The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

From Cape Town to Brazil... and now Bali.
Janlo van den Heever has never been afraid to challenge conventional thinking.
After building a successful career with Red Bull in South Africa, he relocated to São Paulo, Brazil, before returning home to be closer to family. But the experience had changed him. He immersed himself in startups, technology, cryptocurrency and remote work, eventually asking a bigger question:
If work is no longer tied to a location, why should life be?
Today, Janlo, his wife and two daughters are building a new life in Bali, embracing a slower pace, homeschooling their children and creating businesses that allow them to work from anywhere.
In this conversation we discuss life in Brazil, why they chose Southeast Asia over Europe, raising children abroad, the future of remote work, cost of living, healthcare, crypto, AI, and why South Africans should future-proof their skills in an increasingly global economy.
It's a fascinating conversation about challenging assumptions, embracing change and intentionally designing the life you want.
"The biggest thing standing in the way of South Africans being successful around the world is staying in South Africa."
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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
00:11 – Introducing Janlo van den Heever
00:56 – Growing up in Pretoria
03:22 – Life with Red Bull and moving to Brazil
07:04 – Living in São Paulo and raising their first child
08:48 – Healthcare in Brazil
10:11 – Returning to South Africa
13:32 – Discovering startups, crypto and remote work
18:57 – Why the family chose Bali
20:24 – South Africa, safety and raising children
23:01 – Why Bali feels so different
26:48 – Cost of living in Bali
29:48 – Residency and visas
30:31 – Homeschooling and family life
32:31 – Healthcare in Indonesia
33:34 – Building a new community
35:46 – What he misses about South Africa
37:32 – Advice for South Africans considering life abroad
Connect with Janlo:
🌐 Website: janlo.xyz
💼 LinkedIn: Janlo van den Heever
Website:
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Connect with the Podcast:
The Relocated South African – available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Janlo's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone interested in remote work, raising a family abroad, or building a location-independent life.

Duncan Goldsmith made the life-changing decision to leave South Africa in 1986—long before emigration became commonplace. Nearly four decades later, he reflects on what it really takes to build a successful life abroad.
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Duncan began his career in banking before an opportunity in information technology opened the door to Australia. Arriving in Melbourne with his wife, two young children and little more than determination, he embraced a country that would eventually become home.
In this candid conversation, Duncan shares the realities of emigrating before Facebook, WhatsApp and South African expat communities existed. There were no soft landings, no biltong shops and no online groups to answer questions—just the determination to make it work.
We discuss the emotional cost of leaving family behind, adapting to a new culture, raising children in a different country, Australia's work ethic, cost of living, healthcare, taxes and why many South Africans struggle because they're trying to recreate the country they left.
Whether you're considering Australia or already living abroad, Duncan's advice is practical, honest and shaped by nearly 40 years of experience.
"If you're looking for South Africa in Australia, you'll be disappointed. Come with an open mind and make Australia your home."
_______________________________________________________________
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
00:01 – Introducing Duncan Goldsmith
00:30 – Growing up in Port Elizabeth
02:50 – Why he emigrated to Australia in 1986
05:38 – The emotional challenge of leaving family behind
09:02 – Parents, grandchildren and life across continents
14:07 – Why going back was never an option
15:30 – Starting over without a South African community
17:00 – The biggest mistakes South Africans make in Australia
20:24 – Why Melbourne became home
24:58 – Cost of living and buying property
30:37 – Healthcare, taxes and getting value for your money
34:20 – Do South Africans really move back?
37:00 – Practical advice for new migrants
39:30 – Safety in Australia today
41:30 – Should you visit before emigrating?
43:40 – Marriage, teamwork and adapting overseas
44:50 – Boks vs Wallabies: Who does he support?
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Your documents should not slow down your new life.
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Fast, professional and stress-free.
Need your documents sorted? Visit Apostil here:
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Documents with convenience.
_______________________________________________________________

Connect with the podcast
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Duncan's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African considering a move to Australia—or anyone interested in what it really takes to build a successful life abroad.

Crime novelist, screenwriter and creative writing graduate James Fouché has swapped Cape Town for central China, where he's beginning a completely new chapter—not only in his career, but in his family's life.
After years of building businesses in South Africa, publishing crime novels and teaching online, James made the leap to China to teach English at a medical university. His wife and three homeschooled children will soon join him, turning what began as a solo adventure into a family relocation.
In this conversation, James shares what it's really like living in a part of China where almost nobody speaks English, adapting to a completely different culture, and preparing his family for one of the biggest moves of their lives.
We also dive into his career as a crime writer, why South Africa provides such rich storytelling material, China's remarkable pace of development, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can change your perspective forever.
It's an honest and fascinating conversation about creativity, family, and embracing the unknown.
"It's a big world out there. You're doing your kids a disservice if you keep them in a tiny triangle." — James Fouché
_______________________________________________________________
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
00:01 – Introducing author James Fouché
03:22 – Growing up in Cape Town and becoming a writer
06:14 – Why he moved to China
08:30 – Turning South African crime into compelling fiction
13:48 – Releasing his latest novel Grey
16:22 – First impressions of living in China
18:31 – Preparing his family for the move
19:23 – Learning Chinese and overcoming the language barrier
21:30 – Teaching English at a Chinese university
22:58 – Adapting to Chinese food and culture
24:17 – Finding great coffee in central China
26:45 – China's emerging wine industry
28:29 – The surprisingly low cost of living
31:09 – Teaching at a medical university
32:51 – Chinese bureaucracy and work visas
35:51 – Healthcare and China's rapid development
38:39 – WeChat, Alipay and China's digital society
41:10 – What he misses most about South Africa
43:14 – Is China a long-term move?
45:01 – How living abroad changes your perspective
_______________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Connect with James Fouché
🌐 Website: www.jamesfouche.com
📘 Facebook: @JamesFoucheWrites
📷 Instagram: @JamesFoucheWrites

Connect with the podcast
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If James' story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering life abroad—or anyone curious about living and working in China.

After 25 years abroad, Retha Jacobs has built a life across three countries—but South Africa has never left her heart.

Growing up in Pretoria, Retha took the road less travelled. She skipped university after school, moved to London with friends, later completed degrees in Human Movement Science and Neuroscience, and eventually found herself in Poland—a country she knew almost nothing about before falling in love with its mountains, culture and people.

Over the past decade she's built businesses in tourism, coached squash, become fascinated by mushrooms, and embraced life in one of Europe's fastest-growing economies.
In this conversation, Retha shares what it's really like living in Poland, learning one of the world's most difficult languages, building a business as a foreigner, and why, after 25 years overseas, she feels an even stronger pull back to South Africa.

It's a fascinating look at a country few South Africans know—and a reminder that sometimes the longest journeys lead you back to your roots.

"Life is so short, and there are so many places to see and people to meet. Every country changes you." — Retha Jacobs
_______________________________________________________________
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
00:01 – Introducing Retha Jacobs
00:57 – From Pretoria to London
04:22 – Why she moved to Poland
06:57 – Learning the Polish language
10:25 – Neuroscience, entrepreneurship and curiosity
11:32 – Building a tourism business in Poland
13:48 – Poland's national sport: mushroom picking
17:10 – Mushrooms, neuroscience and PTSD research
19:55 – Squash, sport and staying active
23:56 – What makes Poland unique
27:47 – Cost of living in Poland
32:42 – Healthcare and quality of life
35:50 – Business, bureaucracy and taxes
37:39 – Residency, passports and Brexit
41:39 – Missing South Africa after 25 years abroad
44:33 – Advice for South Africans considering emigration
_____________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Retha Jacobs:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/retha-jacobs-470b7355/

Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Retha's story inspired you, please share this episode with someone considering a move abroad—or someone curious about life in Poland.

Dr. Deepak Bhootra spent 15 years building a career in South Africa before taking that experience across Singapore, India and eventually the United States.
Born in India and raised around the world thanks to his father's work as a forensic pathologist, Deepak arrived in South Africa in the early 1990s and quickly discovered a country that would shape the rest of his life.
Today he's based in Houston, where he coaches business leaders, entrepreneurs and sales professionals around the world. But despite living on three continents, he still credits South Africa for much of his work ethic, leadership philosophy and outlook on life.
In this conversation, Deepak reflects on adapting to new cultures, earning trust, building a meaningful career, and why success is no longer measured by money—but by the lives you impact.
It's a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose and what emigrants can teach the world.
"Success isn't about how much money you leave behind. It's about what people say about you when you're gone." — Dr. Deepak Bhootra
_______________________________________________________________
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
00:11 – Introducing Dr. Deepak Bhootra
01:06 – Life in Houston and surviving hurricanes
02:32 – How his family ended up in South Africa
06:12 – Falling in love with South Africa
07:38 – South Africans' unique sense of humour
10:09 – What South Africa taught him about work ethic
12:52 – Experiencing South Africa before democracy
17:02 – Leaving South Africa for Singapore
20:18 – Moving to India, then Houston
21:26 – Why South Africans succeed overseas
29:12 – Reinventing yourself after emigration
33:33 – Why trust is the foundation of success
37:42 – Leadership, balance and life beyond work
40:05 – How his definition of success changed forever
47:39 – "Grow Together. Rejoice Together."
51:00 – His message to South Africans living abroad
56:35 – Where to connect with Dr. Deepak Bhootra
____________________________________________________________
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.

______________________________________________________________

Connect with Dr. Deepak Bhootra:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra
Website: www.deepakbhootra.com

Connect with the podcast:
Website: www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
Podcast: The Relocated South African — available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Deepak's story resonated with you, please share this episode with another South African navigating life abroad.