Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to uproot your whole life and move your family to a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea? Or what would make someone leave the warmth and familiarity of South Africa for a place where summer might only last a few days?
In this episode, I chat with Alicia and Silvano Pizzocaro, a South African couple who decided to search for a safer environment and better future for their children, and chose the Isle of Man as their new home. We talk about everything from the notorious weather and the world-famous TT motorbike race, to what it really means to feel settled and build a new sense of community far from home.
I truly enjoyed hearing Alicia and Silvano’s story. Their honesty about the ups and downs of life abroad, as well as the humour in their day-to-day experiences – like walking home at 2am with a pizza in hand, something they’d never do in South Africa – was inspiring and relatable. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed our conversation.
“There is a better life out there than what South Africa has to offer.” - Alica Pizzocaro
00:00 Introduction
02:15 Experiencing the annual TT races
05:38 When and why they left SA
07:22 Lockdown on the Isle of Man
11:21 Their daughter was an alien
14:05 Visiting SA
16:31 Finding friends and community abroad
20:49 Feeling isolated
22:27 Sharing funny stories
24:02 Considering safety and loadshedding
26:01 Settling into their new life
27:41 Advice for anyone emigrating
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
What drives someone to leave behind the only home they've ever known? Is it crime, corruption, or simply searching for a better future for your child? Perhaps it’s all of these.
In this episode, I interview Martin Labuschagne, who made the big move from Pretoria, South Africa, to the UK with his wife and young son in 2019. Martin’s story stood out to me because, like myself, he made the decision to emigrate later in life, at the age of 48. We talk about what it's like to start over at an older age, the challenges of red tape, and the emotional toll of leaving family and friends behind.
Speaking to Martin was a real eye-opener. I felt a genuine connection with his story, especially his honesty about the difficulties, sacrifices, and the strong sense of responsibility he feels as a parent. His insights about integrating with a new community, dealing with practical hurdles, and the emotional side of moving abroad really resonated with me.
If you’re considering relocating or are interested in how others navigate this journey, I’m sure you’ll find Martin’s story as compelling and relatable as I did.
“If you can go, go in your 20s or in your 30s, go as soon as you can so you can start making a life there earlier.” - Martin Labuschagne
00:00 Introduction
03:32 Rushing to relocate pre-Brexit
05:50 Proving their relationship was real
10:25 Immigrate early
15:52 Moving to the UK is expensive
18:58 Would they ever go back?
22:40 Giving away his beloved books
25:06 Writing from the heart
27:16 Feeling numb when they left SA
29:45 Advice for anyone thinking of leaving
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered what it really feels like to leave South Africa behind, or why some people choose to seek opportunities elsewhere? Is it about following your ambitions, looking for safety, or simply searching for a different way of life?
In this episode, I’m joined by Khaya Dlanga - a South African author, marketing executive, and media personality who has achieved so much both at home and abroad. Khaya might be best known for his storytelling and books, but today we dive deep into the emotional side of what it means to leave South Africa: what it means to miss your family, how to cope with grief when you’re far from loved ones, and why building community is so important wherever you find yourself in the world.
Having read Khaya’s latest book, 'Life Is Like That Sometimes', I felt a real connection to his stories about family, loss, and finding belonging. It was both moving and uplifting to talk honestly about the sacrifices, hopes, and challenges that come with relocating, and why, even in the darkest of times, we can still “glow in the dark”.
So if you’re thinking of moving abroad, or you’re already living far from home and missing those everyday South African moments, I hope you’ll find this episode both comforting and inspiring.
“Depending on what drove you overseas, your attitude will be different depending on whether there's a pull factor or a push factor.” - Khaya Dlanga
00:00 Introduction
05:15 YouTube, a happy accident
07:05 Trevor Noah is a global citizen
13:35 Pull vs push factor
15:12 Unemployment in South Africa
21:40 Writing got Khaya through grief
30:21 Building your community
34:45 Advice for staying in South Africa
39:30 “Even in my darkest hour, I glow in the dark”
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pack up your life in South Africa and move somewhere completely different, all for the sake of a better future for your children? Or what goes through your mind when you look at your home country and start thinking about life twenty years from now?
In this episode, I spoke with Margaux and Dian de Wet, a couple originally from Johannesburg who took the big leap to Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the United States. Their story takes us all the way from Joburg to Barcelona, where Dian studied for his MBA, before finally arriving in America, where they've built a new life for themselves and their twins.
I really enjoyed talking with Margaux and Dian. My conversation with the de Wets was refreshing, and they were open about the tough decisions, sacrifices, and adjustments they had to make - the biggest one was leaving family behind, but there was also getting used to new cultures, and tackling the realities of visas and finding community in a foreign place.
Their reflections on knowing your "why" and sticking together as a couple really hit home for me, and I think their perspective will resonate with anyone considering a similar change.
“I didn't want to go and be poor in another country. That was a big thing for me.” - Dian de Wet
00:00 Introduction
04:09 Doing his MBA abroad
08:03 Creating a new future for their family
15:24 Getting used to the cold
17:53 Finding South African community in Cape Cod
23:26 US Visa challenges
30:22 Safety abroad vs South Africa
32:47 Domestic help is expensive abroad
35:34 Advice for emigrants
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
You’ve probably seen South Africa in the news a lot lately - and not a lot of it is good news! How does the news impact the decision to leave, stay, or even return? And what is it that keeps people positive about South Africa, despite all the challenges that make headlines?
In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Paul Harris, a well-known South African entrepreneur, businessman, and one of the founders of Rand Merchant Bank - and my former boss, I might add! With so much negativity and noise in the media about South Africa, often from those who have left, I wanted to get Paul’s perspective on why he still feels so strongly about the country, and why it's important to report good news too.
Chatting with Paul was a refreshing experience, mainly because of his ongoing optimism about South Africa, even when times are tough. Our conversation helped me reflect on my own journey and the reasons behind deciding to move abroad. It also reminded me why, despite having left, I’ll always love my country!
Hopefully, our discussion can help others think more deeply about what it really means to stay or leave, and how much our attitude and actions can impact our future - no matter where we are in the world.
“I'm a proper South African and more South African than any Australian is Australian and any American is an American.” - Paul Harris
00:00 Introduction
05:33 South Africa's resilience over the years
06:35 Being positive about South Africa
11:12 “Would you live in the wilderness or would you live in a zoo?”
16:09 South Africans are resourceful and aspirational
21:56 Adapting to a new culture abroad
27:38 Improving South Africa-US relations
32:14 Navigating opinions on social media
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pick up your life and move to a new country? What does it look like to build and maintain a support network once you've left? What are the pros and cons about emigrating?
In this episode, we answer these questions and more as I’m joined by my good friend and fellow nomad, Ian Visser. Ian has lived in several countries and has a wealth of experience when it comes to uprooting and starting again somewhere new.
We chatted about the realities of emigration, including the tough decisions you have to make, the things you miss most about home, and the surprises that come with making such a big move.
I really enjoyed hearing his differing perspective on what it takes to relocate, leaving behind everything familiar to make a fresh start, and when going back might actually make sense.
“What is underappreciated is probably one of the most courageous things that a person or a family can do.” - Ian Visser
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Emigrating is courageous
03:13 What makes a “successful” move
05:53 What about going back to SA?
10:39 Financial realities of moving abroad
13:28 Comparing healthcare in SA and abroad
15:53 Rebuilding a network
19:10 Positives of emigrating
23:33 “Just go and explore”
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start a new life on the other side of the world – away from family, familiar places, and the routines you’ve always known? Or questioned what really makes someone decide to move for good, especially when it means leaving behind the comfort of close connections?
In this episode, I chat with a fellow podcaster and Tukkies grad, Rudolph Botha, who swapped life in South Africa for Canberra, Australia almost 17 years ago. Rudolph’s story is one of balancing big decisions for his family’s future, finding new ways to connect with his roots, and navigating the everyday joys and challenges of being an expat.
Out of everyone I’ve spoken with so far, Rudolph and his family have been living abroad the longest. It was refreshing to hear how he’s built a happy life abroad in the long-term, while still being honest about the sacrifices and emotions that come with leaving loved ones behind. I especially enjoyed hearing about his role as a podcast co-host of ‘Magalies Potgooi’ (which I recently appeared on as a guest) and the importance of staying connected with fellow South Africans, no matter where in the world you land.
“If you can move to a place where you've got some sort of support system, that is, I think, one of the biggest advantages.” - Rudolph Botha
00:00 Introduction
04:40 Why Rudolph made the decision to leave
06:13 Life in Canberra
10:53 Fleeing the South African political situation
12:46 Advice for anyone emigrating
15:46 Phases of emigrating
18:05 Finding community at the dog park
20:33 Did he ever consider going back to South Africa?
25:01 Feeling safe in Australia
27:54 Navigating Australia’s red tape
30:10 Pros and cons of taking your furniture overseas
33:15 “Test your reasons”
35:04 No regrets
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever thought about selling everything and moving overseas for a fresh start? What would you do if it didn’t work out quite like you hoped?
In this episode, I chat with Lilly Quintal, who moved with her family from South Africa to Portugal after long-term financial struggles and the hope for a better future. Lilly opens up about what happened when they arrived, only to find out, months later, that they had been lied to and were faced with nothing but empty promises. What followed was months of debilitating depression, struggling to get the support they needed and having to say goodbye to the half a million rand they had spent to try and make their new life happen. It was a tough journey, and after 21 months in Portugal, Lilly and her family decided to return to South Africa.
I really appreciated Lilly’s honesty and courage in sharing the reality behind her emigration story, especially given how challenging the experience turned out to be.
It was uplifting to hear about how they eventually found a support system, made lifelong friends and reunited with family. Let Lily's story be a cautionary tale to anyone looking to immigrate: always, always do your due diligence before making the move.
“There was a lot of guilt, the fact that I'd left them behind going to Portugal for a better future and then unfortunately things just didn't work out.” - Lilly Quintal
00:00 Introduction
02:16 Deciding to leave South Africa
03:28 Empty promises
05:26 “I hit rock bottom”
06:25 Doing due diligence
09:12 Finding community in Portugal
12:55 My heart was in SA
14:50 Longing to come back home
17:52 Struggling with depression
21:04 Seeking a better future financially
23:35 Blessed to be back
24:47 Do your homework
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
When the safety and security of your family comes under threat, would you move over 10,000km across the world? What if that meant leaving behind all of your family and friends?
In this episode, I spoke with Lindi Dercksen, who moved from eManzimtoti, South Africa, to Australia’s Gold Coast. Lindi opened up about her family’s journey, from the early doubts and tough goodbyes to the experience of finding work and creating a new home from scratch.
After looting, loadshedding and retrenchment, Lindi and her family decided to enact their dream of moving somewhere that had a big South African community, but could offer their young children a better quality of life.
I really enjoyed hearing how she and her husband made the decision for the sake of their kids, but also for themselves, and how their lives have changed since arriving in Australia.
It was inspiring to hear her positive attitude, the resilience of her children, and the way the South African community in Australia supports each other through the ups and downs. I found our conversation relatable, especially when it comes to missing family and building a simpler, safer life.
“Kids are so resilient and they are so, so much stronger than what we think.” - Lindi Dercksen
00:00 Introduction
01:21 Reason for leaving South Africa
06:02 Speaking Afrikaans in Australia
07:22 Missing family back home
08:52 Finances and finding a job
10:22 The day we left
12:59 There’s no turning back
13:57 Australia’s South African community
15:47 How similar is the lifestyle?
20:16 Do people question your decision?
22:37 Would you have done anything differently?
23:48 Advice for immigrating
26:06 Missing South Africa and appreciating Australia
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
What makes a young South African couple decide to move to a country they've never even visited? And, after nearly a decade abroad, what makes them choose to return home?
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hester and Johan Pieterse, who originally left Cape Town in 2016 for Ireland. They didn’t know anyone there, and hadn’t even visited Ireland before making the jump – talk about taking a leap of faith! Over the next nine years, they built careers, started a family, and eventually became Irish citizens. But as you’ll hear, the pull of family and sunshine drew them back to South Africa.
Unlike most of the conversations I've had with other South Africa emigrants, Hester and Johan never planned on relocating permanently. My wife and my plan had always been to make the move for good, so it was refreshing to talk to people with a completely different experience of relocating.
“You can go and come back. You’ve got nothing to lose” - Hester Pieterse
00:00 Introduction
04:36 Visiting South Africa
06:55 Cost of living in Cape Town
12:31 Getting Irish citizenship
18:27 Would you have done anything differently?
19:46 Underestimating the red tape
20:46 Considering safety in South Africa
23:50 The decision to return to South Africa
26:07 Do you have any local friends considering emigrating?
27:18 Shielded from local politics
28:48 Advice for relocating with kids
31:41 Things we miss about Ireland
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered if moving overseas could really give your children a better future? Or what it’s actually like to leave South Africa behind and start fresh in a new country with your whole family?
Today I speak to Rogerio Vieira, who made the decision to relocate with his wife and five children from South Africa to Lagos, Portugal - the same place my wife and I have relocated to! Rogerio shares what it was like to adjust to life here in Lagos, why they felt it was the right move for their kids, and what challenges they’ve faced along the way — especially when it comes to fitting into a new schooling system and learning a new language.
As someone who’s gone through their relocation experience, it was great to chat with Rogerio and hear his honest perspective. I really enjoyed hearing about his family’s journey, the ups and downs, and his advice for anyone considering making the same move. I think you’ll find his story both relatable and helpful if you’re thinking about your own future abroad.
“The younger they are, I think they pick it up quite easily. Us older people, it's a bit more difficult. It's not an easy language.” - Rogerio Vieira
00:00 Introduction
04:21 Rogerio’s father’s immigration story
06:29 Living in Lagos
11:04 The possibility of returning to South Africa
13:18 Don’t make the same mistake we did!
14:55 Getting his wife’s Portuguese passport
18:49 His advice for those leaving SA today
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever looked back on a big decision, and realised that you did the right thing, even after all this time?
In this episode, I spoke with Wade Loehmer, who moved to Dubai with his wife when she was six months pregnant. Three kids later, and Wade and his family are celebrating ten years in this vibrant city. Initially sparked by a work opportunity and familial ties to the United Arab Emirates, he took a chance and hasn’t looked back.
We spoke about what it’s like to live in a place that’s so different from virtually anywhere else in the world. Hearing about the adventures and adjustments that come with raising three children in a foreign land was both insightful and heartening. The challenges were certainly there, but so were the opportunities, and Wade shared some solid advice for those considering a similar path.
Join me as we journey through his story together, and perhaps you’ll be encouraged to take a similar (big) step!
“We all know we have to leave at some point and I think that's the difficulty in the UAE … everyone has to leave [because] there's no real retirement facilities available to an expat.” - Wade Loehmer
00:00 Introduction
04:04 Building a South African construction company
06:52 Following investment and rental trends
10:55 Challenges of emigrating
13:43 Longing for South Africa
19:00 Safe community for expats
20:54 Cycling and running
23:41 Hope for change in South Africa
27:57 Starting small in financial management
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
All parents want their children to grow up somewhere they can be happy, healthy and thrive – but what if that meant packing up and leaving everything you'd ever known behind?
In today's episode, I spoke with father, husband and founder of the travel app Oorsee, Steven Phyffer, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his family when he decided they needed to leave South Africa.
We'll explore Steven's fascinating journey from South Africa to the UK and eventually to Australia. He and his wife made this move with their young family, seeking not only new adventures but a place where their children could live their best lives. What strikes me most about Steven's story is his dedication to building a sense of community for South Africans abroad, through his app and online presence.
You'll no doubt be inspired, as Steven shares both the struggles and joys of emigration, the importance of creating your own community abroad and advice for anyone thinking about moving overseas.
His warmth and enthusiasm for connecting with others are truly heartwarming, and I know you'll find as much value in his story as I did.
“I decided that I want to build this app that's going to help bring South Africans together. A social media app, but without all the distractions in it.” - Steven Phyffer
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Starting Oorsee and emigrating
08:17 Navigating emigration costs
12:59 Celebrating South African culture
17:19 My advice on saving
21:11 Buying a bakkie
25:01 Finding a common thread
28:01 Opportunities abroad
Resources
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Relocating from South Africa to another country is a big decision, and requires careful planning and adapting to a lot of change.
Today, I'm excited to bring you a conversation with Siobhan Erasmus, who decided to leave South Africa for Spain in 2018 after a traumatic home invasion (which is sadly a common story among South Africans today). She and her family took their time to plan the move, ensuring they wouldn't make any rushed decisions they'd later regret. Siobhan's European background gave her options, but her husband preferred a sunny place like their home in South Africa, leading them to choose Valencia. Despite their careful planning, they faced challenges, like adjusting to a new language, social isolation, and Covid delaying the move.
Her story is one of a lot of consideration over a few years, and navigating the challenges of adjusting to an entirely different lifestyle. What struck me most was Siobhan's honesty about the difficulties of building new connections and the importance of being prepared for the language barrier.
Siobhan's main motivator was ensuring a safer environment for her daughter, and although she misses some aspects of South Africa, the safety and new opportunities in Spain outweigh the negatives.
“You can't get into the culture if you don't speak the language.” - Siobhan Erasmus
00:00 Introduction
05:11 Local language is essential
10:53 Navigating foreign healthcare
16:37 Illusion of progress
17:17 Spain vs Johannesburg, South Africa
22:48 Reflecting on trauma
25:34 Choosing safety over danger
27:04 Settling down for good
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
In this episode, I talk with Mariette Momberg, who left South Africa to build a new life in Dublin, Ireland. With a background in finance and a thirst for experiencing the world, Mariette's story is sure to resonate with many.
Mariette moved to Dublin five years ago for a combination of personal and professional reasons. She desired to experience more of the world alongside her husband (as they're both in finance and wanted to travel more), be closer to family abroad, and expand her career in investment management. She has an EU passport (which definitely made relocating easier), and they wanted to find a place with a lifestyle and culture similar to South Africa. Although the move was emotional, her vision of a better future for her career growth as well as for raising children outside of South Africa means that they do not regret the decision at all.
I was truly inspired by her journey and how she embraced the new culture while navigating the ups and downs of relocation, especially during such a challenging time like COVID. I hope you'll find her story as valuable and inspiring as I did.
“Once you get your people and you get your support structure, you get closer a lot quicker.” - Mariette Momberg
00:00 Introduction
03:25 A big career decision
07:14 Building a South African network
10:25 Debating returning home
13:29 Furniture misfits
17:18 Embracing positivity in challenges
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Relocating from South Africa to other countries is not always easy. And today I'd like to share my own experience of going through the process.
In this episode, I'll be sharing the story behind the emigration journey that my wife and I embarked on since deciding to leave South Africa in 2020. After living in multiple foreign countries, facing many unexpected hurdles, and experiencing the highs and lows of starting anew, we're now happily settled in Portugal, and have no plans of returning.
I'll walk you through the reasons behind our decision, the challenges we faced along the way, and how we finally found our home in a place we love. It's been quite the adventure, and I'm excited to share it with you all in the hope it might resonate or even help someone considering a similar path.
00:00 Introduction
04:22 Unexpected house sale sparked the big move
09:45 Fleeing Dutch weather for France
10:43 Our lockdown adventure
15:11 Relocating to Portugal
18:09 Embracing our new life abroad
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
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.
