Imagine moving to the UK and building a successful life and career but after more than 20 years deciding to go back to South Africa.
In this episode, I chat to Wolf Dette, the owner of Wolfies Bar in London, who shares his journey from South Africa to the UK and back. Wolf discusses his early life, ambitions in finance and the challenges of running a business during COVID.
He talks about the family’s decision to return to South Africa for family and community support. He also explores the world of NFT's and crypto investments, reflecting on the importance of resilience and cultural identity.
I really enjoyed Wolf’s entrepreneurial spirit and his drive to provide what is best for his son’s health challenges.
Wolf Dette: "the amount of growing up that you do when you go overseas and there is no one to help you. No parents no friends ..”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
01:20 Early Life and Ambitions
04:29 Transition to the UK and Career Development
05:47 The Birth of little Wolf
08:21 A big UK tax bill
09:33 First Bitcoin purchase
16:30 Success in the UK
21:23 Community and Support Systems
23:20 Reflections on Safety and Crime
25:20 Cultural Identity and Resilience
28:00 Healthcare and Family Considerations
32:33 Crime in the UK
39:00 Things change when you emigrate and grow up
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Have you ever thought about the challenges of selling everything to be ready to emigrate and then Covid arrived?
In this episode, I speak to Hettie Meyer who relocated to Wellsford, New Zealand from the East Rand in South Africa.
We talk about the family’s journey from South Africa, the challenges of moving, and the differences in lifestyle, culture, and healthcare in New Zealand.
I really enjoyed hearing about Hettie’s experiences with moving, childcare and the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones back home. For me the conversation highlights the emotional aspects of emigration, the adjustments required, and the freedom and safety that come with living in New Zealand.
If emigration is on your horison you will find Hettie’s advice very useful.
"Don't bring your furniture."-Hettie Meyer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey
02:46 Life in Wellsford, New Zealand
05:45 The Decision to Move
08:48 Challenges of Relocation
11:51 Family and Childcare in New Zealand
14:46 Cultural Differences and Community
17:30 Healthcare and Safety
20:32 Maintaining Family Connections
23:33 Reflections on South Africa
26:34 Food and Lifestyle Differences
29:08 Advice for Potential emigrants
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Do we sometimes neglect the feelings of parents who stay behind when their children decide to emigrate.
In this conversation, I speak with Rene Koekemoer, a South African mother who has two daughters who live abroad. We discuss the emotional journey of being a parent left behind, the sacrifices made by both parents and children, and the impact of distance on family dynamics. Rene shares her experiences of coping with separation, the importance of support systems, and the unconditional love that drives parents to want the best fortheir children, even when it means living far apart.
The discussion with Rene left me with a clear understanding of the emotional rollercoaster of a parent with children abroad. Her journey clearly reflects the emotional complexities of being a parent left behind.
Parents often suppress their emotions to remain strong for their children. Support systems for parents left behind are non-existent.
“I will never judge them."- René Koekemoer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Immigration
02:44 Life as a Parent Left Behind
05:51 Navigating Emotions of Separation
08:47 Understanding the Decision to Leave
11:54 The Impact of Distance on Family Dynamics
14:47 The Loss of Family Connections
17:32 Coping with the Emotions of Departure
20:38 The Role of Support Systems
23:23 Finding Positivity in Separation
26:34 Advice for Parents of Immigrants
29:27 The Unconditional Love ofParents
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to face major life challenges far away from the familiar comforts of home and family? Or how it feels to build a new identity and raise a family abroad, without the built-in support systems so many of us take for granted?
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Ruth Prinsloo, whose story takes us from her childhood in Boksburg, to a life spread across continents. Ruth has not only navigated the practical and emotional realities of relocating -moving through France, Japan, and now the Netherlands - but has also beat cancer, rebuilt her sense of self, and raised a family in a foreign land, all while being far from her closest relatives.
Interviewing Ruth left a deep impression on me. She speaks with such honesty about the difficulties of coping with illness when your family is thousands of kilometres away, the challenge of forming your own identity in a new country, and the bittersweet emotions involved in seeing your children create their own connections with South Africa from afar.
If you’re interested in the real, sometimes raw experience of carving out a life abroad - especially when it comes to family, health, and finding your place in the world - you won’t want to miss Ruth’s moving and insightful story.
“To be able to let go of my idea of how I thought it would work out and just simply take it as it comes.” - Ruth Prinsloo
00:00 Introduction
05:21 An out-of-the-blue opportunity in Japan
09:15 How she ended up in Amsterdam
11:20 Her journey with cancer
14:00 Crafting as part of recovery
16:35 Pursuing bronze sculpting
21:04 Meeting a renowned sculptor
26:43 Playing rugby in Holland
31:40 SA vs European perspective
35:06 Coping with fear and trauma
40:38 Looking forward, not backwards
44:53 She experienced a medical miracle
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever felt that your voice was being stifled, or wondered what it would be like to leave everything behind just so you could tell the truth? What would drive a journalist to walk away from their homeland - not out of adventure, but because they could no longer breathe under the weight of censorship?
In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Johan Allers, a man whose work on local television and radio was a familiar part of my own childhood. Johan’s career saw him reporting on some of the most important and difficult moments in our country’s history, but it was the growing pressure to toe the official line - and the inability to report freely and honestly - that eventually pushed him to leave South Africa.
Interviewing Johan was a powerful reminder of just how personal the choice to relocate can be. For Johan, it wasn’t just about career ambition or curiosity about life overseas; it was fundamentally about integrity, and the need to tell real stories without interference and fear. His reflections on those final years in South Africa, the moments when he realised he could not be the kind of journalist he aspired to be, really struck a chord with me.
Whether you’re thinking about moving abroad, facing similar professional crossroads, or simply interested in the stories behind South Africa’s media past, I hope you’ll find Johan’s journey as compelling and honest as I did.
“I actually became for the first time, truly confronted with the realities of South Africa as it was seen [through] the eyes of the Europeans at that time.” - Johan Allers
00:00 Introduction
05:14 Award-winning producer
09:16 Early career ambitions
11:50 Being a journalist during apartheid
14:24 Media manipulation in South Africa
20:15 Connections to the liberation movement
22:25 Meeting Kofi Annan
25:14 Chance encounter with Muhammad Ali
30:19 Moving to Amsterdam
33:26 Travelling Europe for TV
38:10 His views on the Afrikaans refugees in the U.S
41:46 Longing for home
44:04 The essence of SA
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pack up your life and move overseas - not just physically, but mentally as well? What does it mean to fully commit to a new country, instead of keeping one foot in the place you came from?
In this episode, I talk to Norman and Chantal van Wyk, the first couple I’ve interviewed who made the move from South Africa to Norway. What struck me most about our conversation was how determined they were, right from the start, to go all in. They didn’t leave with a safety net or a backup plan to return home. Instead, they put all their energy into starting over and truly making Norway their new home.
I really enjoyed speaking to them. Their honesty about the ups and downs of committing fully to life in another country really resonated with me. If you’ve ever wondered about what it means to let go of your old life and embrace a new one wholeheartedly, I think you’ll find their story both inspiring and relatable.
“We need to make Norwegian friends. We can't just stay in this South African bubble. Although we're very appreciative of them.” - Norman van Wyk
00:00 Introduction
06:25 Seeking safety abroad
08:49 Life in the countryside
11:59 Serendipitous Scandinavian job offer
13:52 Finding the right house
18:18 Aligning their mindsets was key
22:34 Adapting to life in a foreign country
27:58 Applying for a visa
35:24 Breaking barriers with locals
37:57 Yearning for familiar connections
42:14 Limpet the cat went missing in Amsterdam
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to pack up your life in South Africa and start over in a place as far away as New Zealand? What makes someone leave everything familiar behind and begin again, especially when safety and a better future for their family are at stake?
In this episode, I chat to Dr. Kobus Du Plooy, a clinical psychologist who took the leap from Pretoria to Otago, New Zealand with his wife, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about the tough decisions that led up to their move, including the safety concerns that played a big part, Kobus’s career journey, adjusting to a new country, and how starting over brings both challenges and unexpected joys.
I really enjoyed this conversation with Kobus. He was such a down-to-earth guest, and I appreciated how open he was about the emotional side of relocating - from leaving family behind, to facing loneliness, to eventually finding their feet and building a new life. I found it especially moving to hear how he and his wife support each other and the practical advice he had for others considering a similar move.
If you’re thinking of moving abroad, or you're just curious about life in New Zealand as a South African, I think you’ll find Kobus’s story both relatable and inspiring.
“When I speak to a lot of South Africans here, they said had their circumstances been different, they wouldn't have wanted to make this move.” - Kobus Du Plooy
00:00 Introduction
05:58 Making the move mid-pandemic
10:03 Prioritising family safety
15:48 Balancing familiarity and change abroad
20:05 Overcoming reluctance to socialise
27:57 “It’s not for sissies”
31:11 Life isn’t always fair
34:43 Navigating change for the sake of opportunity
38:20 Teaching our kids to have manners
41:38 What he would have done differently
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
In May 2025, the US welcomed its first batch of white Afrikaans South Africans as part of its divisive Refugee Admissions Program.
Some people are saying that they will be back, while others don’t even think they should have been accepted in the first place - it’s been dominating the headlines for months and today’s guest has become somewhat of a voice for the programme’s participants.
Andrea Shea is a wife, mother, and passionate activist for South Africans living in the United States. Andrea shares her journey of relocating from South Africa after her family won the diversity visa lottery, after many years of trying. We talk about everything from settling in Florida, cultural adjustments, and raising a family in a new country, to her activism in support of South Africans seeking a "safer and brighter future".
My discussion with Andrea was a truly eye-opening experience. Her honesty about the challenges of leaving South Africa, the realities of moving to the US, and her tireless work supporting others really struck a chord with me. I left our conversation feeling inspired by her resilience and her unwavering commitment to help fellow South Africans navigate these uncertain paths.
If you’re considering relocation, wanting to know more about the refugee programme to the US, or simply curious about what life is like after such a big move, this episode has plenty of insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss.
“I think people have it in their head that [if] you're a refugee, there's kind of like a stigma behind it. But no one I've known that has gone over on the programme has been stigmatised.” - Andrea Shea
00:00 Introduction
07:18 Visiting South Africa
12:19 US-SA relations
14:50 South African politics and the race debate
18:22 Is change imminent?
19:35 Addressing poverty
23:56 Chaotic start to refugee programme
27:20 Relocating for children’s future
31:37 Work visa vs. refugee programme
32:32 Misconceptions about being a US citizen
38:35 Embracing local culture abroad
Resources
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
To stay, or not to stay? Relocating overseas is one of the biggest, toughest decisions that one can make. You have to consider your reasons for it, look at the pros versus the cons, and weigh up all of the things you gain (and give up) when making that move.
Relocating from South Africa is not always easy. And today I'd like to share my own experience of going through that exact process.
In this episode, I'll be reflecting on the many insights and lessons learned from both my personal journey and from 24 previous conversations with other South Africans who have relocated. I'll talk about what makes people happy in South Africa, and what happens when those things start to disappear. Whether it's concerns about physical safety, job opportunities, or wanting a better education for your children, I'll cover the main reasons people find themselves seriously considering a move overseas.
I'll also speak honestly about the difficult parts - like missing family, the challenges of starting from scratch in a new country, and the grief that can come with breaking up close-knit communities. But it's not all negative! I'll share the practical things to think about before relocating, the joy of discovering new freedoms and opportunities, and why, after everything, my wife and I are settled and happy with the decision we made.
If you're thinking about relocating abroad, or just want to know what really goes through a person's mind before, during, and after such a big move, I hope you'll find some value in this episode.
“Sometimes it's hard to make the sacrifice now, but five years down the line, you look back and you'll say, wow, I did the right thing.” - Jan Hugo
00:00 Introduction
06:09 Essentials to consider pre-relocation
09:09 Opportunities abroad
11:07 Challenges of family separation
14:04 Making an aligned decision
19:04 Reflecting on leaving SA
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
From being born in South Africa, to moving to Canada as a teenager, and then back to South Africa (this time as an adult), today's guest has been on quite the journey!
Bronwyn Rodrigues is a mother, entrepreneur, and content creator who left South Africa at 15-years-old to start a new life in Canada - only to return home 23 years later. Bronwyn opened up about her reasons for relocating, the challenges and realities of life in Canada, and what ultimately brought her back home, with her young son.
Recounting her experience of navigating Canada’s healthcare and education systems, Bronwyn shared how local doctors told her she would “never be able to have children” and what it felt like to realise there was no place for her child in school as someone with special needs.
It was fascinating speaking to her, as she shared the difficult moments of navigating public systems in a foreign country and the ups and downs of resettling in South Africa. I think her story offers lots of relatable moments - whether you’re considering a move abroad, thinking about returning home, or just looking for inspiration from someone who’s faced tough choices and kept moving forward.
“I could not imagine how I was going to have a special needs child in that country.” - Bronwyn Rodrigues
00:00 Introduction
06:22 Mixing with SA expats in Canada
07:19 From endometriosis to falling pregnant
09:29 A long and difficult labour
11:22 Seeking help in the US
13:53 Returning to SA
18:12 Multiple businesses to support son’s medical needs
18:54 Feeling like she doesn’t belong
25:08 Virtual tour business
27:57 Commitment to local progress
30:41 Corruption and safety concerns
33:16 Navigating SA social dynamics
39:05 Overcoming depression in Canada
45:27 “Stay and appreciate your country”
48:05 Holidaying in Cape Town
Resources
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever wondered what it takes to pick up your entire life and move it - all five family members, ten suitcases, and countless memories - halfway across the world? What does it really feel like to leave everything you know for the “land of opportunity”, and face the wild adventure of starting over?
In this episode, I chat to Kirsten Halcrow, who - along with her husband Sheldon and their children Cassidy, Keenan, and Chase - made the life-changing move from Johannesburg to Florida, USA. Their story started with a family vote after Sheldon was offered the chance to spearhead a new division of his company in the USA. From there, it was a two-year rollercoaster of visa hurdles, emotional goodbyes, selling almost everything, and finally landing in their new American life, nervous yet excited.
I loved hearing Kirsten’s honest take on the all-too-familiar confusion of driving on the right side of the road, wrestling with Fahrenheit and pounds, and building a credit score from scratch - despite decades of being responsible adults in South Africa. Through the chaos, frustrations, and sheer hilarity of American life, the Halcrow family have shown true resilience and found their place, even as they miss those left behind.
Kirsten’s experiences led her to create www.emigrate2usa.co.za - a fantastic resource that offers trustworthy guidance for South Africans considering a move to the USA. It’s a platform shaped by their hands-on knowledge and committed to helping others demystify the process, from bureaucracy to cultural quirks.
“The problem with the US is there's not that many routes to entry. It's not a, you know, it's not, let me just get a job and a work visa.” - Kirsten Halcrow
00:00 Introduction
04:09 Halcrow family moves abroad
08:45 Navigating new beginnings
09:40 Guiding newcomers through relocation challenges
15:14 Adjusting to expensive cleaning costs
17:41 $25,000 to have her daughter’s tonsils out
20:26 Creating a second family abroad
24:42 “Did we abandon our roots?”
27:55 The Lekker Network
31:41 Relocating requires unity
35:19 It’s a journey, an adventure
Resources
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
What makes someone decide to leave South Africa after thirty years and start again overseas? Is it crime, opportunity for kids, or maybe just a change in family circumstances? These are questions I explored in my latest chat with Steve Ayres, who moved from South Africa back to the UK after decades of building a life in Johannesburg.
In this episode, you’ll hear Steve’s honest take on what drove his family’s decision to relocate and what it’s really like being a South African abroad - even if, technically, he’s English by birth! I really enjoyed talking to Steve. His positive attitude towards South Africa, as well as his practical reflections on life in both countries, gave me a lot to think about. I hope you find Steve’s story as relatable and inspiring as I did.
Whether you’re considering relocating or just curious about other South Africans’ journeys, there’s something for you here.
“Building a life in the world's most beautiful country, which you've got to think it is really there, such an air of optimism and it… really felt like this was the best place on the planet.” - Steve Ayres
00:00 Introduction
04:12 His journey to SA
09:35 Longing for holidays in SA
12:36 What their family misses most
14:41 Connecting across continents
19:55 Global political leadership
23:17 Remote work experience pre-pandemic
26:53 SA vs England in sports
28:22 “Dog-earned ID”
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
From a job opportunity to seeking safety - these are just two of the many reasons someone might decide to pack up their life in South Africa and move all the way to North Dakota, USA. But what’s it really like to swap small-town life under African skies for snowy winters in rural America?
In this episode, I chatted to Sonéll Van Niekerk, who made that exact journey with her family in 2022. Sonéll shares how a professional opportunity opened the door to a new life abroad, what it was like to adapt to icy winters, and the challenges of leaving loved ones behind. We touch on making new friends, building community through faith and volunteering, and how her family have navigated these big changes together.
Sonéll is a faith-based educator and content creator, who has built a community online sharing Bible teaching videos on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. She is active in her local church, and fosters both community integration and support among South African expatriates.
I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation – Sonéll’s positive outlook were truly inspiring. Her story offers first-hand advice and honest insight into the realities of relocating from South Africa, all while holding onto hope and building a better future.
“We have a slogan in our family... we should always stick together because we only have each other.” - Sonéll Van Niekerk
00:00 Introduction
06:10 Adjusting to icy winters
09:56 Her journey as a faith educator
11:19 Embracing community as an immigrant
16:01 Discovering a new professional role
17:39 Missing family
22:33 A family’s decision to leave
24:33 Moving to the States
29:22 SA refugee programme
Connect with Sonéll for her faith-based content on:
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
Have you ever thought about how stressful it might be to leave your home country and start again somewhere new? Or wondered if there are ways to really cope with all the pressures and changes that come with relocating?
In this episode, I chat with Marijke Bruins, a South African-born psychologist now living and working in the Netherlands, about how to manage the stress of moving abroad. We dive into all the real-life challenges - like the shock of leaving behind your support system, language barriers, missing home, dealing with loneliness, and adapting to a new culture. Marijke shares her own experience of moving to Amsterdam and talks honestly about the emotional hurdles, from anxiety and adjustment issues to doubts and the importance of having a support network.
Talking to Marijke was truly eye-opening for me. Her mix of personal anecdotes and professional advice gave me a much better understanding of what it really takes to settle in a new country, both mentally and emotionally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea or the reality of relocation, I think you’ll find Marijke’s advice helpful and reassuring, just as I did.
“No matter what the reasons or opportunities are, there will be times of difficulty and feelings of loss and trauma.” - Marijke Bruins
00:00 Introduction
03:45 Mental health care abroad
07:52 Navigating relocation stress
11:13:16 Younger vs older expats’ challenges
14:51 Struggling to settle in
20:14 Mixed emotions about leaving SA
24:38 Role of psychotherapy in relocating
27:34 Life abroad is expensive
29:59 Advice for moving overseas
31:47 Exploring Europe
33:38 Advice for anyone going through a tough time
Resources
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
What would make a family uproot their lives in beautiful Somerset West and move all the way to the Netherlands? Is it career, safety, or the promise of a better future for their children? Or perhaps all three.
In this episode, I chat to Bradley and Abigail du Toit, a couple who made exactly that leap from South Africa to Europe with their family. Bradley, an old cycling buddy of mine, shares how his career as an electrical engineer opened doors abroad, while Abigail talks candidly about the joys and struggles that come with starting again in a new country.
Hearing their story was deeply relatable; I really appreciated how they shared all about the difficult parts, especially how much they miss family and the practical challenges of settling into Dutch life. I think many listeners will see their own questions and doubts reflected in this conversation.
“Open those doors. Don't be afraid. You never know. You just never know.” - Bradley du Toit
00:00 Introduction
06:49 Making the move abroad for their kids
10:01 How their kids are coping
11:44 Missing family in SA
14:15 Building a community at church
17:45 Wanting the best of both worlds
20:53 Justifying their decision to move
25:04 Opportunity to better their lives
26:14 Funny anecdotes
28:20 His advice for relocating
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever wondered what drives someone to leave behind a comfortable life in South Africa and start over in a completely new country? Or what it really takes to rebuild everything from scratch - career, family life, even community - when you move abroad?
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Zelda Botha, who left South Africa nearly thirty years ago for a new life in the United States. Zelda and her husband were both full-time pastors, living a stable and successful life before feeling a strong calling to move. They were seeking fairness and equality, which they found abroad. I was truly inspired by Zelda’s openness as she walked me through the many challenges their family faced, from having to start over with practically nothing, to juggling multiple jobs so that their children could have the best opportunities possible.
I really enjoyed my conversation with Zelda. Her determination and faith, as well as her candid accounts of embracing change and working incredibly hard, were deeply moving. She didn’t shy away from sharing just how tough moving overseas can be, or what it means to build a new life from the ground up. I found her story to be not only inspirational but also a helpful reality check for anyone considering the same journey.
“You have to have the attitude of the heart to become successful.” - Zelda Botha
00:00 Introduction
05:18 Leaving a pre-democratic country
07:53 Being a pastor in SA
11:29 Faith vs finances
18:16 The spiritual side of social media
20:13 Creating TikToks for South Africans
25:00 Career adjustment struggles
30:22 Affordable medical care
33:51 Balancing work, family and homeschooling
37:03 Embracing opportunity
40:23 Working in retail
49:01 Regret over language choices
50:17 Red tape and logistics
56:38 Willing to help others move abroad
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
Have you ever thought about taking your studies international? What about starting out a new business venture abroad? What challenges and opportunities might arise, and how do you overcome them?
In this episode, I chat to Kyle du Toit, who left South Africa to pursue his studies in Budapest, Hungary, before later working in Austria and eventually returning to Hungary to try his hand at entrepreneurship. I really enjoyed hearing Kyle’s story, because he’s so obviously adventurous and open-minded. He wasn’t afraid to take risks and try new things. It was inspiring to learn how he navigated language barriers, adapted to new cultures, and has managed to stay connected with family and friends back home.
If you’re considering a future abroad, or just want to hear a relatable story about life after leaving South Africa, I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.
“I wanted to move abroad just to spread my wings.” - Kyle du Toit
00:00 Introduction
04:32 An entrepreneurial mindset
07:05 Studying at an international university
09:21 Overcoming the language barrier
14:45 Work experience abroad
17:11 Impression of SA nowadays
19:33 What he misses most about SA
21:30 Reflecting on making mistakes
23:52 Advice for moving abroad
25:01 Favourite things about Budapest
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
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
