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. 2d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Sep 3

    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.

  6. Aug 31

    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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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