Sias has made the best decision of his life to return to SA.. As a UK citizen with dual SA citizenship as ll i can say to Sias is Welcome Home..there is no place like SA. ...we SA citizens are the friendliest most resilient people on the planet. 🎉
I have spent my childhood in SA and all my adult life in Europe. Recently, I spent 7 weeks in SA and while I was waiting for my flight at the airport back to Germany. I was almost in tears when it hit how wonderful the people in SA, the sense of belonging, and my heart is at peace when I'm down there and wife who is not South African felt the same.
Everyone wants to move back, and I can't wait to leave this boring old relic. It might be OK for retirees, but not for young people who have to scratch tooth and nail just to live.
After living in several countries, mostly in Asia, for 20 years, we moved back to SA in 2014. The grass is not greener on the other side, things can also get rough in other countries where you will always been an outsider. My husband is not a SA-can but feels very welcome and accepted here. Nobody sees him as a "foreigner" and people are generally more friendlier and warmer. Yes I know this is not paradise and that we are dealing with many challenges but, we do have so much more here to offer and yes, SA-cans have become tougher, more resilient, and always ready with a plan!
Great interview, so nice to see these sorts of opinions amid all the doom and gloom. As Brits, we moved to Cape Town from the UK in 2016, and we simply LOVE the place. We hear a lot of people moaning about the situation in SA, and asking us why we'd want to live here. I honestly don't think the locals realize just what an amazing country they have. I agree with the comment "My first though when I wake up is I'm glad I'm here." We're delighted to be guests in this amazing land. Thank You South Africa!
CT is still half decent but with the stream of imports from other parts of the country, like the Eastern Cape, it is being transformed to be just as the rest of South Africa. No will to change but demand.
We all have a plan until you have a gun in your face. I'm from jhb and it's gone to hell in a handbasket. House broken into on at least 6 occasions, seen male on female violence stopped it, prevented house brake ins. Squatters serving up down the street. Roads are death traps. Enjoy your secluded lifestyle if you live in a remote dwelling. As ling as they don't come at you with an AK47 while you're returning home. I'm off to Spain 😂
En tant que Français je confirme l'Europe n'est pas un paradis,avant peut être mais plus maintenant en plus l'insécurité est partout ici,courage à vous les Sud Africains j'adore votre pays.
Il y a de fortes chances que l'anc (et non "ANC") soit évincé du pouvoir l'année prochaine. Ce sera un pas de géant vers le paradis pour ce beau pays. On ne peut qu'espérer... & rêver.
J'ai l'intention de quitter l'Afrique du Sud parce qu'en tant que jeune, il est presque impossible de construire une vie sans avoir des parents riches. Je travaille dur pour réaliser mon rêve d'une carrière militaire, et l'armée sud-africaine est totalement ruinée. J'ai donc l'intention de rejoindre la Légion en France. Désolé si mon français est mauvais. Pas une première langue.
I'm black South African living in New Zealand, I come across alot of South Africans who speak bad of South Africa and claim that they will never come back, I find it difficult to make friends with them because the friendship seem to be more anchored on bad mouthing my country and I just cannot do that, I love SA with all my heart, it's my home, it has alot of issues but also alot of positives especially. I just landed in NZ yesterday after a short holiday in SA, felt like crying when leaving the country. I work and study here, I will be back home soon ❤
South Africans abroad, can be the most horrid people. A lot of it appears to be based to attempting to justify the decision they made to leave on the first place. Stay strong. We hope to see you home soon.
@@MorningShot true indeed it is based on justifying their decision for leaving country.....I share the same sentiment with the brother you had there, our country offers so much freedom, we hope and pray for the best for our country.
I can relate to the story. I am an immigrant to SA. I found South Africans are resilient and can make a plan when needed without expecting the gov to do things for them. And I found in the past few years how gov all over the world are corrupted and captured. The rabbit hole is so deep. No better than SA gov. It just looks a bit better on the outside.
Why on Earth would you immigrate to South Africa? I'd move away from this country just so that I can have an intellectual conversation with people on the street, over barbarians with no standards. Because this country is unforgiving, it's worse for young people who get no chances, or no help with being able to build a life for themselves, unlike their older peers who already accumulated it before the country went belly up, so all they had to do was maintain it. Unless you have a rich mommy and daddy. I've been pushed around so much, told by countless people they'll help out, and not a single person has any integrity to do as they say. They place their needs first, and won't make way for young people. It's all about survival, hording what you have and fk the rest. And yet many have the audacity to preach the word of God, while fking other people over. Doesn't matter even if you can do any job 10 times better, than somone else, nobody gives a damn. So you end up scraping the barrel for years, wasting all your potential in a country where things always getting scarcer. Also makes it hard to leave.
This is most realistic view. Only the 0.1% of elite eat all over the world and this small nertwork is connected while majority of us have to fight for our way into the office or small business
…and all countries have their pluses and minuses, so you need to know well for what are you looking for! Salute from 🇩🇪, where you have stability and security but in the same time where taxes eat a lot of your money. As long as you work you have okay life, not much not less… but when you plan to become an entrepreneur and save money for your private business good luck with the time you need to spare. Better not to mention buying a house… it’s all possible but when you loan a Credit and pay it till the retirement 😂
Well, say howzit anyway. You don't have to confirm to people around you. If you have an issue with a setting, change it. I do. I find it more awkward to put up with it. Somebody's gotta have some fking life.
@@stoicwarrior346 What a load of 💩! They've had reliable public transport in Europe for DECADES now. It's so efficient and well-run that a car isn't necessary to get around anyways.
Exchanged gloomy weather for one where there's garbage everywhere and people pissing and shitting everywhere you look, whod otherwise rob you if their political leaders gave them permission to. Yeah no
All of northern Europe is dreary because of the long winters. SA is dreary because the country is the most depressing country in the world to live in. Next is UK 😂😂😂
@@danzolion8758 - I returned to SA after spending several years in Europe. I can confidently say that SA is far from dreary. Does it have problems? Yes, but so does every other country.
Sias is 100% correct. It is very expensive to educate your kids in the UK. The NHS is not all it it cracked up to be. My family in the UK lived next door to to same neighbours for 30 years and never spoke to them apart from a head nod now and then. In general the English are very kicky. It is very expensive to emigrate to the UK. Even with a heritage visa it is expensive. Compared to RSA’s model C schools, the British education school system is poor. However, if you are a scarce skill the salaries are much higher than in RSA. People also feel far more secure in the UK, low crime rates. However, just can’t beat RSA sunshine. Basically #VoetsekANC
Mum and I visited relatives in Australia and New Zealand two months ago. We loved spending time with them but it's good to be back to SA. There is choas all over and Australia 's crime is climbing rapidly. New Zealand has gangs too and it's growing. UK the same. South Africans are tough people and friendly. Welcome back Sia's!!!!
I've been here in the UK for 20 years now and I'm moving back this year as I'm on pension now. I live off-grid so I'm used to living without electricity, I have Solar. In SA I'll rent a apartment or cabin in a rural area and enjoy my retirement. The UK is going nuts with their upcoming WEF agendas which will limit movement and speech.
Have you considered Thailand? Have been living here since 2018 myself. All cost incl. under R15000 p/ m The safest country I've ever been to. We don't lock up anything, what a way to live!
@@rayronald7269 I think I'd consider it if I could buy land. Not owning the land you live in to me is just putting good money down the drain but not everyone agrees. Lots of good money being burned at the moment. Doubt it will last much longer, when the screws are tightened. People are going to wish they had more appreciating assets than just some nice chinese plastic in the kitchen/lounge In a rental.
@@michaelnuttall5896 I got older and realised that I dont need "stuff" my only posessions are my boat, clothes and tools. Money I have saved in lets say (in the form if precious metal) therefore I'm content in what I have. For younger people I'd say that they should go overseas if they can, build a future and save money (I personally don't trust banks anymore) One day they can pick where to retire. Its not always easy and seeing it through can be taxing.
@@HansCoche Well if I had to choose between two paths it would either by exactly what Im doing now or very similar to what you are doing. Especially the owning a boat part, a second hand 35ft sail boat with open ocean capability. Maybe in my next lift haha who knows. I'd be willing to forgo the trappings of a normal life for a life on the open Ocean.
Mate congratulations you so True South Africa is still the best place on the planet, great food, roof over your head, good people. South African s are happy people. My heart is still South African I love South Africa ❤❤❤❤ good on you mate❤❤❤😂
Been in the uk 17 years agreed 100% with him. From everybody i worked with i probably been to 5-6 people houses for a bbq or dinner loads of them very happy to come to my place but they wont invite us over, and work yes most will only do what are paid to do
Why would you do more than you are paid to? British don't get involved unless you are some how making money or moving up. Most are working for retirement or just dossers. SAfricans forget that south Africa's labour force is 80% unskilled and perform most jobs on menial salaries. Every country has its problems but you can certainly move to warmer countries with fewer issues than south africa.
Quite right you are. And that is the one particular thing the Brits don’t like about us. We speak our minds…. I have lived in the UK for 24 years now and I still get people being shocked when I say it like it is. 😀😀😀
@@monk3yboy69 Yes we can speak about black white and racism freely. The one thing unique about SA is we get each other's cultures and can braai together😁😁😁😁😁 Everyone is a Trevor Noah in SA 😀😀😀😀
Its always very nice to go back home and say all the nice positive things when you have a British passport or duel citizenship because its easier for you to get out when things get really bad. I find most of the people that talk like this are those who have dual citizenship and have a better chance to leave than most people in South Africa.
My Grann spent 3 decades or more in Australia, now she's back. Covid was the wake up call, at the time she luckily had a direct line to a state politician and was able to get an exemption to travel/immigrate. Friends at the time who had immigrated, could not leave. Hard to imagine but they could not leave the country, welcome to Australia.. the gem in China's eye. Here's the rub, Australia just like South Africa was a better country back in the day(the decades vary slightly but not by much). Australia's in decline, the penny hasn't dropped yet as the currency and purchasing power is still there and it is incredible. However, the governement dictates the terms to every success and failure you have in Australia, it holds your hand, smacks your bottom and is the only friend you will have to share a beer with after a weeks work. Usually doing the job of 3 to 5 men. You see, their minimum wage policy has caused mass sackings and they are not rehiring. So half the workforce sits on the doll or is sent packing(backpacking) home. 2 to 3 million work visa's reduced to 200 to 300 thousand. Anyway, I could go on but I'll just finish with. Their farms look shit and they have no idea how to move water around that country. Yes I know, petty.
Yes and might I add they are allowing thousands and thousands of immigrants into Australia when they haven't the means to support them...work wise and a inadequate health system. Also rental crises in many states. All that has lead to a lot of homelessness amongst Australians, it is very sad. Prices too are through the roof.
@@61sunset Ok yep, I havn't kept up to date with current events but from what I remember while living there 2 years ago it did seem like it could go that way. I have a feeling the Australians cities will turn into megacities reaching 100's of km up the coast and into the interior, leaving the agri sector to soak up wayward souls, ex convicts and foreigners on extremely leniant work visas out of Papua New Guinea. Further displacing Aussies living the true Australian lifestyle. Their landowners are primed and ready to throw them under the bus too. Strange place, I could never navigate that swamp long term. Anyone who thinks they can is likely someone who doesnt even own the townhouse they live in. Why bother with their opinion on owning 100- 1000Ha and managing a modern farm.
@@61sunset I know a lady in Brisbane who is a single mother of two, who would have found herself on the streets had it not been for a friend making her garage available, her rent had gone up by 300%, if that's believable, she eventually found a reasonably priced apartment and signed a 15 month lease and vowed she was going to save a deposit to buy her own place.
@@alanaschutte3528 Thanks for your reply, there are many people in her situation and many living in their cars. The U.S and New Zealand are also in the same boat . People are struggling almost everywhere now. I am glad your friend found something affordable now.
I studied agribusiness for three years in the UK and the only friends I have left are a German and a Pakistani. It was near impossible to get good Uk friends, they just wouldn’t let you into their peer group. Loved his term of becoming ‘mentally fat and lazy’, that exactly what I have in NL, no energy, no drive. The moment I am at my farm in SA I can’t get out of bed early enough…180 degrees difference.
Yes I loved that description "mentally fat and lazy" it is so very true. I also have no energy here, always exhausted mentally and physically. However back in SA when on holiday, my energy levels are revived and I feel alive and hopeful again. Also love how he described the superficial friendliness.
Nice to hear man! I woke up feeling the same, 4:30am walked the fence and heard a leoperd call this morning. Sitting with a coffee doing some admin while the generator runs, planning my week and knowing I'll be able to do whatever I like with my land, within reason. without getting 50 permits and waiting 2 years to be told NO. We got alot of water the last two years where I am, so I won't have to worry about boreholes for atleast 5 years maybe more. The farmers and workers know it too, we in for a good couple of years everyone is in good spirits and most could care less what the governement does. Most farms are off grid and have been for years, water is not a problem. We are in a good place.
@@michaelnuttall5896 exactly, we are building up the farm now, got a couple of hectares of growing beds in, got our first rudimentary solar plus batteries in (and generators of course). Security is in. Internet will follow within the next weeks, borehole is pumping, river as well. Guinea fowl are calling, life is the bomb in SA, if you prepare well.
@@ollievw3450 enjoy your farm while you can. When the ANC/EFF coalition forms after the next elections your land will be on the list for redistribution.
Great to get a return of skills back, but if you dont know let me tell you something you HAVE to know..... The Western Cape is where folks from ALL OVER South Africa AND Europe are migrating to.... The West Coast especially is transforming into the "Monaco of Africa"..... In the last year no less than 129 THOUSAND middle to upper income demographic has pulled in here .... From Cape Town ( the place you'll all WISH you'd moved to real soon) - Shalom
I’m an expat living in London. I’m pretty lucky working in a large company with many employees from different countries. I am finding that most foreigners bond much quicker than with the locals. My friend groups are mostly French, Spanish and Italians. Not a single brit :D
The only positive is there is plenty of work in the UK but these days with a laptop/computer, you can pretty much find the same work provided there is electricity. As an English speaker (but not English) I thought we should share a lot in common in terms of culture. First 2 years I had to constantly repeat myself. They could not understand me, if I pronounced the number 9 they could not understand me, it sounds like Nein, nein nein. Our outlook, attitude is very I mean VERY VERY different. We are in fact a different species. Our genetics are have encoded into them..n boer maak a plan....their genetics seem to be, give me a hand or whinge about an issues (of course generally speaking). Our thinking process is very different. South Africans seems to be very fast thinking, very proactive. We dont like to talk about a problem for 2 months, we rather talk for 20 minutes & get the job done. The myth of their national health service, yes if you have an accident its good, but even for operations, I found their medical/health system poor. Housing - very expensive. Rent, very expensive. Food moer expensive. Friendly on the surface while the going is good, I think many foreigners will find the attitude towards them will change (which is to be expected) when the economy sours & with the amount of immigrants going into the country has changed their attitudes. You can live there for 10 years, but you will always be the "South African". In terms of religion, very few I found were Christians, even talking about God was like talking about three headed aliens. One thing I will give the English is that they are pretty welcoming. You dont find too many people with issues, they keep their opinions to themselves & are very helpful. Food is not great at all, eating out trying to find something amazing. Our food, service is world class. Its a nice experience but once you have drunk the water in South Africa, walked in the bush its part of you. We always hear of "racial" issues in the media but every time I came home, I always found all races, especially blacks very friendly to talk to. Try ask someone in the UK behind a till at a super market "how are you, hows your day" you will get vibes, funny looks. South Africans are very, very warm and friendly. Yes, lots of Tsotsis, electricity issues but these are issues that will eventually be gone. The government will not be in power for another 20 years. After the damage done to the country, there will be lots of opportunities for all.
Actually in a shop the Brits won't always talk to each other either. I got away with it as a youngster because I picked up the Bristol accent. Anyway I'm a Rhodesian born in London with 3 SA grandparents and now in Johannesburg...
Ive lived in the UK for 30 years and have now retired ( not yet the qualifying age for getting the state pension, they keep moving it) and I see the lifestyle that my relatives have in SA compared to mine and I think what is keeping me here. UK is on the whole is unfriendly, The weather is diabolical and you notice the high population here with unthinkable traffic jams daily 10 - 15 km is common. The UK is expensive and taxation is laughable. Ive worked hard and have just about paid my house off and I think do I now want to spend the next 25 years in it when I could retire down the Natal coast or the Cape west coast and enjoy life. Off course I have been back for holidays a couple of times and while Im out fishing in my brother in laws speed boat drinking beers out in the sun, He tells me how lucky I am that I live in the UK. I tell South Africans that the UK is not the Utopia that they think it is. South Africans that live here will identify with when you are in town and you see someone you know and you say HI, they have perfected a technique of being able to block you by looking through you as if your not there. Listning to the post has made the pull to come back even stronger. Thank you.
I was in the UK 2003/2005. There was a lot of toxic shit in the SA community over there. If you were new, you were treated as a scumbag. I made friends with Scottish, Australian and NZ folks. We’re still in touch… but going there and hoping for a helping hand from a SAFFA was impossible
In my experience overseas, I have found many South Africans trying really hard to fit in, to the extent of losing themselves in their endeavour. Many change who they are, to fit in and become superficial.
That's not been my experience in Netherlands, UK or the USA...the SA expats have been so welcoming and helpful. Just had a great braai last night at the local rugby club with 100 Saffas verrry nice.
All over the world, there are pleasant people, and there are nasty people.. I lived and worked in the UK, and found some really, really nice people there, and some not so nice people too. However, my experience in the UK, was actually good. I love the British sense of humour, which can sometimes be quite dry. I had fun times, and not such fun times, just like in any place where you are living, and working. The British people have unfortunately, been watered down, with all the different groups of people, entering the UK.I feel for the British people, who have had so many different religious groups coming in, and trying to enforce their cultural and religious ideas, into British culture, which was originally a Christian country. England is a good place to stay,if you make the effort to integrate. So many people have made a good life there. The only reason, that I came back, was because my daughter contracted meningo-encephalitis, and was desperately ill., and nearly died, through misdiagnosis, and a few doctors, who did not have a clue, as to what they were dealing with! She got the correct diagnosis in the end, and thank goodness, she’s alive, no thanks to those few doctors (3 in all), who kept on saying, she had a migraine, or she had bad posture (uh, no), or she was generally just experiencing a type of flu! So I came back, to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for her. The young teenager lying in the bed next to her, died from meningitis, and he was just 17;years old! So it was a particularly severe strain. I would have liked to stay in the UK, but circumstances did not allow it.
My wife and I also left South Africa in 2020 with the mindset that we will never come back. We went to Turkey. And it was fabulous - we absolutely LOVE the Turkish people. We can easily live there for the rest of our lives. We also lived in the republic of Georgia (next to Russia). Georgia is not a place South Africans can adapt to. We will probably never go back there. But four months ago we came back to South Africa. It's still the best place in the world.
At 'Life in South Africa' Sias states in one word what he feels and he says 'Freedom'. As a Scot who emigrated to SA in 1984 that was, even at my young age (26), my first impression of South Africa. Now, I know that was different times and that apartheid was still around, although on its way out. But politics aside, the overwhelming sense of freedom was what was obvious. It is a bit diminished at the moment, as the country struggles with poverty and the subsequent crime. But for those of my way of thinking, if you are lucky enough of have the energy to get around the wilderness areas of the Beloved Country, the air fills your lungs with energy and vital spirit which is attributable not only the beauty of the country but to the ordinary people. If you go to another country chances are that you will live a long life but die a fat pig hooked on unhappiness and booze surrounded by your South African friends that run the country down to justify their choices.
I think that the biggest challenge for SAcans staying in Europe (and Canada and the USA) , is the weather...... SAcans do NOT like cold weather (and grey, cloudy weather) because they are not used to it!! Rather move to Australia where the weather is the same as in SA. ........... I have been in Australia for the past 12 years, and before that, 13 years in the Middle East....... I would not even think of moving back to SA, not even for a holiday......... Aus is such a huge beautiful country that it would take more than one lifetime to see everything, and then there is the whole of Asia to explore as well, which is very cheap to do....... the fact that it is safe here and a good place for kids, is priceless.
Would like to hear more facts if possible. What's housing, work, weather, schools, doctors, hospitals etc really like that side and not just Britain but Scotland Ireland Wales.
21 years in the UK and it has changed a lot. Schools are generally good, jobs are easy to come by, but you work much harder in the UK, no real life work balance. Travelling is good on the one hand because trains and buses are safe and in abundance, but boy in London you can get stuck in traffic for hours. Health not so good. You have to wait up to 3 weeks to just see a doctor who then has the audacity to see you for 5 minutes only. You wait years for non life - threatening operations. weather is the main problem. Up to 10 months of dreary weather. Housing in London is unaffordable.
Housing is a lot smaller although out of city has decent size (SA townhouse size) It is expensive but when you earn Pounds its not too bad. Food quality is good and bad and much cheaper. Meat is terrible quality. Work is easy as most South Africans have a good work ethic, especially if you are of a slightly older generation. The people are polite and friendly, but to befriend someone you are going to have to put in some effort. Remember you dont have a shared history or culture. Hospitals are good compared to our public ones, but are bad compared to our private ones. You can expect to wait and get treated like a number. Their dentists are shockingly bad. Schools, well I would home school, but then again the country is so over governed its a difficult choice. England is generally the more modern of the 4 Kingdoms, but Scotland has some great people and scenery. If you are conservative you are going to be shocked. If you are woke, its paradise.
@@Tinker8531 Maybe in 2005, my mother was there in 1995, then went there in 2005 and the difference in London was night & day. When she went there, it was still mainly British, today the Brits are a minority. London is great but like all things, has changed a lot. What made London were the Brits, they are hard to find these days. Its not racist, it is a fact, the culture of London was mainly European, it is not so today
Thanks Roman and Sias. Interesting type of video. Cool to see that MS is diversifying. My Mrs and I relocated to the UK last year. We didn't move to the city and have moved to the southern countryside. We're enjoying the sense of community here and feel there is definitely opportunity and a lot more available to us. Sias comments on British people is somewhat true however, I think they are a terrific bunch when you put the time in and get to know them, it really depends on the individual and the circumstances. I do miss SA though and am looking forward to a holiday out there sometime soon. Look forward to your other videos on this topic.
I've been in Australia since 2007 and have several very good Aussie mates. The Australian culture and lifestyle is very similar to South Africa and we had absolutely no problem integrating. It'll be a cold day in hell before I even consider returning.
You must be insane to want to move back to south africa, I don't want to live in Ireland either but no chance of going back to south africa, none whatsoever
I disagree a bit. The first 2 years, I do agree was tough, however I have made very good and loyal friends. And I love living here in the UK. Yes, the weather is not always the best but then loadshedding isn't either. So personally, both countries have there poisitives. If you are money in SA all do dally but being poor in SA its totally hell.
I agree with everything he said, except that the lack of a family support system is hard. If you have children, you should not rely on anybody else, but your spouse. If you could manage in 12years without a family support system, this will never be a problem anywhere in the world. That way of thinking, is why grown ass people still live with their parents.
I don't think it's only about support, it's about your children growing up without extended family. Missing out on important dates and not being able to share in the ups and downs. Support isn't one sided, it's also about not being able to support your family and friends, being there for them physically, that is really difficult.
I moved to the uk recently to get away from sa…got a job paying R1.3m in 6 weeks…enjoying the the plugs and taps and everything working…miss the bush though
My husband and I decided to retire to ZA 15 years ago, we’re fortunate to be granted permanent citizenship in ZA, absolutely love our new life, no way will we return to France with all the insecurity and demonstrations.
Welcome, I am South African, believe me this is a beautiful friendliest country, we have beautiful scenery. Weather and Lifestyle.....please visit an Area called the midlands in Kwa zulu natal. You will love the scenery, I am a citizen of this country...I will never leave my country. I will always have faith that there will be change. My town is run by the DA. With the new GNU government, we started getting our home affairs department in order, and also other government department, slowly but surely we will have a change.....I watch a lot of chanels where other countries are having their own political issues, and crimes.
I left when I was 9 years old lived in Dubai for 10 years with my family came back was in SA for 3 years I can't believe people would come back to the shit this country is burning to the ground who wants to live in the highest crime no electricity no jobs etc I left have been in New Zealand for 5 years and won't come back to SA it's a dump.
I came to SA in 72, from Scotland fell in love with everything in SA, still here after 50 years. Yes the Africanner was not very welcoming at first but that was understandable after what the British done in the Boer war. It never put me off and now we all have made friends. South Africa is a wonderful country with wonderful God fearing people who are hard working where the family is important and children are brought up with strong morals, and respect for adults others. I have only been back to the UK twice on holiday in 50 years and was shocked by the morals and the dissrespect shown by not only the children but by adults as well. Thank the Lord I left and that my children were brought up in South Africa.
It's our experience that the foreigner who moves to South Africa values what the country offers more than the South African's who are native to this land.
Personal maturity, realistic expectations and saleable skills is all that is required to succeed. Unfortunately, many naive, dreamers believe they can make it with a skill alone. There are exceptions, Jewish community, and various business and professions. Unfortunately, too many are painfully naive unaware of their lack of exceptionslism, and the permanent victim card does not do well either.
a bit unfair to diss the Brits coz he didn't make it. There's hundreds of thousands of Saffers there, can't paint everyone with the same brush. This guy doesn't really say why he came back....is it the tannie next door? Ouma's rusks? loadshedding? the crime? am skeptical to his reasons, maybe the Brits chucked him out for some reason? who knows...
I didnt hear him diss the Brits. He must have made it, does making it mean you have to retire in the UK and live there forever? Maybe you missed the first part of the conversation, he said he went on a holiday working visa.
There's something about the Brits as you name them - we SA's are just not accepted by them really. Just know your history boet - you'll find it right through history. I know of loads of SA's that came back and still do. I just visited there a few months years ago. Not for me either.
@@nbrosanbrosa3945 guys says Brits were unfriendly to him, not sure if the problem. lies with them, or with him... Why would he suddenly want to come back to a crime infested crap hole with no electricity when he's in his prime? I didn't get the impression that he's retired now with millions of pounds in the bank
@@paintingwiththestars where are you? I am certainly not staying in a crap hole. RSA is the best. You must be hoping for better political care? This is Africa. You better be self sufficient. No politician is going to wipe your ass. Maybe the DA will...
I knew many Brits in the past, before the new government took over, then they packed their bags and all scurried back to the UK, and I can honestly say they were all tight together you were not welcome in their circle.
The reality is that certain South Africans will always find it difficult to mix in with other cultural groups. In the first instance get to know the ways and people of the country that has accepted you. Then get real about South Africa. It's an accident that has already happened. My heart goes out to all those who are trying to protect a way of life that is already gone. We all miss the smell of Africa.
South Africa was never intended to be a metropolitan culture/way of life. Though these people shout the loudest and think they speak for all. When I was a lighty, we cooked with a woodfire stove in winter because it was an event. walked barefoot and drank water from a fresh river at the base of the mountain. Had to go to school in the city and spent over a decade finding a way back to what South Africa is and was always meant to be. Now I'm living in my dream house, with three generations of my family, what's left of it after all those years in a city. South Africa's way of life hasn't changed much since the 1800's, the cities didn't work but do they ever? We are just the modern example to pick apart. Sure times were good for some in the 60's and 70's here but they were as good in America then and now look. Most won't even believe that times were ever that good in America unless they lived them. Anyway, my point is South Africa is what it was before the settlers got here. Raw land, dangerous animals and people. Clean, cold fresh water rivers moving at breakneck speeds to the ocean. Only the saviest of engineers can tap into that life force without disrupting the ecosystems down river. This kind of stuff doesn't exist in many places of the world and that absolutely includes UK, Aus, NZ. As I was for a while a man without money or means, I could go swim in a fresh ocean, catch fish. Walk on a mountain with leoperd and buck, wild horses. Go do that overseas and see how fast you are arrested.
In this case many south africans should also look at themselves. Do they accept foreigners with open arms? Definitely not. I had first hand experience in '82 and it still crops up to this day. Yes I speak the queens english (with a lot of slang for good measure). The british cannot speak the queens english and haven't in many many decades. Their english is terrible. No I'm not a pomie and have lived and worked in african countries with many from different parts of the uk. Coming from an african country with a british educational system we were taught the right way 😁. However people in sa are different depending on where there live in sa especially from what is termed 'the north' in gauteng. They aren't the same as the people from the east rand who are way more down to earth and mix together far more and easier too.
@@itslogical8459 Yes, is your point that people aren't generally friendly when their country is under duress in the form of ideaological and psychological warfare? You do know many consider the ANC a hostile communist political party. That makes us a population under occupation. Obviously people arent going to be happy go lucky but for what its worth they are doing a damn sight better at being kind and wise beyond what they have any right to be. Pretending we don't have it extremely hard, harder than any modern Western European peoples do and for longer than what any admit. I speak the Queens too, been overseas to the other colonies and the UK and wasn't impressed. The ruins in Wales were nice, the rest looked sad and cheap.
As an expat I really miss SA. But just missing a place can't take me back under the now 20-year realities of reverse prejudice, violent crime (many times sufferer), childrens welfare, etc. Good luck. I really wish you well. And I agree with you in that the some places in the UK are disheartening, to say the least...
W R To friends/ making friends, I don’t fully agree with Sias, my wife and two daughters embraced England so much so we don’t have SA friends, all our friends British.
Its amazing how many people have made the decision to move to the UK and now defend it and its policies with their lives. Sure, one needs to support to country you decide to go to, but thjey become very defence of the UK and offence about SA. Both have their problems but at the end of the day its individual choice for whatever reason. Friends once on social media are now debating and argueing like never before but at the end of the day, theres nothing like home and despite our crap Government in SA, its still got everything espescialy the best weather in the world and great resiliant people. No place like home.
@@61sunsetin your own house where you raise them with an iron rod and not like these woke arseholes want to treat them with cotton mittens. Bring on WWIII and use these world politicians as cannon fodder along side refugees and asylum seekers. P.S conventional war not this hightech modern warfare crap or they'll survive and continue with their bullshit
During the 1970s, many UK residents immigrated here, to make money because the money was better here at the time, and jobs were plentiful. So these people came here to build up an income, and when things were starting to fall apart, they all went back to the UK. They were welcomed by this country, and not treated like outsiders. Many of the British had lived here for over 30 years, so there is the other side of the coin.
That was not my experience. My family was one of those UK immigrant families of the 1970s and the reception from some people in the Afrikaner community was quite hostile. Mind you, they were hostile to English speakers in general, even those who were descended from the 1820 settlers. I remember that South Africans had a particular gripe against immigrant boys who did not have to do national service and so the law was changed so that they were all naturalised as SA citizens and therefore liable to go to "the border" to fight SWAPO and their Cuban allies -"Rundu toe vir jou".But for all that, South Africa is a very beautiful country and as the guy says, South Africans get on with it instead of talking about it. There is definitely something about Africa that grabs your heart and soul and it never really leaves you. I found there was tremendous generosity of spirit from the black population at the time.
@@robinwilson730 You are correct that some of the Afrikaans community, were even hostile towards English speaking South Africans. However, the British people who came here, had excellent jobs, and good remuneration. Some, started their own companies, and did very well for themselves. My neighbours were an immigrant family, who started their own company, and have now returned to the UK. One of their children, went to Australia, where he has settled.
@@jacksprat429 I think it would be wrong to imply that British immigrants who went to South Africa then returned home with a big pot of money. My dad worked hard for a modest income and when we returned home the exchange rate was against us and you were only allowed to take out R10,000 per person which at the time equated to only about £3,000 each, so hardly a fortune. Of course if you were to go the other way from UK to SA today then the exchange rate is very much in your favour. But that wasn't the case in the 1970s when £1=R1.80. So in our case, we neither arrived nor left with much money.
@@robinwilson730 I absolutely understand where you are coming from. Nevertheless, there were people who made money in South Africa, and once they returned to Britain, were not well off, but certainly very comfortable. I appreciate the rate of exchange, makes a huge difference. Some did deposit money into a UK bank account, whilst they were working, and when the rates of exchange were favourable.
Some advice for South Africans going to work in the UK, find a book by Kate Fox called Watching the English. It's a primer on British behaviour and you will fit in well enough. In Britain I can tell you two villages close by will both think the other a bit odd but close ranks against a Londoner. When I went to UK at 17 from Zambia I went to a 6th Form College attached to a comprehensive and picked up the accent quickly. Actually my one great grandfather came from Bristol so that helped in a way. Yes the English form.little cliques if you like but the 6th Form College was in itself a club and we Rockers and Skinheads went out togerher occasionally..I eventually ended up in SA in 1975 and stayed but again I have relatives in both countries...
Yeah the UK has changed dramatically from the 70s and if you left in the 70's it was for a similar reasons most all poms came to SA back then. Because the UK turned into a dump back then and has slowly recovered up until the mid 2000's. Now shit heap again.
If you don't like the country you can always pick from 200+ other countries. It just so happens SA and UK are the 2 most depressing countries in the world
Having spent fifteen years working and living in different countries and cultures the real difference is that there are problems in every country. The key is to find the problem and work out if it is bearable or not. South Africans are hard workers but fairly inflexible, this makes it tough to fit in at times.
12 hours per day of no electricity in an economy that requires everything to be connected to electricity and you call South Africans inflexible? Are you even a local?
I REALLY would also not like to live in the UK. I am living in Australia instead.Yes, the "2nd, 3rd, 4th ans 5th generation" of Australia's aren't very accommodating to immigrants, yes, cheap hospitality does not exist in Australia, food lacks taste......but my god, I've never been attacked here, no-one ever broke into my house, I don't feel as if I'm some sort of privileged white person, EVERYTHING functions and runs almost like clock-work. I had 16 amazing years here in Australia with or without friendly people or not. When it's broken, then they fix it here.
I have been broken into twice. In our area and surrounding areas we have a problem with aboriginals mostly but also dysfunctional people... drugs and alcohol. Australia is veryr woke and plenty sheeple...people not thinking for themselves and following everything they are told Covid brought a lot of hidden things into the open. I know quite a few Aussies who have or are emigrating because of it.
Yes, but it also shows that we remain tribal - I have done the exact opposite - immigrated to SA in 2008 from the UK. After 14 years I still haven't made any friends except superficially. And I moved to the exceptionally stunning Lowveld, where Afrikaans rule, and don't particularly like the Engels... But, aside from LS stage 6 and no water for up to 3 weeks at the time, life here has a slower pace and you don't have to live on a farm to have more space; you ca have a house on 1500 sq m in town, and that is space. In the UK, most houses have pocket size gardens!1
@noellenussie - Yes, and you can hear the neighbour’s television at night, and hear them talking to each other, not necessarily their conversation, but their voices. Pocket size gardens, yes, and sometimes even postage stamp size gardens. It is sad that our beautiful country has been so ruined, by greed, but South Africa, will always be a place, I call home. Been there, done that, and still feel more welcome here in good old RSA.
@juzus - On the other hand, you have a prince of the royal family, born in Britain into a life of absolute privilege and wealth, and he trashes the royal family, and the British people and their way of life. I think that’s a bit steep, don’t you think? I am disgusted at the sheer audacity, of dear little spoilt as hell Henry, not having one decent thing to say about the British way of life, the people and the royal family! It is not as if he came from another country, and was not spoilt rotten, never having to do a proper job, ever, if he didn’t want to. He didn’t have to worry about where he was going to live, where his next meal would come from, and whether he would be able to pay his bills or buy clothes!
Ive lived in the UK since 99. when ever i visit SA i quickly realise that I've become accustomed to the Life in the UK. I must admit i live outside of London and life here is pretty awesome. My kids play outside , ride bikes, we practically live on the river and we have some good friends and neighbours. Visiting SA we often find that many of our friends don't go out a lot . You are often met with excuses such as . Its to dangerous to go out at night, Take that watch or rings off because you will get robbed. The constant irritation of car guards and that awkward feeling walking around thinking... are those people approaching me going to Rob me. Whilst i get that the life style in SA is amazing it often comes at a harsh price for your safety. My wife and i have chosen to remain here in Surrey UK and give our kids the best opportunities to go study and have a good life. Another thing is Europe is a stone throw away and we often take trips to France , Germany and Italy The grass is not always greener but for now .. m life is here in the UK.
South Africa business is closing down in South Africa. High unemployment rate in South Africa. Good luck. 337 000 jobs lost in South Africa first four months.
I also did the 2 year working holiday visa in 2005. I made one good British friend. But I knew I would not want to raise my children in that country. Moral values are lacking and they are openly blasphemous.
There is a lot of white trash in the UK. Agreed. No one believes in God. The churches are empty. Religion is seen as a joke. People are soulless and lack any moral compass. No one lives in holy matrimony anymore. The number of young people from broken homes is truly shocking. Country is overregulated to the hilt and there is no freedom to do what you want. If you want to build a house the planning system is immediately against you and there are no builders who want to work and a huge shortage of skilled labour.
@@61sunset Why can't we hear an opinion from the opposite side of the spectrum though? Most people do want to leave SA. It's in the minority to even consider wanting to come back.
@@caleb02 I didn't say we shouldn't hear her side, I merely stated why must she argue. She is entitled to what she believes through her opinions and he is to his.
Mpumalanga... its not Nelspruit anymore! I was born in Rob Ferera Hospital in Nelspruit, I know where Nelspruit is... Anyway, leaving the UK was a smart choice! Everyone with any insight is leaving the UK...But Nelspruit? Hahaha - just joking, have a good life!
@@61sunset sure. it has problems. the thing you seem to not understand is that the TYPE of problems are so, so, so different! the problems countries like England face pale in comparison to the ones SA face. It's not even on the same level. Loadshedding, for example, has the potential to plunge the entire country into an economic crisis so severe that we probably would never recover. It's really not the same.
They're in the minority. Believe me, the overwhelming amount of people here would leave and never return if they had the means. There is a general mood of total despair here. Most of us know that SA is on its last few wheezing breaths. It's delusional to think otherwise.
You can say that again, to even consider going back to psychological, emotional, financial, existential hell is possible.. makes me think this guy has some part of his outlook scrambled
The we he is refering to is only himself. His wife Emma and 3 minor daughters were left behind. He deserted his own family. Took his South African wife to the UK had 3 daughters and he fled the UK. She get a lot of support from the small villiage and church. What a hypocrite!
I've been in England since 2008 and don't have a single English friend. The only people I have befriended are foreigners. Generally, having a conversation with the English is very one-sided, more of a monologue. Double standards, chroniism, and racism are very much rife but hidden behind the smiles.
@eabr2881 it depends on the class of English person, you don't wamt to waste your time on the general public, I shoukd know as I do work for the general public, most of them don't even know what they are doing or have very little general knowledge so unless you need something from them I wouldn't waste my time 😉
There's being realistic and then there's delusional. I think most people in the comments are delusional. Listen, it's great that a few people want to come back. For the vast majority of people though, they don't. In fact, the majority of SA's people want to leave but don't have the means. On average, life is harder and more miserable in SA, and life is easier and better somewhere in Europe. That is being realistic. Delusions will make you justify SA by saying all countries have problems. Sure, but all problems are not equal. Our problems are much, much worse here.
true but europe is on a rapid downward spiral to feudalism under WEF UN people are really suffering in parts due to destruction of economy pension system bankrupt its probably why there is a depopulation program in full swing
This guy leaves in 2005, when the country wasn’t even bad, stays there for 17 YEARS, has his kids educated for free, and now goes back to SA with 17 years worth of POUND savings and only has bad things to say 😂😂😅😅
Bcause he had to see it through. Im moving back myself to be with family, but in reality i can't stand people, my bad. In the UK many people are mad, smoke dope, have ptsd or are alcoholics. Backstabbing is their hobby. But I'm on pension now, so I'm ok.
I do apologize for the difference in sound levels - will fix it in subsequent interviews.
Thank you for the podcast. I wish you had added more context. Does he have kids, what job did he did and how has the family settled.
Welcome brother we love you
I love South africa nd I'm happy to hear ppl saying positive things about my lovely country❤😂🎉❤
Sias has made the best decision of his life to return to SA.. As a UK citizen with dual SA citizenship as ll i can say to Sias is Welcome Home..there is no place like SA. ...we SA citizens are the friendliest most resilient people on the planet. 🎉
True Stuff!! Agreed!!
I have spent my childhood in SA and all my adult life in Europe. Recently, I spent 7 weeks in SA and while I was waiting for my flight at the airport back to Germany. I was almost in tears when it hit how wonderful the people in SA, the sense of belonging, and my heart is at peace when I'm down there and wife who is not South African felt the same.
@@Karl3Lang as long as you're not a Zimbo right?
@gargoyles9999 Zimbo where does this come from🤔? I was born to a South African mother and my father is from Germany 🇩🇪 🤣🤣
Yes🎉❤🎉
Agree 200%,... I've been in UK for 21 great years, but heading back within weeks. "All that glitters is not gold".
Same here, im moving back this year after being here for 20yrs. Only came here to have a job and build up a pension.
SA is beautiful. I'd love to retire to the Western Cape; lekker 👌
@Big Brother The glitter often is the facade covering the shit.
Everyone wants to move back, and I can't wait to leave this boring old relic. It might be OK for retirees, but not for young people who have to scratch tooth and nail just to live.
@@M3l_0N666 we've a long way to go before retiring! Hope lives eternal.
After living in several countries, mostly in Asia, for 20 years, we moved back to SA in 2014. The grass is not greener on the other side, things can also get rough in other countries where you will always been an outsider. My husband is not a SA-can but feels very welcome and accepted here. Nobody sees him as a "foreigner" and people are generally more friendlier and warmer. Yes I know this is not paradise and that we are dealing with many challenges but, we do have so much more here to offer and yes, SA-cans have become tougher, more resilient, and always ready with a plan!
Great interview, so nice to see these sorts of opinions amid all the doom and gloom.
As Brits, we moved to Cape Town from the UK in 2016, and we simply LOVE the place. We hear a lot of people moaning about the situation in SA, and asking us why we'd want to live here. I honestly don't think the locals realize just what an amazing country they have. I agree with the comment "My first though when I wake up is I'm glad I'm here."
We're delighted to be guests in this amazing land. Thank You South Africa!
CT is still half decent but with the stream of imports from other parts of the country, like the Eastern Cape, it is being transformed to be just as the rest of South Africa.
No will to change but demand.
We all have a plan until you have a gun in your face. I'm from jhb and it's gone to hell in a handbasket. House broken into on at least 6 occasions, seen male on female violence stopped it, prevented house brake ins. Squatters serving up down the street. Roads are death traps. Enjoy your secluded lifestyle if you live in a remote dwelling. As ling as they don't come at you with an AK47 while you're returning home. I'm off to Spain 😂
En tant que Français je confirme l'Europe n'est pas un paradis,avant peut être mais plus maintenant en plus l'insécurité est partout ici,courage à vous les Sud Africains j'adore votre pays.
WHAT? 🤷♂
@@rynoopperman5010you know you can translate it by pressing the button below the text, right?
Il y a de fortes chances que l'anc (et non "ANC") soit évincé du pouvoir l'année prochaine. Ce sera un pas de géant vers le paradis pour ce beau pays.
On ne peut qu'espérer... & rêver.
Merci beaucoup 🙏♥
J'ai l'intention de quitter l'Afrique du Sud parce qu'en tant que jeune, il est presque impossible de construire une vie sans avoir des parents riches. Je travaille dur pour réaliser mon rêve d'une carrière militaire, et l'armée sud-africaine est totalement ruinée. J'ai donc l'intention de rejoindre la Légion en France. Désolé si mon français est mauvais. Pas une première langue.
I'm black South African living in New Zealand, I come across alot of South Africans who speak bad of South Africa and claim that they will never come back, I find it difficult to make friends with them because the friendship seem to be more anchored on bad mouthing my country and I just cannot do that, I love SA with all my heart, it's my home, it has alot of issues but also alot of positives especially. I just landed in NZ yesterday after a short holiday in SA, felt like crying when leaving the country. I work and study here, I will be back home soon ❤
South Africans abroad, can be the most horrid people. A lot of it appears to be based to attempting to justify the decision they made to leave on the first place. Stay strong. We hope to see you home soon.
@@MorningShot true indeed it is based on justifying their decision for leaving country.....I share the same sentiment with the brother you had there, our country offers so much freedom, we hope and pray for the best for our country.
I can relate to the story. I am an immigrant to SA. I found South Africans are resilient and can make a plan when needed without expecting the gov to do things for them. And I found in the past few years how gov all over the world are corrupted and captured. The rabbit hole is so deep. No better than SA gov. It just looks a bit better on the outside.
Yes very true.
@@christinefinniss6263 wait till you see who bankrolled the British Empire and started the boer war.
Why on Earth would you immigrate to South Africa? I'd move away from this country just so that I can have an intellectual conversation with people on the street, over barbarians with no standards. Because this country is unforgiving, it's worse for young people who get no chances, or no help with being able to build a life for themselves, unlike their older peers who already accumulated it before the country went belly up, so all they had to do was maintain it. Unless you have a rich mommy and daddy. I've been pushed around so much, told by countless people they'll help out, and not a single person has any integrity to do as they say. They place their needs first, and won't make way for young people. It's all about survival, hording what you have and fk the rest. And yet many have the audacity to preach the word of God, while fking other people over. Doesn't matter even if you can do any job 10 times better, than somone else, nobody gives a damn. So you end up scraping the barrel for years, wasting all your potential in a country where things always getting scarcer. Also makes it hard to leave.
This is most realistic view. Only the 0.1% of elite eat all over the world and this small nertwork is connected while majority of us have to fight for our way into the office or small business
…and all countries have their pluses and minuses, so you need to know well for what are you looking for! Salute from 🇩🇪, where you have stability and security but in the same time where taxes eat a lot of your money. As long as you work you have okay life, not much not less… but when you plan to become an entrepreneur and save money for your private business good luck with the time you need to spare. Better not to mention buying a house… it’s all possible but when you loan a Credit and pay it till the retirement 😂
When you have a bunch off strangers standing cheek to cheek on a tube train without making eye contact is beyond me. In SA somebody would say howzit 😊
Lol at least they have trains 😂
@@GrowMyBitcoin Only because they planning on taking their cars away🤣
Its like sitting in a coach with a bunch of zombies, and don't smile at anybody because they seem to interpret it as something sinister.
Well, say howzit anyway. You don't have to confirm to people around you. If you have an issue with a setting, change it. I do. I find it more awkward to put up with it. Somebody's gotta have some fking life.
@@stoicwarrior346 What a load of 💩! They've had reliable public transport in Europe for DECADES now. It's so efficient and well-run that a car isn't necessary to get around anyways.
I'm impressed that Sias lasted 17 years in the dreary UK. Welcome back to SA.
Exchanged gloomy weather for one where there's garbage everywhere and people pissing and shitting everywhere you look, whod otherwise rob you if their political leaders gave them permission to. Yeah no
The uk is very dreary indeed😂
All of northern Europe is dreary because of the long winters. SA is dreary because the country is the most depressing country in the world to live in. Next is UK 😂😂😂
@@danzolion8758 - I returned to SA after spending several years in Europe. I can confidently say that SA is far from dreary. Does it have problems? Yes, but so does every other country.
Love Sias comment around being pro active and building muscle around capability, a meaningful life.
What a lovely surprise on a Saturday Afternoon😊
Sias is 100% correct. It is very expensive to educate your kids in the UK. The NHS is not all it it cracked up to be. My family in the UK lived next door to to same neighbours for 30 years and never spoke to them apart from a head nod now and then. In general the English are very kicky. It is very expensive to emigrate to the UK. Even with a heritage visa it is expensive. Compared to RSA’s model C schools, the British education school system is poor. However, if you are a scarce skill the salaries are much higher than in RSA. People also feel far more secure in the UK, low crime rates. However, just can’t beat RSA sunshine. Basically #VoetsekANC
I believe stage 10 load shedding is when Eskom turns off the sun better enjoy it while you can
I prefer Spanish sunshine myself 😂 British schools are free apart from uni
Mum and I visited relatives in Australia and New Zealand two months ago. We loved spending time with them but it's good to be back to SA. There is choas all over and Australia 's crime is climbing rapidly. New Zealand has gangs too and it's growing. UK the same. South Africans are tough people and friendly. Welcome back Sia's!!!!
What could possibly be the reason for all the chaos over there? Very perplexing.
Nowhere near the same levels of south africa in terms of crime. You could try comparing south africa with Colombia or Mexico
I've been here in the UK for 20 years now and I'm moving back this year as I'm on pension now. I live off-grid so I'm used to living without electricity, I have Solar. In SA I'll rent a apartment or cabin in a rural area and enjoy my retirement. The UK is going nuts with their upcoming WEF agendas which will limit movement and speech.
Have you considered Thailand?
Have been living here since 2018 myself.
All cost incl. under R15000 p/ m
The safest country I've ever been to.
We don't lock up anything, what a way to live!
@@rayronald7269 I think I'd consider it if I could buy land. Not owning the land you live in to me is just putting good money down the drain but not everyone agrees. Lots of good money being burned at the moment. Doubt it will last much longer, when the screws are tightened. People are going to wish they had more appreciating assets than just some nice chinese plastic in the kitchen/lounge In a rental.
@@michaelnuttall5896 I got older and realised that I dont need "stuff" my only posessions are my boat, clothes and tools. Money I have saved in lets say (in the form if precious metal) therefore I'm content in what I have.
For younger people I'd say that they should go overseas if they can, build a future and save money (I personally don't trust banks anymore) One day they can pick where to retire. Its not always easy and seeing it through can be taxing.
@@HansCoche Well if I had to choose between two paths it would either by exactly what Im doing now or very similar to what you are doing. Especially the owning a boat part, a second hand 35ft sail boat with open ocean capability. Maybe in my next lift haha who knows. I'd be willing to forgo the trappings of a normal life for a life on the open Ocean.
Mate congratulations you so True South Africa is still the best place on the planet, great food, roof over your head, good people. South African s are happy people. My heart is still South African I love South Africa ❤❤❤❤ good on you mate❤❤❤😂
Great Interview!!
Very Truthful and Realistic!
Agreed....I've lived in the US and am currently living in Canada, and can verify that relationships are superficial at best.
A guy can't even be racist without judgement.
@@jcarc5701 Plenty of racists overseas too my friend and not from SA
The US is big though, depends where you are. Find a good church and you'll find good caring people.
Been in the uk 17 years agreed 100% with him. From everybody i worked with i probably been to 5-6 people houses for a bbq or dinner loads of them very happy to come to my place but they wont invite us over, and work yes most will only do what are paid to do
Why would you do more than you are paid to? British don't get involved unless you are some how making money or moving up. Most are working for retirement or just dossers. SAfricans forget that south Africa's labour force is 80% unskilled and perform most jobs on menial salaries. Every country has its problems but you can certainly move to warmer countries with fewer issues than south africa.
I am 50 and I moved to Northern Ireland from Cape Town a year ago . Was tuff in the beginning but settling in nicely .
I love England. Having so much fun. The people are great. There are issues with it, but hey I sleep well at night.
South Africans have a very unique culture. We very vocal about our opinions and open n honest. We love people and nature♥️
Quite right you are.
And that is the one particular thing the Brits don’t like about us.
We speak our minds….
I have lived in the UK for 24 years now and I still get people being shocked when I say it like it is. 😀😀😀
@@monk3yboy69
Yes we can speak about black white and racism freely. The one thing unique about SA is we get each other's cultures and can braai together😁😁😁😁😁
Everyone is a Trevor Noah in SA 😀😀😀😀
Its always very nice to go back home and say all the nice positive things when you have a British passport or duel citizenship because its easier for you to get out when things get really bad. I find most of the people that talk like this are those who have dual citizenship and have a better chance to leave than most people in South Africa.
So informative. I'm south african of Indian decent.. But i feel exactly how your guest felt. South africans are more the same than different
...it all comes back to the saying, the Grass isn't greener on the other side...😮
But no potholes!😅😅
The grass is greener where there is more manure = shit
No, there is just grass on the other side 😂😂
My Grann spent 3 decades or more in Australia, now she's back. Covid was the wake up call, at the time she luckily had a direct line to a state politician and was able to get an exemption to travel/immigrate. Friends at the time who had immigrated, could not leave. Hard to imagine but they could not leave the country, welcome to Australia.. the gem in China's eye.
Here's the rub, Australia just like South Africa was a better country back in the day(the decades vary slightly but not by much). Australia's in decline, the penny hasn't dropped yet as the currency and purchasing power is still there and it is incredible. However, the governement dictates the terms to every success and failure you have in Australia, it holds your hand, smacks your bottom and is the only friend you will have to share a beer with after a weeks work. Usually doing the job of 3 to 5 men. You see, their minimum wage policy has caused mass sackings and they are not rehiring. So half the workforce sits on the doll or is sent packing(backpacking) home. 2 to 3 million work visa's reduced to 200 to 300 thousand.
Anyway, I could go on but I'll just finish with. Their farms look shit and they have no idea how to move water around that country. Yes I know, petty.
Yes and might I add they are allowing thousands and thousands of immigrants into Australia when they haven't the means to support them...work wise and a inadequate health system. Also rental crises in many states. All that has lead to a lot of homelessness amongst Australians, it is very sad. Prices too are through the roof.
@@61sunset Ok yep, I havn't kept up to date with current events but from what I remember while living there 2 years ago it did seem like it could go that way. I have a feeling the Australians cities will turn into megacities reaching 100's of km up the coast and into the interior, leaving the agri sector to soak up wayward souls, ex convicts and foreigners on extremely leniant work visas out of Papua New Guinea. Further displacing Aussies living the true Australian lifestyle. Their landowners are primed and ready to throw them under the bus too. Strange place, I could never navigate that swamp long term. Anyone who thinks they can is likely someone who doesnt even own the townhouse they live in. Why bother with their opinion on owning 100- 1000Ha and managing a modern farm.
@@61sunset I know a lady in Brisbane who is a single mother of two, who would have found herself on the streets had it not been for a friend making her garage available, her rent had gone up by 300%, if that's believable, she eventually found a reasonably priced apartment and signed a 15 month lease and vowed she was going to save a deposit to buy her own place.
@@alanaschutte3528 Thanks for your reply, there are many people in her situation and many living in their cars. The U.S and New Zealand are also in the same boat . People are struggling almost everywhere now. I am glad your friend found something affordable now.
I studied agribusiness for three years in the UK and the only friends I have left are a German and a Pakistani. It was near impossible to get good Uk friends, they just wouldn’t let you into their peer group. Loved his term of becoming ‘mentally fat and lazy’, that exactly what I have in NL, no energy, no drive. The moment I am at my farm in SA I can’t get out of bed early enough…180 degrees difference.
Yes I loved that description "mentally fat and lazy" it is so very true. I also have no energy here, always exhausted mentally and physically. However back in SA when on holiday, my energy levels are revived and I feel alive and hopeful again. Also love how he described the superficial friendliness.
Nice to hear man! I woke up feeling the same, 4:30am walked the fence and heard a leoperd call this morning. Sitting with a coffee doing some admin while the generator runs, planning my week and knowing I'll be able to do whatever I like with my land, within reason. without getting 50 permits and waiting 2 years to be told NO.
We got alot of water the last two years where I am, so I won't have to worry about boreholes for atleast 5 years maybe more. The farmers and workers know it too, we in for a good couple of years everyone is in good spirits and most could care less what the governement does. Most farms are off grid and have been for years, water is not a problem. We are in a good place.
@@michaelnuttall5896 exactly, we are building up the farm now, got a couple of hectares of growing beds in, got our first rudimentary solar plus batteries in (and generators of course). Security is in. Internet will follow within the next weeks, borehole is pumping, river as well. Guinea fowl are calling, life is the bomb in SA, if you prepare well.
@@ollievw3450 enjoy your farm while you can. When the ANC/EFF coalition forms after the next elections your land will be on the list for redistribution.
@@gargoyles9999 time will tell
The Poms are suurgatte. Well, in London, anyway.
I think it depends on your profession is the driver...I 've worked all over Africa and if the work is stimulating it is easier.
Great chat, I agree with him so much and in the last year UK has plummeted in all aspects.
Great to get a return of skills back, but if you dont know let me tell you something you HAVE to know..... The Western Cape is where folks from ALL OVER South Africa AND Europe are migrating to.... The West Coast especially is transforming into the "Monaco of Africa"..... In the last year no less than 129 THOUSAND middle to upper income demographic has pulled in here .... From Cape Town ( the place you'll all WISH you'd moved to real soon) - Shalom
As long as you don't mind the cold sea minor problem though
.. and cloud seeding every day.
@@stuartcampbell3861 and the friggin wind 😔
Yes and the rest of Africa will be moving there soon too. Good luck with that.
@jw841 thankyou and bless you too
Welcome back to sunny RSA Sias...thanks both of you for sharing.
Love hearing the experiences of those who have walked the path before for me❤
Agree 100% with this guy. I live for my holidays back home.....wish I was in the position to move back to our beautiful country and people.
I’m an expat living in London. I’m pretty lucky working in a large company with many employees from different countries. I am finding that most foreigners bond much quicker than with the locals. My friend groups are mostly French, Spanish and Italians. Not a single brit :D
There’s no place like home. Welcome back Boeta 💯🤝
The only positive is there is plenty of work in the UK but these days with a laptop/computer, you can pretty much find the same work provided there is electricity. As an English speaker (but not English) I thought we should share a lot in common in terms of culture. First 2 years I had to constantly repeat myself. They could not understand me, if I pronounced the number 9 they could not understand me, it sounds like Nein, nein nein. Our outlook, attitude is very I mean VERY VERY different.
We are in fact a different species. Our genetics are have encoded into them..n boer maak a plan....their genetics seem to be, give me a hand or whinge about an issues (of course generally speaking). Our thinking process is very different. South Africans seems to be very fast thinking, very proactive. We dont like to talk about a problem for 2 months, we rather talk for 20 minutes & get the job done. The myth of their national health service, yes if you have an accident its good, but even for operations, I found their medical/health system poor.
Housing - very expensive. Rent, very expensive. Food moer expensive.
Friendly on the surface while the going is good, I think many foreigners will find the attitude towards them will change (which is to be expected) when the economy sours & with the amount of immigrants going into the country has changed their attitudes. You can live there for 10 years, but you will always be the "South African". In terms of religion, very few I found were Christians, even talking about God was like talking about three headed aliens.
One thing I will give the English is that they are pretty welcoming. You dont find too many people with issues, they keep their opinions to themselves & are very helpful. Food is not great at all, eating out trying to find something amazing. Our food, service is world class.
Its a nice experience but once you have drunk the water in South Africa, walked in the bush its part of you. We always hear of "racial" issues in the media but every time I came home, I always found all races, especially blacks very friendly to talk to. Try ask someone in the UK behind a till at a super market "how are you, hows your day" you will get vibes, funny looks. South Africans are very, very warm and friendly. Yes, lots of Tsotsis, electricity issues but these are issues that will eventually be gone. The government will not be in power for another 20 years.
After the damage done to the country, there will be lots of opportunities for all.
Actually in a shop the Brits won't always talk to each other either. I got away with it as a youngster because I picked up the Bristol accent. Anyway I'm a Rhodesian born in London with 3 SA grandparents and now in Johannesburg...
I will have to stop watching these videos, I find myself checking the weather in Cape Town way to often. LOL!
Ive lived in the UK for 30 years and have now retired ( not yet the qualifying age for getting the state pension, they keep moving it) and I see the lifestyle that my relatives have in SA compared to mine and I think what is keeping me here. UK is on the whole is unfriendly, The weather is diabolical and you notice the high population here with unthinkable traffic jams daily 10 - 15 km is common. The UK is expensive and taxation is laughable. Ive worked hard and have just about paid my house off and I think do I now want to spend the next 25 years in it when I could retire down the Natal coast or the Cape west coast and enjoy life. Off course I have been back for holidays a couple of times and while Im out fishing in my brother in laws speed boat drinking beers out in the sun, He tells me how lucky I am that I live in the UK. I tell South Africans that the UK is not the Utopia that they think it is. South Africans that live here will identify with when you are in town and you see someone you know and you say HI, they have perfected a technique of being able to block you by looking through you as if your not there. Listning to the post has made the pull to come back even stronger. Thank you.
He says you're lucky because you aren't in fear of your life everyday. If you want a nice lifestyle tey Argentina or Mediterranean
Welcome back 🙏
Welcome back
I was in the UK 2003/2005. There was a lot of toxic shit in the SA community over there. If you were new, you were treated as a scumbag. I made friends with Scottish, Australian and NZ folks. We’re still in touch… but going there and hoping for a helping hand from a SAFFA was impossible
In my experience overseas, I have found many South Africans trying really hard to fit in, to the extent of losing themselves in their endeavour. Many change who they are, to fit in and become superficial.
That's not been my experience in Netherlands, UK or the USA...the SA expats have been so welcoming and helpful. Just had a great braai last night at the local rugby club with 100 Saffas verrry nice.
@@jksinorbit So happy to hear that.
All over the world, there are pleasant people, and there are nasty people.. I lived and worked in the UK, and found some really, really nice people there, and some not so nice people too. However, my experience in the UK, was actually good. I love the British sense of humour, which can sometimes be quite dry. I had fun times, and not such fun times, just like in any place where you are living, and working. The British people have unfortunately, been watered down, with all the different groups of people, entering the UK.I feel for the British people, who have had so many different religious groups coming in, and trying to enforce their cultural and religious ideas, into British culture, which was originally a Christian country. England is a good place to stay,if you make the effort to integrate. So many people have made a good life there. The only reason, that I came back, was because my daughter contracted meningo-encephalitis, and was desperately ill., and nearly died, through misdiagnosis, and a few doctors, who did not have a clue, as to what they were dealing with! She got the correct diagnosis in the end, and thank goodness, she’s alive, no thanks to those few doctors (3 in all), who kept on saying, she had a migraine, or she had bad posture (uh, no), or she was generally just experiencing a type of flu! So I came back, to get the correct diagnosis and treatment for her. The young teenager lying in the bed next to her, died from meningitis, and he was just 17;years old! So it was a particularly severe strain. I would have liked to stay in the UK, but circumstances did not allow it.
Glad your back
My wife and I also left South Africa in 2020 with the mindset that we will never come back. We went to Turkey. And it was fabulous - we absolutely LOVE the Turkish people. We can easily live there for the rest of our lives. We also lived in the republic of Georgia (next to Russia). Georgia is not a place South Africans can adapt to. We will probably never go back there. But four months ago we came back to South Africa. It's still the best place in the world.
Welcome home. Good decision.
@@MorningShot Thank you. Yes, we agree. No place like home (South Africa).
I can totally agree with you, been in uk for 6 months and it’s been such a drag to fit in. Not welcoming at all.
Why does everyone think a country welcomes strangers into their community when they don't even know them?
At 'Life in South Africa' Sias states in one word what he feels and he says 'Freedom'. As a Scot who emigrated to SA in 1984 that was, even at my young age (26), my first impression of South Africa. Now, I know that was different times and that apartheid was still around, although on its way out. But politics aside, the overwhelming sense of freedom was what was obvious. It is a bit diminished at the moment, as the country struggles with poverty and the subsequent crime. But for those of my way of thinking, if you are lucky enough of have the energy to get around the wilderness areas of the Beloved Country, the air fills your lungs with energy and vital spirit which is attributable not only the beauty of the country but to the ordinary people. If you go to another country chances are that you will live a long life but die a fat pig hooked on unhappiness and booze surrounded by your South African friends that run the country down to justify their choices.
Freedom is for mugs, now get a job and work for someone else 😂😂
I think that the biggest challenge for SAcans staying in Europe (and Canada and the USA) , is the weather...... SAcans do NOT like cold weather (and grey, cloudy weather) because they are not used to it!! Rather move to Australia where the weather is the same as in SA. ........... I have been in Australia for the past 12 years, and before that, 13 years in the Middle East....... I would not even think of moving back to SA, not even for a holiday......... Aus is such a huge beautiful country that it would take more than one lifetime to see everything, and then there is the whole of Asia to explore as well, which is very cheap to do....... the fact that it is safe here and a good place for kids, is priceless.
I'd prefer Spain myself
Would like to hear more facts if possible.
What's housing, work, weather, schools, doctors, hospitals etc really like that side and not just Britain but Scotland Ireland Wales.
21 years in the UK and it has changed a lot. Schools are generally good, jobs are easy to come by, but you work much harder in the UK, no real life work balance. Travelling is good on the one hand because trains and buses are safe and in abundance, but boy in London you can get stuck in traffic for hours. Health not so good. You have to wait up to 3 weeks to just see a doctor who then has the audacity to see you for 5 minutes only. You wait years for non life - threatening operations. weather is the main problem. Up to 10 months of dreary weather. Housing in London is unaffordable.
Best place for young people. London is a city that never sleeps. Always a lot to do. Not a good place to raise children at all.
Housing is a lot smaller although out of city has decent size (SA townhouse size) It is expensive but when you earn Pounds its not too bad. Food quality is good and bad and much cheaper. Meat is terrible quality. Work is easy as most South Africans have a good work ethic, especially if you are of a slightly older generation. The people are polite and friendly, but to befriend someone you are going to have to put in some effort. Remember you dont have a shared history or culture. Hospitals are good compared to our public ones, but are bad compared to our private ones. You can expect to wait and get treated like a number. Their dentists are shockingly bad. Schools, well I would home school, but then again the country is so over governed its a difficult choice. England is generally the more modern of the 4 Kingdoms, but Scotland has some great people and scenery. If you are conservative you are going to be shocked. If you are woke, its paradise.
@@Tinker8531 I take it you are still there. How do you mean work much harder? Being the 21 years means it must be worth it? But how is it worth it?
@@Tinker8531 Maybe in 2005, my mother was there in 1995, then went there in 2005 and the difference in London was night & day. When she went there, it was still mainly British, today the Brits are a minority. London is great but like all things, has changed a lot. What made London were the Brits, they are hard to find these days. Its not racist, it is a fact, the culture of London was mainly European, it is not so today
Thanks Roman and Sias. Interesting type of video. Cool to see that MS is diversifying. My Mrs and I relocated to the UK last year. We didn't move to the city and have moved to the southern countryside. We're enjoying the sense of community here and feel there is definitely opportunity and a lot more available to us. Sias comments on British people is somewhat true however, I think they are a terrific bunch when you put the time in and get to know them, it really depends on the individual and the circumstances. I do miss SA though and am looking forward to a holiday out there sometime soon. Look forward to your other videos on this topic.
I've been in Australia since 2007 and have several very good Aussie mates. The Australian culture and lifestyle is very similar to South Africa and we had absolutely no problem integrating.
It'll be a cold day in hell before I even consider returning.
Good for you.
You can't compare an aussie to a limey lol. As for the countries... well that's two different worlds
What part of Australia?
@@coatknight Melbourne
You must be insane to want to move back to south africa, I don't want to live in Ireland either but no chance of going back to south africa, none whatsoever
I disagree a bit. The first 2 years, I do agree was tough, however I have made very good and loyal friends.
And I love living here in the UK. Yes, the weather is not always the best but then loadshedding isn't either.
So personally, both countries have there poisitives. If you are money in SA all do dally but being poor in SA its totally hell.
The farms are ours here in SA (whites)
I agree with everything he said, except that the lack of a family support system is hard. If you have children, you should not rely on anybody else, but your spouse. If you could manage in 12years without a family support system, this will never be a problem anywhere in the world. That way of thinking, is why grown ass people still live with their parents.
I don't think it's only about support, it's about your children growing up without extended family. Missing out on important dates and not being able to share in the ups and downs. Support isn't one sided, it's also about not being able to support your family and friends, being there for them physically, that is really difficult.
I moved to the uk recently to get away from sa…got a job paying R1.3m in 6 weeks…enjoying the the plugs and taps and everything working…miss the bush though
My husband and I decided to retire to ZA 15 years ago, we’re fortunate to be granted permanent citizenship in ZA, absolutely love our new life, no way will we return to France with all the insecurity and demonstrations.
Omg insecurity compared with SAfrica 😂😂😂 what are you on
Welcome, I am South African, believe me this is a beautiful friendliest country, we have beautiful scenery. Weather and Lifestyle.....please visit an Area called the midlands in Kwa zulu natal. You will love the scenery, I am a citizen of this country...I will never leave my country. I will always have faith that there will be change. My town is run by the DA. With the new GNU government, we started getting our home affairs department in order, and also other government department, slowly but surely we will have a change.....I watch a lot of chanels where other countries are having their own political issues, and crimes.
I left when I was 9 years old lived in Dubai for 10 years with my family came back was in SA for 3 years I can't believe people would come back to the shit this country is burning to the ground who wants to live in the highest crime no electricity no jobs etc I left have been in New Zealand for 5 years and won't come back to SA it's a dump.
Finally a real comment so much wishy washy comments about how rough UK is. SA is un severe economic and social decline.
I came to SA in 72, from Scotland fell in love with everything in SA, still here after 50 years. Yes the Africanner was not very welcoming at first but that was understandable after what the British done in the Boer war. It never put me off and now we all have made friends. South Africa is a wonderful country with wonderful God fearing people who are hard working where the family is important and children are brought up with strong morals, and respect for adults others. I have only been back to the UK twice on holiday in 50 years and was shocked by the morals and the dissrespect shown by not only the children but by adults as well. Thank the Lord I left and that my children were brought up in South Africa.
It's our experience that the foreigner who moves to South Africa values what the country offers more than the South African's who are native to this land.
The foreigner is just naive and stupid. You can't compare 3rd world south Africa to a northen European country
Great. Now show the other side of the story of people leaving SA and not wanting to come back.
Yah its lonely but, opportunity is not more over here you"ll come to find. Still good to see family back.
Power to you Sias, make the best of Nelspruit
Personal maturity, realistic expectations and saleable skills is all that is required to succeed. Unfortunately, many naive, dreamers believe they can make it with a skill alone. There are exceptions, Jewish community, and various business and professions. Unfortunately, too many are painfully naive unaware of their lack of exceptionslism, and the permanent victim card does not do well either.
a bit unfair to diss the Brits coz he didn't make it. There's hundreds of thousands of Saffers there, can't paint everyone with the same brush. This guy doesn't really say why he came back....is it the tannie next door? Ouma's rusks? loadshedding? the crime? am skeptical to his reasons, maybe the Brits chucked him out for some reason? who knows...
I didnt hear him diss the Brits. He must have made it, does making it mean you have to retire in the UK and live there forever? Maybe you missed the first part of the conversation, he said he went on a holiday working visa.
There's something about the Brits as you name them - we SA's are just not accepted by them really. Just know your history boet - you'll find it right through history. I know of loads of SA's that came back and still do. I just visited there a few months years ago. Not for me either.
@@nbrosanbrosa3945 guys says Brits were unfriendly to him, not sure if the problem. lies with them, or with him... Why would he suddenly want to come back to a crime infested crap hole with no electricity when he's in his prime? I didn't get the impression that he's retired now with millions of pounds in the bank
@@paintingwiththestars where are you? I am certainly not staying in a crap hole. RSA is the best. You must be hoping for better political care? This is Africa. You better be self sufficient. No politician is going to wipe your ass. Maybe the DA will...
I knew many Brits in the past, before the new government took over, then they packed their bags and all scurried back to the UK, and I can honestly say they were all tight together you were not welcome in their circle.
What nonsense. Why no discussion on load shedding, potholes, crime, useless state education, etc, etc. These people are living in a bubble.
The reality is that certain South Africans will always find it difficult to mix in with other cultural groups. In the first instance get to know the ways and people of the country that has accepted you. Then get real about South Africa. It's an accident that has already happened. My heart goes out to all those who are trying to protect a way of life that is already gone. We all miss the smell of Africa.
South Africa was never intended to be a metropolitan culture/way of life. Though these people shout the loudest and think they speak for all. When I was a lighty, we cooked with a woodfire stove in winter because it was an event. walked barefoot and drank water from a fresh river at the base of the mountain. Had to go to school in the city and spent over a decade finding a way back to what South Africa is and was always meant to be. Now I'm living in my dream house, with three generations of my family, what's left of it after all those years in a city.
South Africa's way of life hasn't changed much since the 1800's, the cities didn't work but do they ever? We are just the modern example to pick apart. Sure times were good for some in the 60's and 70's here but they were as good in America then and now look. Most won't even believe that times were ever that good in America unless they lived them.
Anyway, my point is South Africa is what it was before the settlers got here. Raw land, dangerous animals and people. Clean, cold fresh water rivers moving at breakneck speeds to the ocean. Only the saviest of engineers can tap into that life force without disrupting the ecosystems down river.
This kind of stuff doesn't exist in many places of the world and that absolutely includes UK, Aus, NZ. As I was for a while a man without money or means, I could go swim in a fresh ocean, catch fish. Walk on a mountain with leoperd and buck, wild horses. Go do that overseas and see how fast you are arrested.
In this case many south africans should also look at themselves. Do they accept foreigners with open arms? Definitely not. I had first hand experience in '82 and it still crops up to this day. Yes I speak the queens english (with a lot of slang for good measure). The british cannot speak the queens english and haven't in many many decades. Their english is terrible. No I'm not a pomie and have lived and worked in african countries with many from different parts of the uk. Coming from an african country with a british educational system we were taught the right way 😁. However people in sa are different depending on where there live in sa especially from what is termed 'the north' in gauteng. They aren't the same as the people from the east rand who are way more down to earth and mix together far more and easier too.
@@itslogical8459 Yes, is your point that people aren't generally friendly when their country is under duress in the form of ideaological and psychological warfare? You do know many consider the ANC a hostile communist political party. That makes us a population under occupation. Obviously people arent going to be happy go lucky but for what its worth they are doing a damn sight better at being kind and wise beyond what they have any right to be. Pretending we don't have it extremely hard, harder than any modern Western European peoples do and for longer than what any admit.
I speak the Queens too, been overseas to the other colonies and the UK and wasn't impressed. The ruins in Wales were nice, the rest looked sad and cheap.
As an expat I really miss SA. But just missing a place can't take me back under the now 20-year realities of reverse prejudice, violent crime (many times sufferer), childrens welfare, etc. Good luck. I really wish you well. And I agree with you in that the some places in the UK are disheartening, to say the least...
@@michaelnuttall5896not all of us want to live like it's the 1800's 😂😂😂😂
My daughter lives in Scotland for the last 20yrs and will never come back to SA....
W R To friends/ making friends, I don’t fully agree with Sias, my wife and two daughters embraced England so much so we don’t have SA friends, all our friends British.
Its amazing how many people have made the decision to move to the UK and now defend it and its policies with their lives. Sure, one needs to support to country you decide to go to, but thjey become very defence of the UK and offence about SA. Both have their problems but at the end of the day its individual choice for whatever reason. Friends once on social media are now debating and argueing like never before but at the end of the day, theres nothing like home and despite our crap Government in SA, its still got everything espescialy the best weather in the world and great resiliant people. No place like home.
SA is not the country I called home. Its a f*king mess
Just one question: does sias have kids? and what of their future?
Where is there a future for kids nowadays?
Did you listen to the podcast? Early in (around 3min 20) he mentions he had 3 kids over there.
@@61sunset look around
@@anthonyanthony8460 I have and still would like to know.
@@61sunsetin your own house where you raise them with an iron rod and not like these woke arseholes want to treat them with cotton mittens. Bring on WWIII and use these world politicians as cannon fodder along side refugees and asylum seekers. P.S conventional war not this hightech modern warfare crap or they'll survive and continue with their bullshit
During the 1970s, many UK residents immigrated here, to make money because the money was better here at the time, and jobs were plentiful. So these people came here to build up an income, and when things were starting to fall apart, they all went back to the UK. They were welcomed by this country, and not treated like outsiders. Many of the British had lived here for over 30 years, so there is the other side of the coin.
That was not my experience. My family was one of those UK immigrant families of the 1970s and the reception from some people in the Afrikaner community was quite hostile. Mind you, they were hostile to English speakers in general, even those who were descended from the 1820 settlers. I remember that South Africans had a particular gripe against immigrant boys who did not have to do national service and so the law was changed so that they were all naturalised as SA citizens and therefore liable to go to "the border" to fight SWAPO and their Cuban allies -"Rundu toe vir jou".But for all that, South Africa is a very beautiful country and as the guy says, South Africans get on with it instead of talking about it. There is definitely something about Africa that grabs your heart and soul and it never really leaves you. I found there was tremendous generosity of spirit from the black population at the time.
@@robinwilson730 You are correct that some of the Afrikaans community, were even hostile towards English speaking South Africans. However, the British people who came here, had excellent jobs, and good remuneration. Some, started their own companies, and did very well for themselves. My neighbours were an immigrant family, who started their own company, and have now returned to the UK. One of their children, went to Australia, where he has settled.
@@robinwilson730 The rhodesians were treated the same as any engelsman (english man) by most south africans in the the early eighties.
@@jacksprat429 I think it would be wrong to imply that British immigrants who went to South Africa then returned home with a big pot of money. My dad worked hard for a modest income and when we returned home the exchange rate was against us and you were only allowed to take out R10,000 per person which at the time equated to only about £3,000 each, so hardly a fortune. Of course if you were to go the other way from UK to SA today then the exchange rate is very much in your favour. But that wasn't the case in the 1970s when £1=R1.80. So in our case, we neither arrived nor left with much money.
@@robinwilson730 I absolutely understand where you are coming from. Nevertheless, there were people who made money in South Africa, and once they returned to Britain, were not well off, but certainly very comfortable. I appreciate the rate of exchange, makes a huge difference. Some did deposit money into a UK bank account, whilst they were working, and when the rates of exchange were favourable.
Some advice for South Africans going to work in the UK, find a book by Kate Fox called Watching the English. It's a primer on British behaviour and you will fit in well enough. In Britain I can tell you two villages close by will both think the other a bit odd but close ranks against a Londoner. When I went to UK at 17 from Zambia I went to a 6th Form College attached to a comprehensive and picked up the accent quickly. Actually my one great grandfather came from Bristol so that helped in a way. Yes the English form.little cliques if you like but the 6th Form College was in itself a club and we Rockers and Skinheads went out togerher occasionally..I eventually ended up in SA in 1975 and stayed but again I have relatives in both countries...
Yeah the UK has changed dramatically from the 70s and if you left in the 70's it was for a similar reasons most all poms came to SA back then. Because the UK turned into a dump back then and has slowly recovered up until the mid 2000's. Now shit heap again.
If you don't like the country you can always pick from 200+ other countries. It just so happens SA and UK are the 2 most depressing countries in the world
Never easy to blend into another Culture
Having spent fifteen years working and living in different countries and cultures the real difference is that there are problems in every country. The key is to find the problem and work out if it is bearable or not. South Africans are hard workers but fairly inflexible, this makes it tough to fit in at times.
Inflexible you mean honest and call a spade a spade.
12 hours per day of no electricity in an economy that requires everything to be connected to electricity and you call South Africans inflexible? Are you even a local?
Nope just naive and socially awkward
@@clinthufkie3242I'd call that desperate 😂😂
Roman is very quiet but his guest is very loud. Mike problems?
I REALLY would also not like to live in the UK. I am living in Australia instead.Yes, the "2nd, 3rd, 4th ans 5th generation" of Australia's aren't very accommodating to immigrants, yes, cheap hospitality does not exist in Australia, food lacks taste......but my god, I've never been attacked here, no-one ever broke into my house, I don't feel as if I'm some sort of privileged white person, EVERYTHING functions and runs almost like clock-work. I had 16 amazing years here in Australia with or without friendly people or not. When it's broken, then they fix it here.
I have been broken into twice. In our area and surrounding areas we have a problem with aboriginals mostly but also dysfunctional people... drugs and alcohol. Australia is veryr woke and plenty sheeple...people not thinking for themselves and following everything they are told
Covid brought a lot of hidden things into the open. I know quite a few Aussies who have or are emigrating because of it.
@@61sunset friggin politicians screwing everything up in this 'modern world'
Descendants of criminals 😂😂
It's not surprising that someone Afrikaans feels more at home in ZA, is it really?
Roman you mic is to soft man, use some volume filters please.
Yes, but it also shows that we remain tribal - I have done the exact opposite - immigrated to SA in 2008 from the UK. After 14 years I still haven't made any friends except superficially. And I moved to the exceptionally stunning Lowveld, where Afrikaans rule, and don't particularly like the Engels... But, aside from LS stage 6 and no water for up to 3 weeks at the time, life here has a slower pace and you don't have to live on a farm to have more space; you ca have a house on 1500 sq m in town, and that is space. In the UK, most houses have pocket size gardens!1
Would love to interview you for this series. Please drop me an email: roman@morningshot.co.za.
@noellenussie - Yes, and you can hear the neighbour’s television at night, and hear them talking to each other, not necessarily their conversation, but their voices. Pocket size gardens, yes, and sometimes even postage stamp size gardens. It is sad that our beautiful country has been so ruined, by greed, but South Africa, will always be a place, I call home. Been there, done that, and still feel more welcome here in good old RSA.
Hard to believe this guy had a hard time if he stayed in the UK for 17 years...
That’s my thought
@@rebeccavanderwalt9920 Exactly
@juzus - On the other hand, you have a prince of the royal family, born in Britain into a life of absolute privilege and wealth, and he trashes the royal family, and the British people and their way of life. I think that’s a bit steep, don’t you think? I am disgusted at the sheer audacity, of dear little spoilt as hell Henry, not having one decent thing to say about the British way of life, the people and the royal family! It is not as if he came from another country, and was not spoilt rotten, never having to do a proper job, ever, if he didn’t want to. He didn’t have to worry about where he was going to live, where his next meal would come from, and whether he would be able to pay his bills or buy clothes!
@@jacksprat429what does Harry's drama have to do with the average South African?
@@Juzus Narcissim?
Ive lived in the UK since 99. when ever i visit SA i quickly realise that I've become accustomed to the Life in the UK. I must admit i live outside of London and life here is pretty awesome. My kids play outside , ride bikes, we practically live on the river and we have some good friends and neighbours. Visiting SA we often find that many of our friends don't go out a lot . You are often met with excuses such as . Its to dangerous to go out at night, Take that watch or rings off because you will get robbed. The constant irritation of car guards and that awkward feeling walking around thinking... are those people approaching me going to Rob me. Whilst i get that the life style in SA is amazing it often comes at a harsh price for your safety. My wife and i have chosen to remain here in Surrey UK and give our kids the best opportunities to go study and have a good life. Another thing is Europe is a stone throw away and we often take trips to France , Germany and Italy The grass is not always greener but for now .. m life is here in the UK.
He's not telling the truth life is not easy in the UK, like in South Africa for them
South Africa is best to live than uk
South Africa business is closing down in South Africa. High unemployment rate in South Africa. Good luck. 337 000 jobs lost in South Africa first four months.
I also did the 2 year working holiday visa in 2005. I made one good British friend. But I knew I would not want to raise my children in that country. Moral values are lacking and they are openly blasphemous.
There is a lot of white trash in the UK. Agreed. No one believes in God. The churches are empty. Religion is seen as a joke. People are soulless and lack any moral compass. No one lives in holy matrimony anymore. The number of young people from broken homes is truly shocking.
Country is overregulated to the hilt and there is no freedom to do what you want. If you want to build a house the planning system is immediately against you and there are no builders who want to work and a huge shortage of skilled labour.
You a religious nut?
I had to laugh when he said 'you wouldnt know there was a government'.
Enjoying the RSA wine Sias ? 🤙🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸😀
And woman!
Hi Roman, I’d really love to talk to you, I have many many many points to argue.
Why argue?? He has his opinion , you have yours. Doesn't make him wrong and you right
@@61sunset Why can't we hear an opinion from the opposite side of the spectrum though? Most people do want to leave SA. It's in the minority to even consider wanting to come back.
@@caleb02 I didn't say we shouldn't hear her side, I merely stated why must she argue. She is entitled to what she believes through her opinions and he is to his.
I agree Roman didn't ask nearly enough questions. Maybe he backed off when this guy started to hmmm er and ar like a cornered mouse
This was weak for an interview, didn't even ask what is work prospects are, financial situation, retirement options, etc
Mpumalanga... its not Nelspruit anymore! I was born in Rob Ferera Hospital in Nelspruit, I know where Nelspruit is... Anyway, leaving the UK was a smart choice! Everyone with any insight is leaving the UK...But Nelspruit? Hahaha - just joking, have a good life!
Sounds like the UK dodged a bullet with this fella.
Why?
Or vice versa 😊
😂😂😂 er... er... ummm.. er er.. I think you could be right
Alone yes!!!!!!¡
Dis baie duurder daar...en ja hyt terug gekom want daars werk maar nie vryheid nie
Give him time ... he'll be going again!
Why?
To where ??? England has plenty problems like many countries now unfortunately
@@61sunset sure. it has problems. the thing you seem to not understand is that the TYPE of problems are so, so, so different! the problems countries like England face pale in comparison to the ones SA face. It's not even on the same level. Loadshedding, for example, has the potential to plunge the entire country into an economic crisis so severe that we probably would never recover. It's really not the same.
@@caleb02 true but uk and europe has Big Brother just like 1984 and the control grid is coming. there are no safe places in the world anymore
Everyone in the comment section is smoking grass or something
They're in the minority. Believe me, the overwhelming amount of people here would leave and never return if they had the means. There is a general mood of total despair here. Most of us know that SA is on its last few wheezing breaths. It's delusional to think otherwise.
😂😂😂 so it appears
You can say that again, to even consider going back to psychological, emotional, financial, existential hell is possible.. makes me think this guy has some part of his outlook scrambled
Come back 😂😂😂😂😂😂
You must be smoking the good stuff. Australia 26 years what a great choice 🇦🇺
The we he is refering to is only himself. His wife Emma and 3 minor daughters were left behind.
He deserted his own family.
Took his South African wife to the UK had 3 daughters and he fled the UK.
She get a lot of support from the small villiage and church.
What a hypocrite!
Now this is the real story 😮
Oh my gosh...
Yeah Yeah - 👍👍✅✅👌👌💯💯☝️☝️🤙🤙💯💯💯👏👏👏
I've been in England since 2008 and don't have a single English friend. The only people I have befriended are foreigners. Generally, having a conversation with the English is very one-sided, more of a monologue. Double standards, chroniism, and racism are very much rife but hidden behind the smiles.
You just need to speak to brits how they speak to you
@@danzolion8758 it's not in my nature. I do listen and give people a chance to speak when having a conversation.
@eabr2881 it depends on the class of English person, you don't wamt to waste your time on the general public, I shoukd know as I do work for the general public, most of them don't even know what they are doing or have very little general knowledge so unless you need something from them I wouldn't waste my time 😉
There's being realistic and then there's delusional. I think most people in the comments are delusional. Listen, it's great that a few people want to come back. For the vast majority of people though, they don't. In fact, the majority of SA's people want to leave but don't have the means. On average, life is harder and more miserable in SA, and life is easier and better somewhere in Europe. That is being realistic. Delusions will make you justify SA by saying all countries have problems. Sure, but all problems are not equal. Our problems are much, much worse here.
true but europe is on a rapid downward spiral to feudalism under WEF UN people are really suffering in parts due to destruction of economy pension system bankrupt its probably why there is a depopulation program in full swing
F#
This guy leaves in 2005, when the country wasn’t even bad, stays there for 17 YEARS, has his kids educated for free, and now goes back to SA with 17 years worth of POUND savings and only has bad things to say 😂😂😅😅
Bcause he had to see it through. Im moving back myself to be with family, but in reality i can't stand people, my bad. In the UK many people are mad, smoke dope, have ptsd or are alcoholics. Backstabbing is their hobby. But I'm on pension now, so I'm ok.
@@HansCoche Come back ICU - we welcome you!
I didnt hear bad things, only his experiences. It may be free education but free comes at a cost.
@@stephanswanepoel2448 Kom huistoe Swannie
Not bad things, he's telling it like it is in uk