The Relocated South African

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]

In this conversation, I speak with Dr. Mario Denton a world renowned coach and speaker.

He shares his insights on immigration, personal growth, and the emotional challenges faced by South Africans considering moving abroad. 

He discusses the importance of understanding one's purpose, the emotional costs of immigration, and the need for support networks. 

Dr. Denton emphasises that immigration is not a selfish decision but rather a complex choice influenced by various factors, including personal growth opportunities and family dynamics. 

He also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in navigating these challenges and encourages individuals to seek guidance in their decision-making process.

According to Dr Denton not everyone is a candidate for emigration-self-awareness is key.

Dr “Mario Denton: "You are the CEO of your own life."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Immigration and Personal Growth
03:09 Dr. Mario Denton's Background and Experience
05:51 Perspectives on Immigration: Selfishness vs. Opportunity
09:03 Emotional and Mindset Challenges in South Africa
11:52 Who Should and Should Not Immigrate?
14:50 Coping with Trauma and Emotional Challenges
17:46 The Role of Parents in Supporting Immigrants
20:58 Maintaining Family Connections Across Borders
24:04 The Costs of Immigration: Emotional and Financial
26:39 Future Considerations for Families in South Africa
27:32 Navigating Life Abroad: Opportunities and Challenges
28:51 Coping with Loneliness: The Emotional Toll of Distance
31:13 The Importance of Sharing: Building Support Networks
33:48 South Africa's Future: Balancing Hope and Reality
38:40 Exploring Opportunities: To Stay or To Go?
41:48 Understanding Disengagement: The Path from Engagement to Disconnection
48:36 Finding Purpose: Aligning Life Choices with Personal Values

Contact Dr Denton at www.drmariodenton.com.

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

In this episode, I speak with Abré Van Wyk the host of the KarooKiwi podcast about his personal story of moving from South Africa to Hamilton, New Zealand.

He highlights the immigration process, community integration, and the realities of living abroad. 

We explore his insights on setting up a business, cultural differences, and maintaining connections with South Africa. 

We discuss building community and networks in New Zealand and the inspiration behind the Karookiwi podcast.

He shares some sound advice for anyone considering emigration.

Abré gives us a bit of insight into the cost of living in New Zealand versus South Africa and Australia.

He also stresses how important it is to maintain mental health and faith while abroad.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Abré’s story and podcast
04:10 - Deciding to move to New Zealand after visiting family
07:12 - The role of family and community in expatriation
08:36 - Origins and goals of the KarooKiwi podcast
10:03 - Guests and topics featured on KarooKiwi podcast
16:39 - Comparing New Zealand and Australia for emigrants
17:40 - Meeting South Africans and social integration
18:45 - Local social customs and community life
20:13 - Challenges of household help and day-to-day living
22:08 - Travel and flight times back to South Africa
23:26 - Reflections on the past year and lessons learned
25:24 - Healthcare in New Zealand: access and costs
29:14 - Tax residency and maintaining South African links
32:16 - What Aubrey would ship from South Africa today
33:42 - Local faith communities and church life in New Zealand
37:23 - Closing remarks and future collaborations

The KarooKiwi website is www.karookiwi.com. Abré is also active on LinkedIn and other social media. Contact Abré at [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 episode 48, I  interview Danie Brink, a South African math teacher who has navigated multiple relocations to the US. 

Danie shares his journey from South Africa to the US, discussing his teaching experiences, the challenges of immigration, and the importance of education. 

He also highlights his charity work, Stepping Into Grace, born out of a family tragedy, which provides prosthetic limbs to those in need in South Africa. 

The conversation touches on the realities of life in the US, including the cost of living, community engagement, and the emotional aspects of leaving one's home country.

He discusses moving from being a teacher at the prestigious Pretoria Boys High to almost starting over in America.

His wife homeschools the children and he discusses his views on homeschooling as a teacher himself.

We discuss the cost of living in the US which can be manageable for teachers, especially dual-income families.

He suggests that Immigrants should consider trying life in a new country, as they can always return if needed, as they have proven.

Danie Brink: “We are where God wants us now."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:10 Danie’s Background and Journey to the U.S.

07:05 Graduate Studies and Immigration Insights

13:40 The Impact of a Tragic Accident

17:08 Establishing a Nonprofit for Prosthetics

19:10 Life in Georgia and Cultural Connections

25:28 Homeschooling Philosophy and Practices

40:03 A morning run discussion

47:22 American friendships

The charity which provides prosthetic limbs can be found at www.steppingintograce.com.

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

In Episode 47 I speak with Nichola Kühne a South African brand specialist and founder of “From Startup to Wunderbrand” podcast.

Nicholas talks about his early life in South Africa, his professional journey in branding and marketing and the adjustments he and his family have made in Norway.

The discussion touches on cultural integration, the South African identity abroad, and the importance of community. 

Nicholas also reflects on the work ethic of South Africans and offers valuable advice for those considering immigration. 

The conversation concludes with insights on personal growth and the joys of living in a new country.

He encourages others to embrace their strengths rather than focus on weaknesses.

Nicholas believes in the value of community and making connections in a new country.

He shares insights on the importance of integrating into the local culture.

Nicholas advises future immigrants to consider Scandinavia for its quality of life.

He expresses gratitude for his journey and the opportunities it has provided.

Nicholas Kühne: “Norway is a play-play land."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:41 Nicholas's Background and Early Life

05:35 Career Path and Experiences in Africa

08:24 Emigration to Malaysia and Its Challenges

11:00 Transition to Norway and Cultural Adjustments

13:42 Social Dynamics and Community in Norway

16:26 Navigating Identity as an Expat

19:05 Reflections on South African Heritage

21:40 Business Ventures and Podcasting Journey

24:32 Advice for New Immigrants

30:50 Building Brands for Emerging Markets

38:01 Focusing on Strengths Over Weaknesses

41:38 The South African Work Ethic Abroad

48:24 Navigating Business and Tax in Norway

54:35 Embracing Life in Norway

Nicholas’ podcast is available on all platforms as From Startup to Wunderbrand. His website is: https://www.kuhne.no/
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]