating for medical professionals, particularly from South Africa. 

We explore the challenges faced during relocation, the unique qualities of South African doctors, and the importance of family and community integration in the process. 

Graham shares insights on the growing interest from South African doctors, common mistakes made during relocation, and the financial considerations involved. He says that South African doctors are adaptable and resourceful.

The conversation highlights the cultural adjustments required and concludes with success stories of doctors who have made Ireland their home.

Graham Cosgrave “The Irish and South Africans get on very well."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of the Podcast
02:43 The Role of Recruitment in Doctor Relocation
05:34 The Importance of Community and Support
08:31 Growing Interest from South African Doctors
11:12 Unique Qualities of South African Doctors
14:25 Adapting to Life in Ireland
17:26 Family Dynamics in Relocation
20:10 The Impact of Global Dynamics on Relocation
23:42 Understanding the Relocation Process
26:24 Characteristics of a Successful Relocation Candidate
27:23 Common Mistakes in Relocation
29:09 Financial Considerations for Relocating Doctors
31:39 Cultural and System Shocks in Relocation
34:30 The Journey to Irish Citizenship
36:55 Success Stories of Relocated Doctors
39:23 Embracing Irish Culture and Community
41:10 The Doctor Diaries Podcast

Graham is active on LinkedIn and has a podcast- Doctor Diaries: Adventures to Ireland. It is available on all podcast platforms.

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