Staying Positive About South Africa with Paul Harris - E12
You’ve probably seen South Africa in the news a lot lately - and not a lot of it is good news! How does the news impact the decision to leave, stay, or even return? And what is it that keeps people positive about South Africa, despite all the challenges that make headlines?In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Paul Harris, a well-known South African entrepreneur, businessman, and one of the founders of Rand Merchant Bank - and my former boss, I might add! With so much negativity and noise in the media about South Africa, often from those who have left, I wanted to get Paul’s perspective on why he still feels so strongly about the country, and why it's important to report good news too.Chatting with Paul was a refreshing experience, mainly because of his ongoing optimism about South Africa, even when times are tough. Our conversation helped me reflect on my own journey and the reasons behind deciding to move abroad. It also reminded me why, despite having left, I’ll always love my country! Hopefully, our discussion can help others think more deeply about what it really means to stay or leave, and how much our attitude and actions can impact our future - no matter where we are in the world.“I'm a proper South African and more South African than any Australian is Australian and any American is an American.” - Paul Harris00:00 Introduction05:33 South Africa's resilience over the years06:35 Being positive about South Africa11:12 “Would you live in the wilderness or would you live in a zoo?”16:09 South Africans are resourceful and aspirational21:56 Adapting to a new culture abroad27:38 Improving South Africa-US relations32:14 Navigating opinions on social mediaResourcesRead Paul’s original ‘message to a friend overseas’ on Biznewshere: https://www.biznews.com/sarenewal/2025/01/14/paul-harris-no-need-to-stress-about-sa This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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34:00
How To Relocate Successfully with Ian Visser - E11
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pick up your life and move to a new country? What does it look like to build and maintain a support network once you've left? What are the pros and cons about emigrating? In this episode, we answer these questions and more as I’m joined by my good friend and fellow nomad, Ian Visser. Ian has lived in several countries and has a wealth of experience when it comes to uprooting and starting again somewhere new.We chatted about the realities of emigration, including the tough decisions you have to make, the things you miss most about home, and the surprises that come with making such a big move. I really enjoyed hearing his differing perspective on what it takes to relocate, leaving behind everything familiar to make a fresh start, and when going back might actually make sense.“What is underappreciated is probably one of the most courageous things that a person or a family can do.” - Ian Visser00:00 Introduction02:38 Emigrating is courageous 03:13 What makes a “successful” move05:53 What about going back to SA?10:39 Financial realities of moving abroad13:28 Comparing healthcare in SA and abroad15:53 Rebuilding a network19:10 Positives of emigrating23:33 “Just go and explore”This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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25:04
Finding Community In Canberra, Australia with Rudolph Botha - E10
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start a new life on the other side of the world – away from family, familiar places, and the routines you’ve always known? Or questioned what really makes someone decide to move for good, especially when it means leaving behind the comfort of close connections?In this episode, I chat with a fellow podcaster and Tukkies grad, Rudolph Botha, who swapped life in South Africa for Canberra, Australia almost 17 years ago. Rudolph’s story is one of balancing big decisions for his family’s future, finding new ways to connect with his roots, and navigating the everyday joys and challenges of being an expat.Out of everyone I’ve spoken with so far, Rudolph and his family have been living abroad the longest. It was refreshing to hear how he’s built a happy life abroad in the long-term, while still being honest about the sacrifices and emotions that come with leaving loved ones behind. I especially enjoyed hearing about his role as a podcast co-host of ‘Magalies Potgooi’ (which I recently appeared on as a guest) and the importance of staying connected with fellow South Africans, no matter where in the world you land.“If you can move to a place where you've got some sort of support system, that is, I think, one of the biggest advantages.” - Rudolph Botha00:00 Introduction04:40 Why Rudolph made the decision to leave06:13 Life in Canberra10:53 Fleeing the South African political situation12:46 Advice for anyone emigrating15:46 Phases of emigrating18:05 Finding community at the dog park20:33 Did he ever consider going back to South Africa?25:01 Feeling safe in Australia27:54 Navigating Australia’s red tape30:10 Pros and cons of taking your furniture overseas33:15 “Test your reasons”35:04 No regretsResourcesListen to Jan’s guest appearance on Rudolph’s podcast, ‘Magalies Potgooi’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mDsvKvQZOqJKCkSkiWVQv?si=b0e816da8bb540c8This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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37:22
Seeking Solace Back In South Africa with Lilly Quintal - E9
Have you ever thought about selling everything and moving overseas for a fresh start? What would you do if it didn’t work out quite like you hoped?In this episode, I chat with Lilly Quintal, who moved with her family from South Africa to Portugal after long-term financial struggles and the hope for a better future. Lilly opens up about what happened when they arrived, only to find out, months later, that they had been lied to and were faced with nothing but empty promises. What followed was months of debilitating depression, struggling to get the support they needed and having to say goodbye to the half a million rand they had spent to try and make their new life happen. It was a tough journey, and after 21 months in Portugal, Lilly and her family decided to return to South Africa.I really appreciated Lilly’s honesty and courage in sharing the reality behind her emigration story, especially given how challenging the experience turned out to be. It was uplifting to hear about how they eventually found a support system, made lifelong friends and reunited with family. Let Lily's story be a cautionary tale to anyone looking to immigrate: always, always do your due diligence before making the move.“There was a lot of guilt, the fact that I'd left them behind going to Portugal for a better future and then unfortunately things just didn't work out.” - Lilly Quintal00:00 Introduction02:16 Deciding to leave South Africa03:28 Empty promises 05:26 “I hit rock bottom”06:25 Doing due diligence 09:12 Finding community in Portugal12:55 My heart was in SA14:50 Longing to come back home17:52 Struggling with depression21:04 Seeking a better future financially 23:35 Blessed to be back24:47 Do your homeworkThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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26:27
Seeking Safety in Australia’s Gold Coast with Lindi Dercksen - E8
When the safety and security of your family comes under threat, would you move over 10,000km across the world? What if that meant leaving behind all of your family and friends?In this episode, I spoke with Lindi Dercksen, who moved from eManzimtoti, South Africa, to Australia’s Gold Coast. Lindi opened up about her family’s journey, from the early doubts and tough goodbyes to the experience of finding work and creating a new home from scratch.After looting, loadshedding and retrenchment, Lindi and her family decided to enact their dream of moving somewhere that had a big South African community, but could offer their young children a better quality of life.I really enjoyed hearing how she and her husband made the decision for the sake of their kids, but also for themselves, and how their lives have changed since arriving in Australia.It was inspiring to hear her positive attitude, the resilience of her children, and the way the South African community in Australia supports each other through the ups and downs. I found our conversation relatable, especially when it comes to missing family and building a simpler, safer life.“Kids are so resilient and they are so, so much stronger than what we think.” - Lindi Dercksen00:00 Introduction01:21 Reason for leaving South Africa06:02 Speaking Afrikaans in Australia07:22 Missing family back home08:52 Finances and finding a job10:22 The day we left12:59 There’s no turning back13:57 Australia’s South African community15:47 How similar is the lifestyle?20:16 Do people question your decision?22:37 Would you have done anything differently?23:48 Advice for immigrating26:06 Missing South Africa and appreciating AustraliaThis podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:https://www.zapods.com
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.
South Africa