The Relocated South African

In this episode of the Relocated South African podcast, host I speak  with Kirsty Jones, founder of Federated Advisory in Dubai. Kirsty shares her journey from South Africa to Dubai, discussing the safety, stability, and opportunities the UAE offers for expats. She highlights the challenges of starting a business in a new country, the importance of transparency in advisory services, and the need for community among South Africans abroad. She also believes that the UAE offers a transparent government and very low taxes combined with absolute physical safety.Kirsty also addresses the cultural dynamics of being a woman in business, the cost of living in Dubai, and the unique challenges of communication in the UAE. Maintaining family connections is critical for emotional well-being.The conversation concludes with valuable advice for those considering relocation to the UAE.Kirsty Jones: “Dubai is very fitness focused." "I miss South African chips so much!"Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Relocated South African Show01:04 Kirsty Jones: Journey from South Africa to Dubai02:13 Why Choose the UAE? Safety and Stability03:16 Starting a Business in Dubai: Kirsty's Experience05:14 The Need for Transparency in Advisory Services06:56 Navigating Business Setup in the UAE08:14 Common Business Ventures for South Africans09:47 Supporting South Africans in Job Searches11:07 Overcoming Red Tape in the UAE12:19 Cultural Dynamics: Women in Business15:46 Challenges of Isolation in a New Country17:12 Building Community Among Expats18:51 The Temporary Nature of Life in Dubai19:07 Connecting People and Networking20:02 Finding Accommodation in Dubai20:30 Coping with the UAE's Climate24:41 Cost of Living: Balancing Salaries and Expenses28:30 Understanding Alcohol Regulations in the UAE29:49 Communication Challenges: WhatsApp and VPNs33:04 Advice for Future Expats34:34 Final Thoughts on Relocating to the UAEContact Kirsty at www.federatedadvisory.comFind your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected] 

A few thoughts on the complexities of celebrating Christmas as an expatriate from South Africa. I share personal experiences of joy and sadness during the holiday season, with emphasis the emotional toll of immigration on family connections. I talk about the challenges of maintaining relationships with children and grandchildren who live far away, and the bittersweet nature of long-distance family gatherings. Treasure time with loved ones and to reach out to others who may be experiencing similar feelings of separation and loss.Jan Hugo: “I know your pain. I know how you feel."Chapters00:00 Christmas Reflections: A Time of Joy and Sadness06:04 The Impact of Immigration on Family Connections08:45 Sharing the Journey: Connecting with Others in Similar SituationsFind your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected] 

In this episode, I speak with Justinus Adriaanse, a South African entrepreneur now based in Canada. We discuss Justinus' journey from Pretoria to Canada, the challenges and triumphs of relocating.He shares how skiing became a passion and a way to connect with his new life in Canada.He emphasises the importance of family support during the immigration process. Justinus shares insights on maintaining ties to South Africa and the impact of his coding academy, We Think Code which provides opportunities for preserving candidates to learn coding skills.We Think Code has transformed the lives of many underprivileged youth in South AfricaWe also discuss his passion for rugby and the role it has in connecting South Africans abroad. He emphasises the need for action and consistency in making a difference, whether in business or charitable endeavours.Justinus Adriaanse: “Being on the same page is key." "You have to push your comfort zone."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Relocation02:54 Justinus' Early Life and Move to Canada06:35 The Skiing Adventure and Its Impact10:52 The Importance of Family Support in Immigration13:07 Children's Adaptation and Cultural Identity17:36 Feeling More South African Abroad19:48 Charitable Work and Impact of We Think Code26:34 Government Support and Collaboration28:45 Rugby Vision and Community Projects31:12 The Journey to the Final: A Rugby Fan's Adventure33:30 Building a Rugby Talent Pipeline in South Africa36:44 The Importance of Opportunity in Sports37:43 Challenges of Starting Over in a New Country40:31 Networking: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success42:42 Changing Perceptions: South Africans Abroad50:28 Lessons Learned: Reflections on Immigration53:49 Advice for Young South Africans: Exploring OpportunitiesJustinus and Flip van Der Merwe´s podcast Winning the away Game is available on all podcast platforms and Youtube :https://www.youtube.com/@WinningtheAwayGamePodcastContact Justinus on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/justinusadriaanseFind your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected] 

In this episode I chat to Desmond Denton an award-winning filmmaker who lives in Washington DC in the United States. We discuss his and his family’s journey from Stellenbosch to the United States.We also explore the challenges and triumphs of immigration and he shares insights on his filmmaking career, the emotional impact of leaving home and the importance of preserving cultural identity.Desmond’s film The Journey Home explores the lives of families and especially children who left South Africa for the United States. It is clear from the film and our discussion that children often experience a different emotional impact during immigration.We discuss the complexities of relocation, the significance of storytelling, and the lessons learned along the way.I found the discussion truly motivational and I really enjoyed Desmond’s maturity, hi faith and his amazing love for the arts.Desmond Denton: "You have to capture the present moment."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Desmond Denton and His Work03:12 Desmond's Journey in Filmmaking07:16 The Decision to Immigrate to the US13:45 Living Out Faith in Filmmaking16:27 The Journey Home: A Film on Immigration22:14 Reflections on Leaving South Africa23:59 Navigating Cultural Loss and Family Dynamics27:13 The Journey of Doubt and Adaptation30:48 The Emotional Toll of Immigration34:11 Cultural Identity and Connection Abroad37:07 Reflections on Life Choices and OpportunitiesIf you want to know more about Desmond and his filmmaking , his website is https://www.desmonddenton.com. Festive Season Far From HomeTo all South Africans spending this festive season far from the place that shaped you… we see you.The longing hits a little harder this time of year—boerewors fires, familiar voices, the smell of rain on red earth.Journey Home shares the real and raw experiences of families who took the brave leap to start over in the US. But the truest storytellers? Their children.If you’re missing home, or know someone preparing for the journey… this film is a companion.The Journey Home film is available on Amazon Prime in some locations and also on this link https://tubitv.com/movies/100028024/the-journey-homeorhttps://www.roku.com/en-gb/whats-on/movies/the-journey-home?id=ff017c49a376ffde41d679b87bad2533orhttps://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-journey-home/umc.cmc.4s5q6gynzbp3ztjqnfdm0onokFind your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected] 

n this episode, I speak to Lumond Kritzinger, founder of HowzitExpats.com, about his emigration journey from South Africa to Ireland. We discuss the challenges and planning involved in emigration, the importance of community, and the role of HowzitExpats in supporting South Africans abroad. Lumondt shares insights on financial planning, cultural integration, and the significance of well-being for expats.He emphasises the need to plan properly in order to make emigration successful.He shares details for his well-being survey that is underway for South African expats.Lumondt Kritzinger: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”  Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:03 Lumondt’s Immigration Journey00:09 Challenges and Planning in Immigration00:15 Community and Cultural Integration00:21 Financial Planning for Expats00:27 The Role of HowzitExpats00:33 Well-being and Family Dynamics00:39 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you want to know more about Lumondt and the well-being survey, his website is https://www.howzitexpats.com.Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]