The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

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]

In this episode I speak with Kurt De Bique, a South African who has made the significant transition from Cape Town to Copenhagen. 

Kurt shares his journey, detailing his upbringing in Cape Town, the pivotal moments that led to his family's decision to emigrate, and the challenges they faced during the relocation process. 

He reflects on the emotional farewells to family and friends, the cultural adjustments, and the practicalities of settling into a new country, including housing, schooling, and the cost of living in Denmark.

Kurt emphasises the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of change, noting that while the move was not without its difficulties, it has also brought about personal and professional growth for both him and his wife. 

He discusses the role of faith in their decision-making process and how it has provided a sense of stability amidst the uncertainties of relocation. 

The conversation also touches on the joys of exploring Europe, the differences in lifestyle, and the unique experiences that come with living abroad, ultimately highlighting the enriching journey of embracing a new life while cherishing the roots left behind.

Kurt De Bique “It's not for the faint-hearted."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:09 Kurt's Background and Early Life in Cape Town
05:08 The Decision to Move to Copenhagen
08:57 Challenges of Relocation and Family Dynamics
15:38 The Role of Faith in the Journey
20:15 Living Conditions and Cost of Living in Denmark
26:37 Coping with the Weather and Language Barriers
32:13 Healthcare and Taxes in Denmark
42:17 Professional Growth and Opportunities Abroad
50:55 What They Miss About South Africa
53:31 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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 John Pereira, a South African living in Ukraine.

We explore his journey from South Africa to the UK at age 20 and eventually to Ukraine. 

John shares his experiences in the British Armed Forces, his deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his life in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. 

He moved from Kyiv to Lviv due to the ongoing conflict in Kyiv.

He discusses cultural insights, economic comparisons, and the challenges of living in a war-torn country. 

John also reflects on his visit to South Africa and offers advice for young South Africans regarding financial education and opportunities abroad.

John Pereira: “ I wish I saved more”

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to John Pereira and his journey from South Africa to Ukraine
02:16 - John's early life in Kempton Park and move to the UK in 2004
03:23 - Working as a labourer and medical trials in London
04:50 - Joining the British Army and deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan
10:26 - Experiences in Iraq’s Basra and Helmand Province
12:00 - The reality of war: casualties, survival, and combat
13:00 - Transition to civilian life and life in Scotland as a bouncer and entrepreneur
15:21 - Moving to Ukraine for holiday and decision to settle
16:19 - Life in Kyiv before the full-scale invasion
18:36 - The full-scale invasion: early days, chaos, and resilience
20:02 - Power outages, infrastructure attacks, and the ongoing war
22:12 - Comparing corruption and societal structures in Ukraine and South Africa
23:28 - Living in Lviv: culture, architecture, and local atmosphere
25:46 - Marshal law, military drafts, and the impact on daily life
27:45 - Community involvement, volunteering, and safety measures
30:14 - Ukrainian cuisine, hospitality, and cultural norms
33:31 - Ukrainians' friendliness, language, and cultural nuances
36:41 - Cost of living, salaries, and the IT sector's growth in Ukraine
40:02 - Healthcare system, hospitals, and medical services during wartime
43:11 - Weather adaptation and the Ukrainian lifestyle in winter
45:32 - Clothing, winter gear, and Ukrainian customs
47:33 - Travel routes into Ukraine: Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, and border challenges
48:36 - Returning briefly to South Africa: perceptions and realities
50:17 - Future prospects for South Africans abroad and John's views on governance
John is very active on TikTok using the handle @diary_safa_john_travel.

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