Expats Share Real Reasons Behind Return To South Africa

Two South African expats living in the UK are documenting their decision to return home after living abroad for many years.

According to data, around one million Saffas live abroad, with substantial numbers residing in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States

SOUTH AFRICAN EXPAT: ‘WE’RE COMING HOME’

On his Instagram account, South African expat Jenz Robinson has been documenting the process of his family of five returning home 

The gym owner and motivational speaker emigrated to the UK almost 20 years ago.

While he has set up a successful business and has made connections and friends in his adoptive country, Robinson felt compelled to return home

Robinson – who has three children with his wife, Jolsy –  called the decision the “wildest ride of our lives”

He shared: “This isn’t a ‘screw the UK’ kind of post. I love it here. But Africa is calling me home.

His decision was heavily motivated by the life he wanted to provide for his children.

He continued: “We want our children to know where they come from. To grow up around family. To experience the mountains, the wildlife, and the beaches, as home”.

‘I DON’T LIKE IT HERE’

Another former South African expat, Shashika Dhupelia, has also been documenting her decision to return home on her social media platforms

For the content creator and mom-of-two, the decision to leave a “first-world country” was more about feeling disconnected from the UK.

She shared in a TikTok: “It didnt feel like the right fit. When I landed in Manchester, I got out of the airport and said, ‘I don’t like it here’. No valid reason to back up my feelings. I then spent the next year trying to make it work

Dhupelia shared how she felt detached from a community and struggled to build connections with other like-minded people

She also shared that the cost of living was unaffordable for much of the working class.

“For me, it wasn’t a first world lifestyle”, she added.

@shashikadhupelia This is my view, not to discourage anyone from wanting to move abroad, but just to share things we didn’t realise were so expensive. I know South Africa is expensive too, so don’t get me wrong. But I feel people assume living in the UK or US just means your life is easier. Anyway just wanted to share for those who reached out to ask why we traded UK for SA ❤️ Let me know if there are other reasons you want to know about – I have a long list ???? #durban #motherhood #immigration #southafrica #saffasabroad ♬ original sound – Shashi | Life & Family | ????????