Have you ever wondered what drives someone to leave behind a comfortable life in South Africa and start over in a completely new country? Or what it really takes to rebuild everything from scratch - career, family life, even community - when you move abroad?

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Zelda Botha, who left South Africa nearly thirty years ago for a new life in the United States. Zelda and her husband were both full-time pastors, living a stable and successful life before feeling a strong calling to move. They were seeking fairness and equality, which they found abroad. I was truly inspired by Zelda’s openness as she walked me through the many challenges their family faced, from having to start over with practically nothing, to juggling multiple jobs so that their children could have the best opportunities possible.

I really enjoyed my conversation with Zelda. Her determination and faith, as well as her candid accounts of embracing change and working incredibly hard, were deeply moving. She didn’t shy away from sharing just how tough moving overseas can be, or what it means to build a new life from the ground up. I found her story to be not only inspirational but also a helpful reality check for anyone considering the same journey.

“You have to have the attitude of the heart to become successful.” - Zelda Botha

00:00 Introduction

05:18 Leaving a pre-democratic country

07:53 Being a pastor in SA

11:29 Faith vs finances

18:16 The spiritual side of social media

20:13 Creating TikToks for South Africans

25:00 Career adjustment struggles

30:22 Affordable medical care

33:51 Balancing work, family and homeschooling

37:03 Embracing opportunity

40:23 Working in retail

49:01 Regret over language choices

50:17 Red tape and logistics

56:38 Willing to help others move abroad

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

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever thought about taking your studies international? What about starting out a new business venture abroad? What challenges and opportunities might arise, and how do you overcome them?

In this episode, I chat to Kyle du Toit, who left South Africa to pursue his studies in Budapest, Hungary, before later working in Austria and eventually returning to Hungary to try his hand at entrepreneurship. I really enjoyed hearing Kyle’s story, because he’s so obviously adventurous and open-minded. He wasn’t afraid to take risks and try new things. It was inspiring to learn how he navigated language barriers, adapted to new cultures, and has managed to stay connected with family and friends back home.

If you’re considering a future abroad, or just want to hear a relatable story about life after leaving South Africa, I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.

“I wanted to move abroad just to spread my wings.” - Kyle du Toit

00:00 Introduction

04:32 An entrepreneurial mindset

07:05 Studying at an international university

09:21 Overcoming the language barrier

14:45 Work experience abroad

17:11 Impression of SA nowadays

19:33 What he misses most about SA

21:30 Reflecting on making mistakes

23:52 Advice for moving abroad

25:01 Favourite things about Budapest

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

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to uproot your whole life and move your family to a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea? Or what would make someone leave the warmth and familiarity of South Africa for a place where summer might only last a few days?

In this episode, I chat with Alicia and Silvano Pizzocaro, a South African couple who decided to search for a safer environment and better future for their children, and chose the Isle of Man as their new home. We talk about everything from the notorious weather and the world-famous TT motorbike race, to what it really means to feel settled and build a new sense of community far from home.

I truly enjoyed hearing Alicia and Silvano’s story. Their honesty about the ups and downs of life abroad, as well as the humour in their day-to-day experiences – like walking home at 2am with a pizza in hand, something they’d never do in South Africa – was inspiring and relatable. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed our conversation.

“There is a better life out there than what South Africa has to offer.” - Alica Pizzocaro

00:00 Introduction

02:15 Experiencing the annual TT races

05:38 When and why they left SA

07:22 Lockdown on the Isle of Man

11:21 Their daughter was an alien

14:05 Visiting SA

16:31 Finding friends and community abroad

20:49 Feeling isolated

22:27 Sharing funny stories

24:02 Considering safety and loadshedding

26:01 Settling into their new life

27:41 Advice for anyone emigrating

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

https://www.zapods.com