The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

Jan Hugo - Emigration stories expert
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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.

  1. 6d ago

    From Durban to Glasgow: 24 Years of Building a Life in Scotland-Ep 95 with Marc Christensen

    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 International 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 _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:01 – 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 Africans Connect with Marc Simpatico SolutionsEmail: marc@simpaticosolutions.co.uk South Africans in Glasgow – FacebookOfficial South Africans in Scotland – Facebook Connect with The Relocated South African Website: 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.

  2. Oct 19

    From Cape Town to the UK: Building Two Businesses and a Life of Purpose-Ep 94 with Sharon Constançon

    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 INTERNATIONAL 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 to you – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy ______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:11 – Welcome and introduction 01:17 – Winning the Away Game feature 02:49 – Growing up in Cape Town and Johannesburg 04:49 – Education, mobility and the UK connection 06:03 – The security incident that changed everything 07:57 – Returning to South Africa after ten years 09:03 – Having family already in the UK 11:15 – Helping South Africans through the Chamber 12:45 – Why some South Africans return to Cape Town 15:14 – Property and financial ties to South Africa 16:28 – Relationships and the reality of emigration 18:59 – Finding your South African community abroad 20:30 – Being South African in the UK 21:09 – Building two very different businesses 24:01 – Running a global team 25:45 – Governance and working with South Africa 27:21 – UK and South African governance 29:34 – Board accountability 31:45 – South Africans and the work ethic 34:19 – What Sharon misses from South Africa 36:48 – South African or British? 37:30 – The cost of living in the UK 39:33 – The £6.50 cappuccino 40:55 – Safety and returning to South Africa 42:55 – Would she do it again? 44:38 – How to connect with Sharon 44:58 – Closing thoughts ______________________________________________________________ Connect with Sharon Constançon: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sharonconstancon The Relocated South African https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/

  3. Oct 12

    From Johannesburg to Canada: A Life at Sea, Starting Again-EP 93 with Dale Lyell

    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 International For over 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans navigate international relocation, including visas, second passports, tax, wealth planning, foreign exchange and studying abroad. _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:13 — Welcome to Dale in Ontario, Canada 01:35 — Growing up in Johannesburg and joining Safmarine 02:51 — Life on container ships and the QE2 04:58 — Dale's Canadian connection 06:43 — Why he left South Africa in 1998 08:47 — Crime, safety and quality of life 10:10 — Arriving in Canada with no job 11:54 — Starting again without a support network 13:40 — Finding community through martial arts 16:23 — Integrating into Canadian society 18:36 — Finding work and building a career 20:47 — Dale's technology business 22:01 — From a chocolate factory to technology 24:45 — Doing business in Canada 25:46 — Healthcare in Canada 28:06 — Raising a son with South African roots 30:35 — Family left behind in South Africa 32:10 — Staying connected to home 34:02 — Getting used to safety in Canada 35:11 — The difference in everyday life 36:43 — Dale's love of travel 38:53 — Advice for South Africans considering emigration 42:28 — What he would do differently 43:24 — Expectations and the five-year cycle 45:27 — Never give up 45:33 — Canada vs South Africa 47:10 — Final thoughts The Relocated South African The 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.

  4. Oct 5

    From Springs to Taiwan to London: Why South Africa Is Calling Again -Ep 92 with Quinton Pullinge

    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 INTERNATIONAL 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 to you – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 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 thoughts Connect with The Relocated South African: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com

  5. Sep 28

    From South Africa to Chile: Love, Language and a New Life-Ep 91 with Wynand Kuhn

    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 INTERNATIONAL 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 to you – building your future beyond borders. Find out how Sable International can support your journey: https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy TIMESTAMPS 00:00 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 thoughts CONNECT WITH WYNAND Wynand Kuhn is active on LinkedIn. You can connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wynand-kuhn/ THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN The podcast for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future. www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com If Wynand's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

  6. Sep 21

    South Africa, UK, Singapore... And Back to Cape Town-EP 90 with Tracey Shearer

    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 INTERNATIONAL 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 _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:01 Introduction 01:15 Growing up in Johannesburg 02:36 Leaving South Africa in 2003 03:44 Arriving in London with a printer 04:17 Trying entrepreneurship in the UK 05:16 Finding maritime recruitment 06:13 Discovering the maritime industry 10:52 The cost of living in London 12:24 Adjusting to life overseas 13:05 Moving from London to Singapore 21:58 Healthcare in London and Singapore 23:27 Why Singapore works so well 29:47 Building a recruitment company in Singapore 30:19 Returning to South Africa 30:52 Working internationally from Cape Town 32:10 Why family pulled her home 32:47 Is the grass really greener? 33:15 Choosing Cape Town 34:00 Building a life back in South Africa CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN The Relocated South African is the show for navigating emigration from South Africa for a better future. www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com Listen, 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.

  7. Sep 14

    From Durban to Budapest: A South African Finding Home in Hungary-Ep 88 with Connor Jackson

    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 community Arriving in Hungary with virtually no Hungarian The challenge of learning one of Europe's most difficult languages Returning to South Africa and discovering that he had changed Leaving Stellenbosch and moving back to Budapest Studying international relations and starting his career in Hungary Finding community through Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and rugby What life in Budapest is really like Safety, public transport and the cost of living Working for Hungarian companies The challenges of Hungarian immigration and bureaucracy Being forced to leave Hungary after a visa problem How a lawyer helped him return Why he recently became a Hungarian citizen Travelling and building a life across Europe Connor 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 INTERNATIONAL 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 _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:11 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 African CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com Listen 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.

  8. Sep 7

    From Green Card Lottery to HR Director: Starting Again in America-Ep 87 With Andreas Pyper

    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 INTERNATIONAL For 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 _______________________________________________________________ TIMESTAMPS 00:17 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 differently CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN www.relocatedsouthafrican.com If this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African considering life abroad.

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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.

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