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IOL News
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Beyond the rainbow: a South African's reality check on life abroad
Leaving South Africa for better opportunities may seem appealing to some, but expats suggest proceeding with caution. Image: Unsplash 'There's no place like home.' These words resonate strongly with numerous South Africans who have left the comforts of their homeland in search of a better life abroad, only to find themselves returning. Sean G, an entrepreneur and former expat, recently reignited this conversation on TikTok, arguing that the idealised life abroad is not as perfect as many imagine. In his candid video, he questions the narrative that life outside South Africa is undoubtedly better. 'Who are these fools telling South Africans that life is better overseas?' he probes, drawing attention to the often over-inflated tales expats share about their lives abroad. 'I have lived there. I have been overseas. I've travelled extensively. For anyone who believes it is so much better overseas, you are completely wrong,' he declared. G's anecdotes, particularly from his time in California, paint a stark picture of the realities many expats face. He recalls paying close to $12 (R214) for a raw chicken, emphasising the sky-high cost of living that surprises many who try to replicate their South African lifestyle in foreign lands. 'It is tough out there, guys,' he warned, highlighting that the financial burden can be astronomical. While acknowledging the hard work ethic of South Africans, he emphasised how many expats often sacrifice space and comfort for a life in countries fraught with challenges, such as Australia, known for its wildlife, and the UK, infamous for its dreary weather. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'There's no yellow brick road. You need to understand that wherever you go, you will have to graft and do things you would never consider in South Africa,' he added. Having returned to South Africa 18 months ago, he expressed contentment with his decision: 'I am tired of hearing people say they need to live overseas for a better life. Some foolish propaganda is misinforming you; life is tough out there." "South Africa is full of opportunities if you know where to look,' he asserted, indicating that a wealth of possibilities remains on home soil. However, his sentiments have divided netizens, with many supporting his views while others remain unconvinced. For instance, @tsholo_konopi expressed frustration, stating, 'South Africa is terrible, and no one can convince me otherwise. I still plan to leave this country.' In contrast, @butchvis87 shared their excitement about returning to South Africa from abroad: 'There is no country like RSA. Our country must be one of the most beautiful lands in the world.' Other voices echoed varying experiences. @ recounted her struggle to find work after returning home from Japan, expressing a desire to return to the opportunity-rich environment she had found in Japan. Meanwhile, @trevor25124, a British national married to a South African, shared their positive experience since moving to South Africa, highlighting the affordability of life in the country compared to what they encountered abroad. Data from the United Nations in 2024 reveals that around 915,000 South Africans live abroad, with substantial populations in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The UK alone is home to an estimated 247 000 South Africans, while Australia houses around 200 000. These figures reflect the widespread allure of life overseas, yet G's insights remind us that the decision to leave home should be weighed carefully against the realities that await.
The South African
26-06-2025
- General
- The South African
Major upgrade of Sir Lowry's Pass River hits halfway mark
The Sir Lowry's Pass River upgrade, currently happening in both Gordon's Bay and Strand, has hit its halfway mark. According to a statement from the City of Cape Town, the multi-million rand project continues to make steady progress and remains on track for completion in March 2027. The river upgrades are designed to reduce flood risk in Gordon's Bay and surrounding areas, and have several other beneficial components. The City revealed that to date, approximately R214 million has been invested in the upgrade. 'Reaching the halfway mark on schedule for such a complex, multi-year project speaks volumes about the City's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure. I commend the teams for the excellent progress made thus far.' Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, said. 'This upgrade is a crucial enabler for future development. It not only safeguards our communities from flooding but also unlocks land for future housing projects, helping us meet the demand for well-located, serviced opportunities,' Badroodien added. After the upgrade, flood lines will recede significantly due to enhanced channel capacity and flow regulation. Take a look here for key components of the Sir Lowry's Pass River upgrade. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
