The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

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."
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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
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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."
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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
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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.