PodcastsDocumentaryThe Relocated South African | Emigration stories

The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

Jan Hugo - Emigration stories expert
The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
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71 episodes

  • The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

    From Cape Town to Prince George and Back with Monty Stephenson-Ep 69

    2026/07/02 | 1h
    Monty Stephenson, chartered accountant (South Africa and Canada), business leader, and director of the Solulo Foundation.
    Monty grew up in Plettenberg Bay and qualified as a CA with Deloitte Johannesburg before emigrating to Prince George, British Columbia in 1996.
    Over ten years he built a senior career in audit, raised a family of three daughters, and came within six months of making partner — before making the emotional decision to return to Cape Town for family.
    He and his wife Cathy have now lived in Cape Town for 20 years and recently reclaimed their South African citizenship.
    Quote of the Episode
    “We never left South Africa angry. We left to go and experience a different culture — and fell in love with the country. But we’re committed South Africans.” — Monty Stephenson
    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  —  Welcome & intro.
    03:29  —  How the move to Canada happened: a chance conversation at a hotel in Joburg led to a call from Deloitte Canada .
    06:40  —  Cathy's struggle to find work as an occupational therapist in Canada.
    11:01  —  On Canadians: their warmth is earned, not automatic.
    15:00  —  The first 18 months were tough.
    20:40  —  How a planned two-year stay became ten — and what that meant for family left behind in South Africa.
    25:12  —  Monty's mom visited Canada and her peace at seeing their life there.
    33:15  —  The difficult decision to leave.
    39:02  —  How they ended up back: an impromptu interview in Joburg organised by his brother-in-law, then one in Cape Town the next day — and a job offer from Ernst & Young on the spot.
    45:00  —  The final push to say yes:
    46:08  —  Reintegrating into South Africa. Early months in Camps Bay were a shock — the crime headlines hit hard. But within three months they found their feet and reconnected with community.
    50:07  —  Monty's philosophy on safety: "There's one criminal in our community and 99 of us are sitting inside letting him own the street. Let the 99 go outside and be connected — and he'll move on."
    52:00  —  Monty's involvement with the Solulo Foundation, supporting township and rural entrepreneurs.
    58:37  —  His eldest daughter is now back from London. His advice: go, explore, get your Canadian passport, and come back if South Africa calls you.
    01:02:50  —  A message to South Africans abroad: "Please don't crash us overseas.
    01:03:53  —  Wrap-up and sign-off.
    _____________________________________________________________
    Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

    Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

    Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

    Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

    Documents with convenience.
    _____________________________________________________________
    More conversations. More destinations. More stories of South Africans navigating life abroad. Explore the full episode library at http://therelocatedsouthafrican.com.
  • The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

    From Alberton to London to Langebaan with Dale Anderson-Episode 68

    2026/06/29 | 47 mins.
    Dale grew up in Alberton and on a farm in Walkerville, Johannesburg. Armed with a British passport and a bass guitar, he landed in London in 2002 with little more than a suitcase and £100. Over 16+ years he built a career in real estate, raised over £1.5 billion in property transactions, and won multiple industry awards — before returning to South Africa just weeks before COVID-19 lockdown. He now lives in Langebaan, Western Cape, and runs RGA Global, helping investors diversify into offshore property markets.

    Timestamps
    00:05 — Jan introduces Dale and the Lekker Network connection

    01:40 — Dale's early life: Alberton, a farm in Walkerville, and playing in bands

    02:01 — Landing in London in 2002 with a British passport and a dream — working factories, call centres, and finding his feet

    03:42 — The South African community in Wimbledon and the early 2000s working holiday visa era

    04:17 — Life in London: braais, band gigs, and the hard realities of cost of living

    05:13 — Bass guitar, the band Starseed, and gigging at the Clapham Grand

    06:44 — Was the UK always temporary? Jan asks whether Dale always planned to come back

    07:55 — Starting from the bottom: minimum wage jobs, a shared flat with a coin-operated shower, and a pivotal moment on Wimbledon High Street that launched his property career

    13:32 — Character-building hardship: was there ever a moment they nearly quit and went home?

    15:30 — A crossroads: Dale's wife packs up and leaves — and then things turn around

    16:23 — Resigning from a six-figure job, twin daughters born, and the decision to return to South Africa

    17:24 — Moving to Langebaan two months before COVID — setting up a remote company right as the world went into lockdown

    18:03 — Did Dale need the UK to get to where he is today?

    21:02 — The biggest misconceptions South Africans have about moving to the UK

    23:27 — Red tape and reintegration: tax, IDs, schools, banking, and why the first three to six months are the hardest

    27:29 — Safety and security: why Dale chose not to return to Joburg, and how he researched Langebaan's crime statistics before moving

    30:18 — The positivity of the Lekker Network and why it matters for South Africa

    30:51 — What Dale does today: offshore property investment, RGA Global, and his Fractional Sales Director role with Sable International

    33:40 — Golden visas, rental yields, mortgages, and why UK property still makes financial sense for South African investors

    35:43 — Is there offshore appetite for South African property? Cape Town's boom, semi-gration, and the long-term investment risks

    39:04 — The digital nomad lifestyle: earning in pounds, living in South Africa, and why more people are asking Dale how to do it

    40:42 — RGA Global launch: UK, Thailand, Mauritius, Bali — and a cautious watch on Dubai

    41:43 — What Dale would do differently: less partying, sobriety, health, and discovering Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

    43:35 — Advice for young South Africans: should they go offshore?

    45:47 — Closing thoughts: you can always come back

    Quote of the Episode
    "Focus on your faith, your business, your health, and becoming a man. You can have fun when you're young, but don't get carried away — next thing you realise you're burning a candle at both ends." — Dale Anderson
    Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

    Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

    Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

    Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

    Documents with convenience.
  • The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

    From Pretoria to Oklahoma: A Pro Golfer's Journey with Martin Maritz-Ep 67

    2026/06/22 | 46 mins.
    Martin Maritz grew up across the street from Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, attended Affies, became a scratch golfer at 13, and earned a full golf scholarship to the University of Tulsa. 

    He went on to play 300+ events across 47 countries on the Sunshine, European and Asian Tours, came agonisingly close to winning the Dunhill Championship (losing to Justin Rose in his first ever pro win), and played in the 2011 British Open. 

    Since retiring in 2012 he has built a career in IT recruitment and launched Birdies & Bogeys Golf Gear - an apparel company with a charitable heart, giving back to the next generation of young golfers.

    Time Stamps
    00:01  Welcome & Pretoria roots - Loftus, Affies, Blue Bulls rugby

    02:17  How golf took over - caddying for his dad, scratch at 13

    03:59  The road to Tulsa - junior championships, Trevor Immelman, Gary Player's phone call, and what a $70k scholarship really demands

    10:00  Turning pro - Monday qualifiers, the Sunshine Tour springboard, and life on the road in 47 countries

    11:44  The ones that got away - the Dunhill heartbreak and Loch Lomond meltdown

    18:20  The unglamorous side of tour life - expenses, missed cuts, and the toll on family

    25:49  Birdies & Bogeys Golf Gear - the brand, the logo, and why the name means everything

    33:46  Life in Oklahoma - 30 years, extreme weather, cheap living, and a SA coffee shop that cures homesickness

    42:35  Reflection - what he would do differently, and advice for young golfers

    46:52  LIV Golf - why he is a fan and what he hopes for the tour's future

    Links
    Martin’s company: birdiesandbogiesgolfgear.com
    Connect with Martin on LinkedIn

    If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Don't forget to follow and rate The Relocated South African wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

    Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

    Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

    Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

    Documents with convenience.
  • The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

    From Cape Town to Canada: A Global Executive Journey with Steve Felder - EP 66

    2026/06/15 | 57 mins.
    Steve Felder is a South African global executive who has lived and worked across five continents over 25 years — from Cape Town to Joburg, Pittsburgh to Tel Aviv, Nairobi to Mumbai, Copenhagen to Montreal. 

    He built his career in shipping and logistics with Maersk and Safmarine, leading businesses across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, before making the leap into entrepreneurship. 

    Today he runs a cybersecurity venture in Canada, sits on several boards, and is still very much a South African at heart. 

    In this conversation, Steve shares an extraordinary story of relentless reinvention, the trade-offs of a global life, raising third culture kids, and what it really takes to thrive when you keep starting over.

    Timestamps
    00:00 – Introduction: Meet Steve Felder, Montreal-based global executive

    01:18 – Growing up in Cape Town, dropping out of UCT, and the early move to Joburg

    02:29 – First attempt to move to Canada; Sweets from Heaven and running US stores

    04:20 – Back to South Africa: Jetline and African Bank

    06:30 – Joining Maersk/Safmarine — entering shipping with no industry experience

    08:00 – Chief Commercial Officer for Africa; traveling the continent

    09:50 – Moving to Israel (2008) as MD; life in Tel Aviv, son born on Freedom Day

    12:30 – East Africa (2012): Running Maersk across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and beyond

    15:00 – Mumbai (2017): Leading South Asia; COVID lockdown in a 20-million-person city

    18:40 – Family splits between India and Copenhagen during the pandemic

    21:30 – Life today: sabbatical, pickleball, cybersecurity venture, boards and advising

    25:45 – Comparing countries: Kenya as the favourite

    27:40 – Settling in across relocations — and why Canada was the hardest landing

    32:00 – The importance of a strong family unit when relocating repeatedly

    33:40 – India: "Expats cry twice — once when you arrive, once when you leave"

    34:00 – How the kids identify: third culture kids who say "South Africa" even though they've never lived there

    36:40 – Red tape around the world: Kenya easy, India brutal, UAE astonishing

    41:09 – When did Steve realise he wasn't going back?

    44:45 – Are South Africans more adaptable? The can-do attitude

    48:21 – Living in Israel: perspective on the conflict from someone who was there

    51:21 – Advice to a young South African: stay or go?

    53:38 – Closing reflections and farewell

    If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a review for Marilise and her books, and don't forget to follow and rate The Relocated South African wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

    Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

    Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

    Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

    Documents with convenience.
  • The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

    Navigating Life and Identity as a South African Abroad with Cornis Van Der Lugt-Ep 65

    2026/06/08 | 53 mins.
    In this episode I speak with Cornis van der Lugt, a South African sustainability expert. 

    He shares insights on his international career, the transition from apartheid to democracy, and living across different cultures. 

    This episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, cultural diversity, and building a meaningful life abroad.

    He discusses his childhood and family history rooted in the Western Cape and Dutch heritage and his involvement in anti-apartheid activism and transition into international environmental governance.

    He provides insights on navigating life and career in Europe, including language learning and cultural integration

    He shares his view on the importance of diaspora networks, maintaining roots, and fostering diversity

    Cornis Van Der Lugt: "Stay positive and embrace your roots"

    Timestamps: 

    00:00 - Introduction: Cornis van der Lugt’s journey from South Africa to Europe

    02:18 - Early influences: Family, upbringing, and political awakening

    05:37 - University years and student protests in Stellenbosch

    08:20 - First encounters with the ANC in Lusaka and exile experiences

    10:37 - Transitioning into government work and South Africa's democracy

    12:11 - Reflection on South Africa’s post-apartheid progress and challenges

    15:13 - Foreseeing South Africa's future and lessons from history

    17:34 - Rebuilding infrastructure and leadership in South Africa today

    19:28 - Addressing crime and safety issues in South Africa

    22:41 - Living abroad in Paris, Geneva, and cultural adaptation

    25:12 - Language skills and cultural experiences across Europe

    27:31 - Food, travel, and the joys of European multiculturalism

    30:37 - Living in Switzerland: multicultural food and community life

    32:24 - Staying connected to South African roots and diaspora networks

    36:36 - Why South Africans excel abroad and resilience in the diaspora

    39:22 - Cost of living, healthcare, and quality of life in Switzerland and Europe

    41:32 - Success stories of South Africans internationally and their mindset

    44:31 - Future plans: Retiring between South Africa and Europe

    45:55 - The role of education, diversification, and AI in career planning

    48:50 - Reflections on staying connected to South Africa and cultural roots

    49:46 - Cornis’s advice to young professionals and future opportunities

    Your documents should not slow down your new life. 

    Apostil obtains, processes, and couriers South African police clearances, apostille certificates, unabridged documents, and more, directly to your door, anywhere in the world.

    Fast, professional, and stress-free. Need your documents sorted? 

    Visit Apostil here -⁠https://tinyurl.com/apostilcoza⁠

    Documents with convenience.
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About The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
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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