The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

Jan Hugo - Emigration stories expert
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    22 Years in Japan: Why This South African Still Wants to Go Home-Ep 87 with James WhelanEp

    James Whelan was born and raised in Johannesburg before moving to London in 1998. Five years later, after meeting his Japanese partner, he moved to Japan for what was supposed to be one year. More than two decades later, he's still there. James is now married, has three children, works in recruitment and has permanent residency in Japan. But despite building a successful life in Tokyo, he still feels a powerful connection to South Africa and says that if circumstances allowed it, he would move back home tomorrow. In this episode, James shares the reality of life in Japan as a South African. We talk about moving from Johannesburg to London and then Japan, the culture shock of arriving in Japan, living there without fluent Japanese, finding work, Japanese working culture, raising children in Tokyo, safety, healthcare, the cost of living, public transport, Japanese food and what it feels like to remain a foreigner after more than 20 years. We also explore whether Japan has really become home for James, his connection to South Africa and his thoughts about eventually returning. _______________________________________________________________ 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 00:00 Introduction00:23 Growing up in Johannesburg03:05 Moving to London03:11 From London to Japan05:00 Learning Japanese08:43 Culture shock11:32 Settling into Japan13:00 Permanent residency14:46 His children and South Africa16:23 Working in Japan18:31 Visas and red tape20:23 Japanese work culture24:02 Life in Tokyo25:43 Safety in Japan28:14 Food and adapting to Japanese cuisine31:19 Healthcare33:03 Cost of living35:24 Public transport and cars37:16 Family and leisure40:14 Is Japan home?42:52 What James would tell his younger self45:01 Final thoughts 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 James's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

  2. 6d ago

    27 Years in America: Why He's Building a Base Back in South Africa-Ep 86 with Andries Coetzee

    Andries Coetzee left South Africa for the United States in 1999 to do a PhD. His plan was simple: complete his studies and return home. Instead, 27 years later, he is still in America. After completing his PhD at the University of Massachusetts, Andries joined the University of Michigan, where he has built a successful academic career. What began as a temporary move became a life in the United States. But his connection to South Africa never disappeared. After becoming an American citizen, Andries found that his South African identity became more important to him. His research shifted towards South Africa and Africa, and regular visits home gradually strengthened his desire to maintain a deeper connection with the country he left behind. A powerful experience during a University of Michigan orchestra trip to Soweto finally convinced him that he wanted a second base in South Africa. He has now bought a property in the Stellenbosch area and is considering spending much more of his time there after retirement. In this episode we discuss leaving South Africa, adapting to American academic life, the differences between South African and American universities, life in Ann Arbor, the cost of living and healthcare, South African identity abroad, and what it means to be at home in two countries. We also talk about Andries' optimism about Africa's future and why he believes more South African and African students should consider postgraduate study in the United States. Most importantly, this is a conversation about something many emigrants eventually discover: you can build a successful life somewhere else without losing your connection to where you came from. "As an expat, you're at home in two places, but not really fully at home in one." _____________________________________________________________ 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 00:06 – Why Andries went to America in 199903:04 – Growing up in rural Limpopo04:08 – Adjusting to the American university system08:37 – From PhD student to professor at Michigan11:00 – Why he didn't return to South Africa14:48 – Family, loss and building a life in America18:53 – The South African "soft landing"20:32 – Why Africa became important again24:42 – His optimism about Africa's future27:11 – Why he's considering a base in South Africa31:02 – The Soweto experience that changed his thinking34:06 – Buying a property in Stellenbosch34:41 – Could he eventually return permanently?38:07 – Retirement, money and exchange rates40:33 – Healthcare in America and South Africa43:43 – Afrikaans, culture and identity46:57 – Being at home in two countries48:38 – Advice for students considering America CONNECT WITH ANDRIES COETZEE University of MichiganEmail: kutsiya@umich.edu Andries also offers workshops and guidance to African students interested in studying in the United States. CONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICAN www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Andries' story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African living abroad.

  3. Aug 27

    From Johannesburg to Australia: Why Olaf Duve Chose to Start Again-EP 86

    Olaf Duve has lived in four countries, built an international career and ultimately settled in Sydney with his wife and three children. Growing up in Johannesburg, Olaf left South Africa at 18 to study in Germany before spending eight years in the UK. After a decade in Europe, he returned to South Africa to join his family's logistics business, eventually helping grow and sell the company. Then, with three young children, a casual conversation over a braai planted the idea of Australia. Olaf had never even visited Australia. He booked a flight, spent a week interviewing for jobs and, three months later, moved his family to Sydney. Nearly ten years later, Australia is home. In this conversation, Olaf talks honestly about the realities of moving countries with a young family, why the first two years can be the hardest, the challenges of adapting to Australian working culture, the cost of living, family left behind in South Africa, and why South Africans shouldn't automatically assume that emigration is the right answer. We also discuss why Australia feels surprisingly familiar to South Africans, the importance of integrating into your new country, and what Olaf would tell someone considering making the move today. His advice is refreshingly balanced: don't leave simply because everyone else is leaving. Make sure the move is right for your family and go in with your eyes wide open. "Just be grateful and don't get so stressed... appreciate the decision you've made and enjoy the benefits of where you are." ______________________________________________________________ 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 00:06 – Introducing Olaf Duve 00:41 – Growing up in Johannesburg 01:38 – Having a German passport 02:26 – Moving to Germany and then the UK 05:29 – Why he eventually returned to South Africa 06:00 – Starting his career in logistics 08:37 – The conversation that sparked the move to Australia 09:30 – Moving to Australia with three young children 11:00 – Australia's visa and skills requirements 12:05 – The first two years with a family 14:24 – Why Australia feels familiar to South Africans 17:15 – The South African community in Australia 20:48 – The cost of living in Australia 25:33 – Deciding that Australia was home 28:00 – The challenge of ageing parents back in South Africa 31:02 – Australian versus South African working culture 36:38 – Will he ever return to South Africa? 39:13 – The advice he'd give his younger self 40:37 – Should young families emigrate? Connect with Olaf Duve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaf-duve-889893109/ Connect with The Relocated South African 🌍 www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com 🎙️ The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Olaf's story resonated with you, share this episode with someone considering a move to Australia—or someone trying to decide whether emigration is right for their family.

  4. Aug 24

    From Johannesburg to America: Taking Americans to Play Golf in South Africa-Ep 84 with Murray Collier

    When Murray Collier left South Africa for the United States, the plan was simple: gain some international experience and eventually decide what came next. Reality turned out to be very different. Despite a strong career in South Africa, Murray spent 18 months searching for work after arriving in Chicago. It was a lonely and financially difficult period that tested both him and his wife. From sharing a tiny studio apartment with Airbnb guests to eventually building a successful corporate career, his story is one of resilience, determination and starting again from scratch. Today, Murray has combined his passion for golf with his love for South Africa by founding South Africa Golf Tours, introducing American golfers to the country's world-class golf courses, spectacular wildlife, incredible food and wine, and unforgettable hospitality. In this episode, we discuss the realities of emigrating to the United States, overcoming loneliness, adapting to American life, raising a family abroad, and why South Africans continue to make an impact wherever they go. We also explore why South Africa remains one of the world's greatest golf and safari destinations—and why so many American visitors return home with a completely different view of the country. It's an inspiring conversation about perseverance, identity and discovering that sometimes the best way to appreciate where you come from is to see it through someone else's eyes. "I'm South African first... I get to stand with a foot on each continent." _______________________________________________________________ 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 00:00 – Introducing Murray Collier 01:08 – Growing up in Johannesburg and studying at Stellenbosch 02:30 – Moving to Chicago 05:15 – Eighteen months without finding a job 08:00 – Loneliness and adapting to life in America 10:30 – Chicago winters and moving to Connecticut 12:10 – Financial struggles and renting out their apartment 18:10 – The South African community in the US 21:20 – Why he started South Africa Golf Tours 24:00 – Selling South Africa to American travellers 27:10 – Creating luxury golf and safari experiences 35:30 – Leopard Creek, Rovos Rail and Gary Player 39:10 – Building relationships with American golf clubs 41:20 – Americans' biggest misconception about South Africa 43:10 – Seeing South Africa through American eyes 46:30 – Would he ever move back? 48:10 – Advice for South Africans considering the USA Connect with Murray Collier 🌍 Website: www.southafricagolftours.com 💼 LinkedIn: Murray Collier 📸 Instagram / X: @SouthAfricaGolfTours Connect with The Relocated South African 🌍 Website www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com 🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Murray's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to the United States—or anyone passionate about golf, travel and showcasing the very best of South Africa.

  5. Aug 20

    From South Africa to Malta: Finding Opportunity on a Mediterranean Island

    When Merle-Louise first arrived in Malta, she wanted to get straight back on the plane. Fifteen years later, she can't imagine calling anywhere else home. After building a successful career in hospitality, event management and running her own conference business in South Africa, Merle-Louise faced difficult business challenges that ultimately led her to consider a new chapter overseas. What began as a reluctant move has become a passionate mission to help other South Africans discover opportunities on one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Today, through MaltaLifestyle.com and the South African Family & Friends in Malta community, she assists South Africans looking to relocate, study, work or retire in Malta, while helping them navigate the practical and emotional realities of starting over. In this episode, we explore why Malta has become an increasingly attractive destination for South Africans, its thriving financial services, gaming, aviation and tourism industries, residency options, healthcare, education, property, safety and quality of life. We also discuss one of the biggest challenges of emigration—making the decision itself. Merle-Louise shares practical advice on preparing for a move, avoiding common mistakes, embracing change, and why success abroad begins long before you board the plane. Whether you're actively considering emigration or simply curious about life in the Mediterranean, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest advice. "Success has to be intentional. We can't wait for somebody else to make up their mind for us." _______________________________________________________________ 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 00:06 – Introducing Merle-Louise and life in Malta 02:13 – Growing up in South Africa and building an events business 04:50 – Why she left South Africa 06:18 – First impressions of Malta 07:55 – Flying to Malta and its location in Europe 10:07 – Tourism, history and why Malta is unique 11:38 – Why Malta became home 15:10 – The importance of integrating into your new country 17:13 – Preparing properly before emigrating 18:17 – Should you leave a back door open? 20:32 – What South Africans struggle with most overseas 22:04 – Is Malta still a good option? 25:50 – Residency, citizenship and permanent residence 28:40 – Cost of living, rentals and healthcare 30:25 – What she misses about South Africa 32:25 – Helping young South Africans build international careers 35:34 – The emotional price of emigration 39:07 – Advice for anyone considering a move abroad 41:36 – Would she ever return to South Africa? Connect with Merle-Louise 🌍 Website: www.maltalifestyle.com Facebook: South African Family & Friends in Malta (SAFF Malta) Connect with The Relocated South African 🌍 Website:www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com 🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Merle-Louise's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or anyone curious about life in Malta, one of Europe's hidden gems.

  6. Aug 17

    From Dubai Back to South Africa: Why This Doctor Came Home-Ep 82 with Casper Joubert

    Most South African doctors leave. Dr. Casper Joubert did the opposite. After qualifying at Stellenbosch University, Casper and his wife—also a doctor—built successful medical careers in Dubai before moving to Mauritius. Like many South African professionals, they embraced the opportunities that came with working overseas. But after more than a decade abroad, they made a surprising decision. They came home. Today, Casper is completing his specialist training in Occupational Medicine at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, where he believes South Africa still offers some of the best medical training and greatest opportunities to make a meaningful difference. In this conversation we discuss life as a doctor in Dubai, practicing medicine in Mauritius, the realities of working in different healthcare systems, why South African doctors are so highly regarded around the world, and the emotional journey of returning home after more than ten years abroad. Most importantly, Casper explains why he believes young South African professionals should travel the world—not to run away from South Africa, but to broaden their horizons before deciding where they truly belong. It's an honest, balanced conversation about career, purpose, perspective and what "coming home" really means. "If you've got the opportunity to go, go—but run towards something, not away from something." ___________________________________________________________ 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 00:10 – Introducing Dr. Casper Joubert 01:20 – Growing up and studying medicine at Stellenbosch 02:30 – Why he left South Africa for Dubai 05:30 – Building a medical career in the Middle East 09:10 – Living and working in Dubai 13:20 – Cost of living and life as an expat doctor 19:30 – Moving to Mauritius 23:20 – Living through COVID in Mauritius 25:20 – Why the family returned to South Africa 27:45 – What Occupational Medicine actually is 29:20 – South African doctors on the world stage 33:20 – Advice for young doctors considering emigration 36:20 – Readjusting to life back in South Africa Contact Casper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casper-joubert-a45836ab/ The Relocated South African 🌍 Website www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com 🎙️ Available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Casper's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a career overseas—or someone wondering whether coming home is still an option.

  7. Aug 13

    From Cape Town to the Netherlands: Taking a Leap into a New Life-Ep 81 with Wendy Minnie

    What happens when opportunity knocks later in life? Do you stay where you're comfortable—or do you take the leap? For Wendy Minnie and her family, the answer was clear. After successful careers in South Africa, Wendy and her husband spent more than a year researching life in the Netherlands before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. With a teenage son, adult daughters, and decades of life already established in South Africa, this wasn't a decision made lightly. Today, Wendy works for Heineken in the Netherlands, where she has embraced a truly global career while discovering the realities of learning a new culture, adapting to Dutch life, and building a future in Europe. In this episode, we talk about relocating as an established professional, raising teenagers abroad, navigating the Dutch education system, buying a home, work-life balance, cost of living, learning Dutch, and why South Africans have earned a reputation for being some of the hardest-working people in the world. This is an honest conversation about courage, preparation, family, and proving that it's never too late to start a new chapter. "If you've got the opportunity and there's a part of you that's curious to know what life could be like somewhere else, take the jump. And if it doesn't work out, you can always go home." _______________________________________________________________ For over 30 years, Sable International has helped South Africans navigate visas, immigration, citizenship, foreign exchange and international financial planning. Whether you're planning your move abroad or already living overseas, Sable International has the expertise to help make your journey easier. Find out more:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy _______________________________________________________________ Timestamps 00:10 – Introducing Wendy Minnie 00:54 – Growing up in Cape Town and Pretoria 02:00 – Why the family chose the Netherlands 03:30 – Joining Heineken after Distell 05:00 – Schooling, learning Dutch and settling in 07:30 – Language, culture and everyday life 08:30 – Visas, relocation and Dutch bureaucracy 11:20 – Choosing where to live in the Netherlands 12:45 – Working for a global company 14:20 – Do South Africans work harder? 16:00 – Why they decided to emigrate 18:20 – Family, adult children and opportunity 19:10 – Residency and Dutch citizenship 20:30 – The emotional first six months 25:00 – Cycling, commuting and Dutch life 26:15 – Cost of living in the Netherlands 31:15 – Housing and buying a home 33:20 – What Wendy misses most about South Africa 36:20 – Would she do anything differently? 38:10 – Advice for South Africans considering the move 🌍 Website:www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com 🎙️ Listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Wendy's journey resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad. Your support helps more South Africans around the world discover stories, insights and practical advice from people who have already taken the leap.

  8. Aug 10

    From Johannesburg to Ireland: Building Community Far From Home-Ep 80 with Berilyn Teeling

    When Berilyn Teeling moved from South Africa to Ireland, she wasn't just looking for a better life—she ended up creating one of Ireland's largest celebrations of South African culture. After growing up in Johannesburg, spending a year as an exchange student in Paraguay and later marrying into an Irish family, Berilyn and her husband made the bold decision to relocate to Ireland with their young son and just three suitcases. Finding work during a recession wasn't easy, but through determination, resilience and a willingness to start again, they built a new life in County Wicklow. Today, Berilyn is best known as the founder of The South African Gathering—an annual event that brings together more than 1,500 South Africans from across Ireland to celebrate their heritage, reconnect with old friends and support South African businesses. In this episode we discuss the realities of starting over, raising children abroad, adapting to Irish life, finding work during difficult times, the cost of living, healthcare, and why maintaining your South African identity can be just as important as integrating into your new country. It's an uplifting conversation about community, belonging and proving that home isn't always a place—sometimes it's the people you bring together. "I wanted everyone to come out, have a good day, and just celebrate being South African for a day." _______________________________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________________________ Time stamps 00:06 – Introducing Berilyn Teeling 00:57 – Growing up in Johannesburg 02:54 – Marriage, Ireland and taking the leap abroad 05:42 – Starting over with three suitcases 10:01 – Why Wicklow became home 11:51 – Finding work during Ireland's recession 16:27 – Adjusting to Irish weather and culture 19:16 – The story behind The South African Gathering 22:42 – From 200 people to more than 1,500 attendees 24:45 – Supporting South African businesses in Ireland 27:19 – Feeling South African while building a life abroad 28:42 – Family, parents and living across continents 34:40 – What makes Ireland such a great place to live 37:26 – The cost of living in Ireland 40:06 – Healthcare and everyday life 41:22 – Any regrets? 42:11 – Advice for South Africans considering Ireland 🇿🇦 South African Gathering Facebook: South African Gathering Ireland Website: https://www.sagathering.ie/ Podcast: Website:⁠www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms. If Berilyn's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move to Ireland—or someone who simply wants to stay connected to their South African roots.

    From Johannesburg to Ireland: Building Community Far From Home-Ep 80 with Berilyn Teeling
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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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