The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

Andries Venter’s journey abroad has taken him from South Africa to Dubai and, eventually, Luxembourg.In this episode, Andries talks about leaving South Africa, building a life in Dubai and what eventually led him to Luxembourg.We explore the realities of living and working abroad, adapting to different cultures, building relationships and creating a new life far from home.It’s a conversation about the twists and turns that can shape an emigration journey — and how sometimes the destination you eventually call home is not the one you originally imagined.______________________________________________________________For over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy________________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:00 – From South Africa to Luxembourg01:36 – Where exactly is Luxembourg?02:57 – Languages and adapting to life in Luxembourg04:55 – Growing up in Klerksdorp and studying at Potchefstroom07:08 – When did the idea of living abroad begin?08:17 – The opportunity to move to Dubai10:43 – Arriving in Dubai and the first six months14:13 – Building a South African community in Dubai14:28 – Meeting Lee in Dubai15:04 – Seven years in Dubai15:19 – The reality behind the Dubai lifestyle17:51 – Adapting to Dubai and living in a Muslim country19:11 – Why Dubai was always going to be temporary21:12 – How the Luxembourg opportunity came about23:33 – Arriving in Luxembourg: cold, dark and lonely26:37 – Building a new community and avoiding loneliness28:09 – Safety in Dubai, Luxembourg and South Africa29:40 – Dubai vs Luxembourg: cost of living32:00 – Quality of life: Luxembourg vs Dubai32:51 – The Cappuccino Index34:03 – How difficult is it to get a Luxembourg passport?35:30 – Is Luxembourg the long-term destination?36:10 – Family back in South Africa37:38 – Going home to South Africa as an expat38:47 – When family is far away39:19 – How Andries' father reacted to the move40:28 – Making the decision despite family concerns41:36 – The biggest surprise since leaving South Africa41:58 – Meeting Lee: the biggest blessing of the journey43:08 – South Africa → Dubai → Luxembourg44:13 – Final thoughts and farewell Connect with the podcastWebsite: https://therelocatedsouthafrican.comPodcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

Rob Hersov spent 31 years building a life and career overseas, working with some of the biggest names in international business. Then, in 2017, he returned to South Africa with his family.In this candid conversation, Rob reflects on leaving South Africa, his years in America and Europe, and why he believes life abroad can be romanticised. He explains what brought his family home, why he became an outspoken voice on South Africa's future, and why he believes many South Africans living overseas could one day return.We also discuss personal safety, the realities facing ordinary South Africans, the country's economic prospects, and his advice to young people considering emigration.“There is no place like home, but I'm telling you there's no place like South Africa.” — Rob Hersov_______________________________________________________________Sable InternationalFor over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:34 Growing up in South Africa and building an international career02:59 From Italy and London to 31 years abroad04:59 Why he chose not to return in the 1990s08:04 Why America made such an impression10:20 Is life abroad romanticised?13:06 Bringing the family back to Cape Town16:17 What surprised him about returning18:34 Why he became an outspoken activist22:07 Could South Africans abroad return and invest?25:21 Safety and the realities of living in South Africa28:13 His advice to young South Africans29:11 What he would tell his younger self31:09 Why he believes the future can be betterConnect with The Relocated South Africanhttps://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/podcast/If you enjoyed this conversation, follow The Relocated South African, share the episode with someone considering emigration, and join the conversation. Should South Africans build their futures abroad, return home, or find a way to do both?

Marc Christensen left Durban for the UK in 2001 with a simple plan: spend a couple of years overseas and then return home.Twenty-four years later, he is still in Scotland.After an initial spell in London, Marc discovered Glasgow and immediately felt that it reminded him of Durban. He packed a few bags, jumped on a bus and started again.In this episode, Marc talks openly about:Growing up in Durban and leaving South Africa at 21His first experiences living overseasWhy London never felt like homeDiscovering Glasgow and making the move northBuilding a career from working in pubs to sales and ITThe guilt that came with being away when his mother diedCo-parenting his son after divorceRunning South African community groups in ScotlandHelping South Africans find work, accommodation and supportWhy he believes immigrants shouldn't automatically "start from the bottom"The cost-of-living difference between London and ScotlandWhy he believes South Africans should look beyond LondonBuilding a remote recruitment business connecting South African talent with international companiesScotland's weather, safety and what has changed over the yearsWhat he would tell a young South African considering leaving homeMarc's story is also about giving back. After building a life abroad, he is now using his experience and network to help other South Africans create opportunities for themselves."You've got one life and you've got to live it for you, not for other people."____________________________________________________________Sable InternationalFor over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:01 – Welcome to Marc in Glasgow02:18 – Growing up in Durban03:58 – Leaving South Africa in 200104:58 – Getting British citizenship05:25 – First experiences living overseas06:51 – Arriving in London08:30 – Discovering Glasgow09:18 – Moving to Scotland with a few bags10:51 – Finding work and building a life12:06 – Moving from pub work into sales and IT14:42 – Did he ever consider going back?16:09 – Family, loss and the guilt of being away18:19 – The emotional impact of emigration20:05 – Building South African community groups in Scotland22:30 – Why he doesn't want to commercialise the community23:58 – The biggest mistakes South Africans make when relocating24:10 – Why starting from the bottom can be a mistake26:43 – The impact of relocation on relationships28:34 – London versus Scotland: cost of living30:12 – The cappuccino test30:53 – His experience running a South African restaurant32:38 – Starting a new business after leaving employment35:00 – Building a remote recruitment business36:35 – Connecting South African talent with international companies39:12 – Giving back to South Africa39:51 – Life and weather in Scotland41:16 – Has Scotland become less safe?44:03 – Haggis, black pudding and Scottish food45:41 – Marc's advice to young South AfricansConnect with MarcSimpatico SolutionsEmail: [email protected] Africans in Glasgow – FacebookOfficial South Africans in Scotland – FacebookConnect with The Relocated South AfricanWebsite: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.comPodcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.If Marc's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African considering life abroad.

Sharon Constançon left South Africa after a hijacking changed the way she viewed her future.Originally from Cape Town, Sharon had already built a successful career and business in South Africa when the security incident made her ask a simple question: if she couldn't safely travel two miles between her office and home, why was she living there?She moved to the UK, where she has now spent more than two decades. Along the way she built a career with the South African Chamber of Commerce and went on to build not one, but two very different businesses.Today Sharon runs Valufin, a foreign exchange and risk management business helping importers and exporters manage currency exposure, and Genius Boards, where she works with boards, CEOs and senior management on governance, board effectiveness and the dynamics that determine how organisations actually work.But this conversation goes well beyond business.We talk about growing up in South Africa, educating herself after being discouraged from pursuing further education, leaving South Africa, the importance of having family already in the UK, relationships and emigration, the realities of integrating into British life, why some South Africans struggle with being pigeonholed professionally, and what she misses most about home.Sharon also shares her thoughts on the cost of living in the UK, the price of a £6.50 cappuccino, safety in South Africa, and whether she could ever see herself moving back permanently.Her answer is revealing: she doesn't regret leaving, but she hasn't stopped being South African either.Quote of the episode:“Nothing is on a plate. Nothing is given to you on a plate.”______________________________________________________________SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:11 – Welcome and introduction01:17 – Winning the Away Game feature02:49 – Growing up in Cape Town and Johannesburg04:49 – Education, mobility and the UK connection06:03 – The security incident that changed everything07:57 – Returning to South Africa after ten years09:03 – Having family already in the UK11:15 – Helping South Africans through the Chamber12:45 – Why some South Africans return to Cape Town15:14 – Property and financial ties to South Africa16:28 – Relationships and the reality of emigration18:59 – Finding your South African community abroad20:30 – Being South African in the UK21:09 – Building two very different businesses24:01 – Running a global team25:45 – Governance and working with South Africa27:21 – UK and South African governance29:34 – Board accountability31:45 – South Africans and the work ethic34:19 – What Sharon misses from South Africa36:48 – South African or British?37:30 – The cost of living in the UK39:33 – The £6.50 cappuccino40:55 – Safety and returning to South Africa42:55 – Would she do it again?44:38 – How to connect with Sharon44:58 – Closing thoughts______________________________________________________________Connect with Sharon Constançon:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sharonconstanconThe Relocated South Africanhttps://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/

Dale Lyell grew up in Johannesburg, joined the Safmarine Merchant Navy after matric and spent years travelling the world on container ships, bulk carriers and even the QE2.In 1998, Dale and his South African wife left South Africa for Canada. They arrived with no job waiting, very little support and no guarantee that things would work out.What followed was a fascinating journey of starting again, finding community, building a new career and eventually establishing a successful technology business.Dale talks openly about why he left South Africa, the reality of those early years, adapting to Canada, raising a son with South African roots and the safety mindset that many South Africans carry with them long after they leave._______________________________________________________________Sable InternationalFor over 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans navigate international relocation, including visas, second passports, tax, wealth planning, foreign exchange and studying abroad._______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:13 — Welcome to Dale in Ontario, Canada01:35 — Growing up in Johannesburg and joining Safmarine02:51 — Life on container ships and the QE204:58 — Dale's Canadian connection06:43 — Why he left South Africa in 199808:47 — Crime, safety and quality of life10:10 — Arriving in Canada with no job11:54 — Starting again without a support network13:40 — Finding community through martial arts16:23 — Integrating into Canadian society18:36 — Finding work and building a career20:47 — Dale's technology business22:01 — From a chocolate factory to technology24:45 — Doing business in Canada25:46 — Healthcare in Canada28:06 — Raising a son with South African roots30:35 — Family left behind in South Africa32:10 — Staying connected to home34:02 — Getting used to safety in Canada35:11 — The difference in everyday life36:43 — Dale's love of travel38:53 — Advice for South Africans considering emigration42:28 — What he would do differently43:24 — Expectations and the five-year cycle45:27 — Never give up45:33 — Canada vs South Africa47:10 — Final thoughtsThe Relocated South AfricanThe show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/podcast/If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African living abroad.

Quinton Pullinger’s story is anything but a straight line.He grew up in Springs, South Africa, trained as a goldsmith, and then took an unexpected leap to Taiwan after seeing an advert to teach English. What he thought would be a one-year adventure became nearly nine years.In Taiwan he learned Mandarin, built a career in the bicycle industry, travelled extensively and learned how to adapt to a completely different culture. He eventually moved into senior roles, including an eight-and-a-half-year journey with Brompton, before another opportunity took him to the UK in 2008.Now, after 18 years in Britain, Quinton is asking a question many long-term South African expats eventually face: could South Africa become home again?We talk about:• Leaving South Africa with no long-term plan• Arriving alone in Taiwan and surviving the first six months• Learning Mandarin and adapting to a new culture• Why negative expat thinking can hold people back• Building an international career by saying “yes” to opportunities• His journey through the bicycle industry and Brompton• Starting again in the UK with no contacts• Raising a family abroad and how that changes your risk profile• The NHS and the UK cost of living• Why Cape Town would be his choice if he returned to South Africa• Whether a part-time “swallow” lifestyle could work• His advice to his younger self: be more adventurous and take more risks_______________________________________________________________SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey: bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:27 Weybridge and life near London02:41 Growing up in Springs06:00 The unexpected move to Taiwan07:14 Learning Mandarin and surviving the first six months09:16 Working and living in Taiwan13:26 Returning to South Africa — and leaving again15:10 Building a career in the bicycle industry16:06 Why he eventually left Taiwan18:13 Getting the opportunity to move to the UK20:12 Meeting his wife and starting a family21:08 Moving abroad alone22:26 The danger of negative expat thinking25:32 Values, friendships and identity abroad26:08 A career built without a plan29:44 Starting over in the UK31:08 The mindset needed to make emigration work33:49 Could South Africa become home again?36:14 Why Cape Town would be his choice37:33 Could a part-time return work?39:33 South Africa, France or the UK?40:14 The NHS and healthcare42:32 The UK cost of living44:08 What would he do differently?46:21 How family changes your risk profile47:17 Advice to his younger self48:56 Staying true to your values50:05 Final thoughtsConnect with The Relocated South African: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com

Wynand Kuhn's move to Chile was never part of a grand plan.Born and raised in Upington, Wynand was working in the restaurant industry in Durban when his brother-in-law invited him to Chile in 2005 to help set up a South African-themed restaurant.He arrived knowing almost no Spanish. Then he met the woman who would become his wife — and decided to stay.More than 20 years later, Wynand lives with his wife and three sons near Santiago and has built an international career in business and renewable energy.In this episode, Wynand talks about arriving in Chile, learning Spanish without formal classes, building a career from English teacher to senior executive, returning to South Africa in 2011 and eventually making his way back to Chile.We discuss life in Chile compared with South Africa, safety, healthcare, education, cost of living, food and wine, raising children between two cultures, and why Chile could be an option for South Africans considering a less conventional destination.Wynand also talks about the Chilean South African Chamber of Commerce, his possible future move to the United States, and whether South Africa could ever be home again.SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most to you – building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1syTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:15 Growing up in Upington02:50 How Wynand ended up in Chile05:56 Meeting his wife06:24 Learning Spanish without classes07:25 Returning to South Africa in 201108:09 Raising three boys09:03 The challenges of starting out10:16 Building a career in Chile12:41 From supermarket worker to general manager14:31 Returning to South Africa16:00 Finding opportunities through Spanish18:00 Why Chile became home again23:49 Considering another move25:16 Chilean residency and citizenship25:40 The possibility of moving to the USA26:46 The Chilean South African Chamber of Commerce28:19 Living outside Santiago29:19 Safety and crime in Chile32:27 Healthcare and schooling33:57 Minimum wages and cost of living34:46 The cappuccino index36:12 Chilean food and seafood37:53 Chilean wine38:54 Staying connected with family in South Africa40:32 Could Chile work for South Africans?42:52 Tax in Chile44:07 Would Wynand ever return to South Africa?46:01 His advice to young South Africans47:20 Final thoughtsCONNECT WITH WYNANDWynand Kuhn is active on LinkedIn. You can connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynand-kuhn/THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANThe podcast for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.www.therelocatedsouthafrican.comIf Wynand's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

Tracey Shearer left South Africa in 2003 with an Irish passport, a printer and no real plan beyond seeing what life abroad had to offer.What followed was a 13-year journey through the UK and Singapore before eventually returning to Cape Town.Tracey grew up on Johannesburg's East Rand and spent 13 years running a design agency with her sister before deciding it was time to leave. In London, her original entrepreneurial plans didn't work out, and she eventually found her way into maritime recruitment, a career she has now been in for around 20 years.Singapore became a major part of her life. She ran a recruitment company there for seven years, built an international network and experienced a very different way of living.Eventually, however, her heart was pulling her back to South Africa.In this episode, Tracey talks honestly about leaving South Africa, the realities of starting again overseas, the cost of living in London, Singapore's safety and efficiency, healthcare, building an international career, and why she ultimately chose Cape Town.We also discuss the role of family, the idea that the grass is always greener somewhere else, and how technology has made it possible for Tracey to continue recruiting internationally while living in South Africa._______________________________________________________________SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:01 Introduction01:15 Growing up in Johannesburg02:36 Leaving South Africa in 200303:44 Arriving in London with a printer04:17 Trying entrepreneurship in the UK05:16 Finding maritime recruitment06:13 Discovering the maritime industry10:52 The cost of living in London12:24 Adjusting to life overseas13:05 Moving from London to Singapore21:58 Healthcare in London and Singapore23:27 Why Singapore works so well29:47 Building a recruitment company in Singapore30:19 Returning to South Africa30:52 Working internationally from Cape Town32:10 Why family pulled her home32:47 Is the grass really greener?33:15 Choosing Cape Town34:00 Building a life back in South AfricaCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANThe Relocated South African is the show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future.www.therelocatedsouthafrican.comListen, subscribe and explore more stories from South Africans around the world.If Tracey's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

Connor Jackson was born in Durban, spent much of his childhood in Tanzania, returned to South Africa, and then unexpectedly found himself building a life in Hungary.At 18, Connor went to Hungary on a Rotary exchange programme. He didn't choose Hungary as his first option, but what began as a one-year adventure became a life-changing experience.He returned to South Africa after the exchange, started studying at Stellenbosch University, but soon realised that he wanted to return to Hungary. He eventually moved back to Budapest, restarted his degree, learned Hungarian and began building a career there.In this episode, Connor talks about:Growing up in Tanzania and living in an expat mining communityArriving in Hungary with virtually no HungarianThe challenge of learning one of Europe's most difficult languagesReturning to South Africa and discovering that he had changedLeaving Stellenbosch and moving back to BudapestStudying international relations and starting his career in HungaryFinding community through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugbyWhat life in Budapest is really likeSafety, public transport and the cost of livingWorking for Hungarian companiesThe challenges of Hungarian immigration and bureaucracyBeing forced to leave Hungary after a visa problemHow a lawyer helped him returnWhy he recently became a Hungarian citizenTravelling and building a life across EuropeConnor also explains why putting yourself out there is so important when you move abroad, and why joining a sports club or other community can be one of the best ways to make friends and build a new life.And despite becoming Hungarian, Connor says you never stop being South African.______________________________________________________________SUPPORTED BY SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years, Sable International has offered seamless solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so that you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:11 Welcome from Budapest01:02 Growing up in Tanzania03:43 Life in a Tanzanian gold-mining community07:20 How Connor ended up in Hungary09:08 Living with Hungarian host families10:59 Arriving in Hungary with no Hungarian13:35 Learning the Hungarian language14:51 Returning to South Africa16:28 Leaving Stellenbosch for Budapest18:23 Studying and working in Hungary19:12 Finding community through martial arts21:35 Living in Hungary during COVID23:44 Building a social life in Budapest24:40 What Connor loves about Budapest27:52 Cost of living in Hungary30:50 Working in Budapest32:42 Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy35:23 Advice for South Africans considering Hungary36:55 Becoming a Hungarian citizen38:25 Travelling around Europe40:00 Committing to your new life abroad41:28 Braai, biltong and staying South AfricanCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANwww.therelocatedsouthafrican.comListen to The Relocated South African on Spotify, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.If Connor's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later, they packed up their lives in South Africa and moved to California.What followed was anything but easy.Andreas arrived in America as an experienced HR manager, but found himself starting again at the bottom. His first job was as an HR filing clerk. He had no US credit history, no professional network and no company waiting to welcome him. His wife also had to start over, completing the requirements to become licensed as a therapist in California.The first 18 months tested their family and their marriage. They experienced financial pressure, loneliness and uncertainty. Later, they lost their home during the 2008 financial crisis and had to rebuild again.But Andreas kept going.Today, 26 years after moving to the United States, he is a Human Resources Director for a large county organisation in California. He shares the practical lessons he learned along the way, from building a US credit history and choosing the right employer to understanding pensions, healthcare and the importance of accepting that you may have to take a few steps backwards before moving forward.Andreas also has some strong advice for South Africans considering America: build relationships with Americans, don't expect your South African career success to transfer immediately, be prepared to work your way up, and don't underestimate the importance of having a strong marriage and family partnership.This is an honest conversation about immigration, resilience, humility, career rebuilding, marriage and making a new life work._______________________________________________________________SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years, Sable International has offered solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:17 Welcome and Andreas' life in California02:32 Growing up in Durban and Cape Town07:44 His political upbringing09:13 University and national service10:31 Working in HR and the Green Card Lottery11:16 How his wife won the Green Card Lottery13:16 Discovering California16:07 His father's life after politics17:10 How the Green Card process worked19:19 Leaving family behind21:02 Starting again in America24:29 Building a US credit history28:25 His wife's professional re-licensing29:30 The difficult first 18 months35:29 Immigration and marriage37:25 Losing their home during the financial crisis42:24 Building their lives again42:41 The importance of government jobs and pensions45:10 Healthcare in America47:02 The biggest mistakes South Africans make49:25 Advice for anyone considering emigrating52:45 The one thing he would have done differentlyCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANwww.relocatedsouthafrican.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African considering life abroad.