The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

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.
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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

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Growing up in Johannesburg
03:05 Moving to London
03:11 From London to Japan
05:00 Learning Japanese
08:43 Culture shock
11:32 Settling into Japan
13:00 Permanent residency
14:46 His children and South Africa
16:23 Working in Japan
18:31 Visas and red tape
20:23 Japanese work culture
24:02 Life in Tokyo
25:43 Safety in Japan
28:14 Food and adapting to Japanese cuisine
31:19 Healthcare
33:03 Cost of living
35:24 Public transport and cars
37:16 Family and leisure
40:14 Is Japan home?
42:52 What James would tell his younger self
45:01 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.

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."
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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 – Why Andries went to America in 1999
03:04 – Growing up in rural Limpopo
04:08 – Adjusting to the American university system
08:37 – From PhD student to professor at Michigan
11:00 – Why he didn't return to South Africa
14:48 – Family, loss and building a life in America
18:53 – The South African "soft landing"
20:32 – Why Africa became important again
24:42 – His optimism about Africa's future
27:11 – Why he's considering a base in South Africa
31:02 – The Soweto experience that changed his thinking
34:06 – Buying a property in Stellenbosch
34:41 – Could he eventually return permanently?
38:07 – Retirement, money and exchange rates
40:33 – Healthcare in America and South Africa
43:43 – Afrikaans, culture and identity
46:57 – Being at home in two countries
48:38 – Advice for students considering America

CONNECT WITH ANDRIES COETZEE
University of Michigan
Email: 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.

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.

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."
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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
______________________________________________________________
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.