You’ve probably seen South Africa in the news a lot lately - and not a lot of it is good news! How does the news impact the decision to leave, stay, or even return? And what is it that keeps people positive about South Africa, despite all the challenges that make headlines?

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Paul Harris, a well-known South African entrepreneur, businessman, and one of the founders of Rand Merchant Bank - and my former boss, I might add! With so much negativity and noise in the media about South Africa, often from those who have left, I wanted to get Paul’s perspective on why he still feels so strongly about the country, and why it's important to report good news too.

Chatting with Paul was a refreshing experience, mainly because of his ongoing optimism about South Africa, even when times are tough. Our conversation helped me reflect on my own journey and the reasons behind deciding to move abroad. It also reminded me why, despite having left, I’ll always love my country!

Hopefully, our discussion can help others think more deeply about what it really means to stay or leave, and how much our attitude and actions can impact our future - no matter where we are in the world.

“I'm a proper South African and more South African than any Australian is Australian and any American is an American.” - Paul Harris

00:00 Introduction

05:33 South Africa's resilience over the years

06:35 Being positive about South Africa

11:12 “Would you live in the wilderness or would you live in a zoo?”

16:09 South Africans are resourceful and aspirational

21:56 Adapting to a new culture abroad

27:38 Improving South Africa-US relations

32:14 Navigating opinions on social media

Resources

• Read Paul’s original ‘message to a friend overseas’ on Biznewshere: https://www.biznews.com/sarenewal/2025/01/14/paul-harris-no-need-to-stress-about-sa

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

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to pick up your life and move to a new country? What does it look like to build and maintain a support network once you've left? What are the pros and cons about emigrating?

In this episode, we answer these questions and more as I’m joined by my good friend and fellow nomad, Ian Visser. Ian has lived in several countries and has a wealth of experience when it comes to uprooting and starting again somewhere new.

We chatted about the realities of emigration, including the tough decisions you have to make, the things you miss most about home, and the surprises that come with making such a big move.

I really enjoyed hearing his differing perspective on what it takes to relocate, leaving behind everything familiar to make a fresh start, and when going back might actually make sense.

“What is underappreciated is probably one of the most courageous things that a person or a family can do.” - Ian Visser

00:00 Introduction

02:38 Emigrating is courageous

03:13 What makes a “successful” move

05:53 What about going back to SA?

10:39 Financial realities of moving abroad

13:28 Comparing healthcare in SA and abroad

15:53 Rebuilding a network

19:10 Positives of emigrating

23:33 “Just go and explore”

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

https://www.zapods.com

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start a new life on the other side of the world – away from family, familiar places, and the routines you’ve always known? Or questioned what really makes someone decide to move for good, especially when it means leaving behind the comfort of close connections?

In this episode, I chat with a fellow podcaster and Tukkies grad, Rudolph Botha, who swapped life in South Africa for Canberra, Australia almost 17 years ago. Rudolph’s story is one of balancing big decisions for his family’s future, finding new ways to connect with his roots, and navigating the everyday joys and challenges of being an expat.

Out of everyone I’ve spoken with so far, Rudolph and his family have been living abroad the longest. It was refreshing to hear how he’s built a happy life abroad in the long-term, while still being honest about the sacrifices and emotions that come with leaving loved ones behind. I especially enjoyed hearing about his role as a podcast co-host of ‘Magalies Potgooi’ (which I recently appeared on as a guest) and the importance of staying connected with fellow South Africans, no matter where in the world you land.

“If you can move to a place where you've got some sort of support system, that is, I think, one of the biggest advantages.” - Rudolph Botha

00:00 Introduction

04:40 Why Rudolph made the decision to leave

06:13 Life in Canberra

10:53 Fleeing the South African political situation

12:46 Advice for anyone emigrating

15:46 Phases of emigrating

18:05 Finding community at the dog park

20:33 Did he ever consider going back to South Africa?

25:01 Feeling safe in Australia

27:54 Navigating Australia’s red tape

30:10 Pros and cons of taking your furniture overseas

33:15 “Test your reasons”

35:04 No regrets

Resources

• Listen to Jan’s guest appearance on Rudolph’s podcast, ‘Magalies Potgooi’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mDsvKvQZOqJKCkSkiWVQv?si=b0e816da8bb540c8

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

https://www.zapods.com