The Relocated South African | Emigration stories – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Relocated South African | Emigration stories

Jan Hugo - Emigration stories expert

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 79

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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🇫🇷 France - documentary
02/08/2026
#90
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
23/01/2026
#82
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
08/01/2026
#76
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
07/01/2026
#41
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
19/12/2025
#79
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
18/12/2025
#88
🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
23/11/2025
#92
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
23/11/2025
#64
🇨🇦 Canada - placesAndTravel
22/11/2025
#58
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
22/11/2025
#39

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com
34 shares
https://www.zapods.com
31 shares
https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=relocated-south-african
31 shares

https://www.facebook.com/groups/salivingabroad/
3 shares
https://www.facebook.com/Emigrate2USA.co.za/
2 shares
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1957344347867518/
1 share

https://www.youtube.com/@JohanAllers
2 shares
https://www.youtube.com/@WinningtheAwayGamePodcast
2 shares
https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_header&amp
1 share

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Score global : 42%

Publication history

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A New Sense Of Safety In Spain with Siobhan Erasmus - E3

Episode 3

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 28:09

Relocating from South Africa to another country is a big decision, and requires careful planning and adapting to a lot of change.

Today, I'm excited to bring you a conversation with Siobhan Erasmus, who decided to leave South Africa for Spain in 2018 after a traumatic home invasion (which is sadly a common story among South Africans today). She and her family took their time to plan the move, ensuring they wouldn't make any rushed decisions they'd later regret. Siobhan's European background gave her options, but her husband preferred a sunny place like their home in South Africa, leading them to choose Valencia. Despite their careful planning, they faced challenges, like adjusting to a new language, social isolation, and Covid delaying the move.

Her story is one of a lot of consideration over a few years, and navigating the challenges of adjusting to an entirely different lifestyle. What struck me most was Siobhan's honesty about the difficulties of building new connections and the importance of being prepared for the language barrier.

Siobhan's main motivator was ensuring a safer environment for her daughter, and although she misses some aspects of South Africa, the safety and new opportunities in Spain outweigh the negatives.

“You can't get into the culture if you don't speak the language.” - Siobhan Erasmus

00:00 Introduction

05:11 Local language is essential

10:53 Navigating foreign healthcare

16:37 Illusion of progress

17:17 Spain vs Johannesburg, South Africa

22:48 Reflecting on trauma

25:34 Choosing safety over danger

27:04 Settling down for good

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

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Adapting To A New Culture In Ireland with Mariette Momberg - E2

Episode 2

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 18:18

In this episode, I talk with Mariette Momberg, who left South Africa to build a new life in Dublin, Ireland. With a background in finance and a thirst for experiencing the world, Mariette's story is sure to resonate with many.

Mariette moved to Dublin five years ago for a combination of personal and professional reasons. She desired to experience more of the world alongside her husband (as they're both in finance and wanted to travel more), be closer to family abroad, and expand her career in investment management. She has an EU passport (which definitely made relocating easier), and they wanted to find a place with a lifestyle and culture similar to South Africa. Although the move was emotional, her vision of a better future for her career growth as well as for raising children outside of South Africa means that they do not regret the decision at all.

I was truly inspired by her journey and how she embraced the new culture while navigating the ups and downs of relocation, especially during such a challenging time like COVID. I hope you'll find her story as valuable and inspiring as I did.

“Once you get your people and you get your support structure, you get closer a lot quicker.” - Mariette Momberg

00:00 Introduction

03:25 A big career decision

07:14 Building a South African network

10:25 Debating returning home

13:29 Furniture misfits

17:18 Embracing positivity in challenges

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

My Adventure Relocating from South Africa - E1

Episode 1

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 19:51

Relocating from South Africa to other countries is not always easy. And today I'd like to share my own experience of going through the process.

In this episode, I'll be sharing the story behind the emigration journey that my wife and I embarked on since deciding to leave South Africa in 2020. After living in multiple foreign countries, facing many unexpected hurdles, and experiencing the highs and lows of starting anew, we're now happily settled in Portugal, and have no plans of returning.

I'll walk you through the reasons behind our decision, the challenges we faced along the way, and how we finally found our home in a place we love. It's been quite the adventure, and I'm excited to share it with you all in the hope it might resonate or even help someone considering a similar path.

00:00 Introduction

04:22 Unexpected house sale sparked the big move

09:45 Fleeing Dutch weather for France

10:43 Our lockdown adventure

15:11 Relocating to Portugal

18:09 Embracing our new life abroad

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

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Welcome to The Relocated South African

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 01:49

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.

Read moreCollapse

Fostering Foreign Family Ties in Australia with Steven Phyffer - E4

Episode 4

Thursday, April 3, 2025 • Duration 31:01

All parents want their children to grow up somewhere they can be happy, healthy and thrive – but what if that meant packing up and leaving everything you'd ever known behind?

In today's episode, I spoke with father, husband and founder of the travel app Oorsee, Steven Phyffer, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his family when he decided they needed to leave South Africa.

We'll explore Steven's fascinating journey from South Africa to the UK and eventually to Australia. He and his wife made this move with their young family, seeking not only new adventures but a place where their children could live their best lives. What strikes me most about Steven's story is his dedication to building a sense of community for South Africans abroad, through his app and online presence.

You'll no doubt be inspired, as Steven shares both the struggles and joys of emigration, the importance of creating your own community abroad and advice for anyone thinking about moving overseas.

His warmth and enthusiasm for connecting with others are truly heartwarming, and I know you'll find as much value in his story as I did.

“I decided that I want to build this app that's going to help bring South Africans together. A social media app, but without all the distractions in it.” - Steven Phyffer

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Starting Oorsee and emigrating

08:17 Navigating emigration costs

12:59 Celebrating South African culture

17:19 My advice on saving

21:11 Buying a bakkie

A Better Future in Portugal for Our Children with Rogerio Vieira - E6

Episode 6

Monday, April 21, 2025 • Duration 21:02

Have you ever wondered if moving overseas could really give your children a better future? Or what it’s actually like to leave South Africa behind and start fresh in a new country with your whole family?

Today I speak to Rogerio Vieira, who made the decision to relocate with his wife and five children from South Africa to Lagos, Portugal - the same place my wife and I have relocated to! Rogerio shares what it was like to adjust to life here in Lagos, why they felt it was the right move for their kids, and what challenges they’ve faced along the way — especially when it comes to fitting into a new schooling system and learning a new language.

As someone who’s gone through their relocation experience, it was great to chat with Rogerio and hear his honest perspective. I really enjoyed hearing about his family’s journey, the ups and downs, and his advice for anyone considering making the same move. I think you’ll find his story both relatable and helpful if you’re thinking about your own future abroad.

“The younger they are, I think they pick it up quite easily. Us older people, it's a bit more difficult. It's not an easy language.” - Rogerio Vieira

00:00 Introduction

04:21 Rogerio’s father’s immigration story

06:29 Living in Lagos

11:04 The possibility of returning to South Africa

13:18 Don’t make the same mistake we did!

14:55 Getting his wife’s Portuguese passport

18:49 His advice for those leaving SA today

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com

Raising Children in The Dubai Desert with Wade Loehmer - E5

Episode 5

Monday, April 7, 2025 • Duration 29:47

Have you ever looked back on a big decision, and realised that you did the right thing, even after all this time?

In this episode, I spoke with Wade Loehmer, who moved to Dubai with his wife when she was six months pregnant. Three kids later, and Wade and his family are celebrating ten years in this vibrant city. Initially sparked by a work opportunity and familial ties to the United Arab Emirates, he took a chance and hasn’t looked back.

We spoke about what it’s like to live in a place that’s so different from virtually anywhere else in the world. Hearing about the adventures and adjustments that come with raising three children in a foreign land was both insightful and heartening. The challenges were certainly there, but so were the opportunities, and Wade shared some solid advice for those considering a similar path.

Join me as we journey through his story together, and perhaps you’ll be encouraged to take a similar (big) step!

“We all know we have to leave at some point and I think that's the difficulty in the UAE … everyone has to leave [because] there's no real retirement facilities available to an expat.” - Wade Loehmer

00:00 Introduction

04:04 Building a South African construction company

06:52 Following investment and rental trends

10:55 Challenges of emigrating

13:43 Longing for South Africa

19:00 Safe community for expats

20:54 Cycling and running

23:41 Hope for change in South Africa

27:57 Starting small in financial management

Seeking Solace Back In South Africa with Lilly Quintal - E9

Episode 9

Monday, May 12, 2025 • Duration 26:27

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 Quintal

00:00 Introduction

02:16 Deciding to leave South Africa

03:28 Empty promises

05:26 “I hit rock bottom”

06:25 Doing due diligence

09:12 Finding community in Portugal

12:55 My heart was in SA

Seeking Safety in Australia’s Gold Coast with Lindi Dercksen - E8

Episode 8

Monday, May 5, 2025 • Duration 27:39

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 Dercksen

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Reason for leaving South Africa

06:02 Speaking Afrikaans in Australia

07:22 Missing family back home

08:52 Finances and finding a job

10:22 The day we left

12:59 There’s no turning back

Returning Home to South Africa with Hester and Johan Pieterse - E7

Episode 7

Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 33:20

What makes a young South African couple decide to move to a country they've never even visited? And, after nearly a decade abroad, what makes them choose to return home?

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hester and Johan Pieterse, who originally left Cape Town in 2016 for Ireland. They didn’t know anyone there, and hadn’t even visited Ireland before making the jump – talk about taking a leap of faith! Over the next nine years, they built careers, started a family, and eventually became Irish citizens. But as you’ll hear, the pull of family and sunshine drew them back to South Africa.

Unlike most of the conversations I've had with other South Africa emigrants, Hester and Johan never planned on relocating permanently. My wife and my plan had always been to make the move for good, so it was refreshing to talk to people with a completely different experience of relocating.

“You can go and come back. You’ve got nothing to lose” - Hester Pieterse

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Visiting South Africa

06:55 Cost of living in Cape Town

12:31 Getting Irish citizenship

18:27 Would you have done anything differently?

19:46 Underestimating the red tape

20:46 Considering safety in South Africa

23:50 The decision to return to South Africa

26:07 Do you have any local friends considering emigrating?

27:18 Shielded from local politics

28:48 Advice for relocating with kids

31:41 Things we miss about Ireland

The Relocated South African | Emigration stories – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Relocated South African | Emigration stories – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

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