HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, husband of South African expat Charlene Wittstock, has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Royal Palace of Monaco confirmed in a statement on Thursday afternoon, 19 March 2020. Prince Albert is the first head of state to announce he has tested positive for the virus which is sweeping the […]

The 114 South Africans evacuated by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) from China’s COVID19-hit Wuhan City have touched down in Polokwane, in Limpopo. The group arrived shortly after 10:30am on a South African Airways (SAA) flight. About 20 minutes after landing, the first passenger disembarked the aircraft and was swiftly escorted to one […]

US President Donald Trump officially declared a National Emergency (“two very big words”) on Friday, 13 March 2020, as the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus rose above 2,000 in the USA, with the death toll reaching 41. To unleash the full power of the Federal Government in this effort, today I am officially declaring […]

South Africa’s Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that the Ranch Resort in Polokwane will host the 122 repatriated South Africans from Wuhan, Hubei Province, in China. On Trip Advisor the resort is rated as ‘Excellent’. “Three sites were identified. Of the three sites that were shortlisted, The Ranch Resort was selected. An agreement has […]

China, home of kung fu, kung pao chicken and the coronavirus… writes South African teacher in China Michael Herbstein. As a Saffer living in China during these exciting times, and having a mother that some would politely describe as neurotic, I’m constantly shared an endless stream of news surrounding COVID-19 from back home. Some of […]

A short film by a South African expat about the empowerment, courage and inspiration that can come from immigrating has been nominated for multiple awards at a film festival in the United States. The film – ‘Helen’s Birthday’ – looks at positive immigration, and tells the true story of South African expat Helen April’s journey […]

As cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Europe steadily climb, some Europeans have been stocking up in preparation for voluntary quarantines or forced lockdowns. The risk of contracting coronavirus within Europe has been raised by the EU today from ‘moderate’ to ‘high’. These photos were taken today at a supermarket in Germany, close to the border […]

The South African Government has outlined ‘stringent’ plans to repatriate South Africans from the Coronavirus-hit Wuhan City in China. “We have been able to ascertain that there are approximately 199 South Africans living in Wuhan and of those, 147 have indicated a wish to be repatriated,” said the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. Amongst […]

A South African expat couple who own the Karoo Farm Shop in Killinick, Wexford, have won the Best Cafe Award in Ireland for their region. The Irish Restaurant Awards are known as the Irish Food Oscars, according to the Restaurant Association of Ireland. An elated Clint and Nessa Engelbrecht posted a photo with the award […]

In December 2017, the change to the foreign employment income exemption was promulgated into law. This has widely become known as the “expat tax”. The exemption at that point was capped at R1mil, meaning that South African tax residents earning foreign employment income above this threshold would no longer be exempt from tax in South […]

Tennis legend Roger Federer took to Facebook late Monday night to post this video recapturing the incredible Match in Africa, which broke a world record for audience attendance, at the stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, on 7 Feb 2020. The Swiss tennis player said: “Epic recap from last week’s journey to Cape Town!? @trevornoah […]

Cape Town Water Crisis déjà vu floods over me as I step into Shanghai’s Pingwu Road and see the long line of people outside the pharmacy. We’re eight days into our self-imposed Coronavirus quarantine and my husband and I have finally decided to leave the apartment… writes Anique Kruger who has been living and teaching […]

Here’s the ultimate South African Valentine’s Day poem. Like traditional Valentine’s messages, it’s anonymous… but if anyone knows the author (from years ago), please let us know!). If you’re dating or married to a South African, this poem is sure to win their heart… ❤ A SOUTH AFRICAN VALENTINE’S DAY POEM. ❤ Ek smaak you […]

The South African Mission in China has called on travellers to (voluntarily) register their presence in China to provide an accurate figure of the number of South Africans currently in China. Meanwhile the Chinese Ambassador to SA has thanked South Africans for their incredible support, including a company that donated 30,000 masks to China. The […]

South African expat and well known YouTuber, Joshua (Josh) Pieters, has pranked a controversial British columnist with a fake award he flew her to Prague, in the Czech Republic, to accept! Katie Hopkins is notorious in the UK for her inflammatory and often racist, ageist, fat-ist, anti-feminist remarks against virtually everyone (watch the video below!). […]

Many South African citizens in China are apparently trapped in Wuhan, the centre of the Coronavirus outbreak, because of a “state of dysfunction” at the South African Embassy, according to the DA’s international body, DA Abroad. Phones are going unanswered. Unclear directions are being given. And there’s no Ambassador at the helm. Wuhan City – […]

The Royal Geographical Society is hosting a performance of ‘My Father’s Coat’ by South African born historian and storyteller, Michael Charlton TONIGHT (Wed, 29 January 2020). It will be an evening of culture, history and art – the sculpting of forces behind every community while reflecting on South Africa’s remarkable heritage. “I cried hot wet […]

South African comedian and host of the Daily Show, Trevor Noah, has tweeted a challenge to tennis star Roger Federer and businessman Bill Gates regarding the much-anticipated ‘Match in Africa’, to be played on 7 February in Cape Town, which will raise funds for children’s education on the planet. And he’s not joking! Trevor – […]

They say there’s nothing like South African hospitality, and  almost a hundred stranded Australians – desperate to escape the raging bushfires earlier this month – found out first hand when they were rescued by Captain Raymond Joseph Ludik, a South African expat living in Australia. The former Durbanite is Captain of the MV Sycamore, the […]

South African legislation governing expatriate tax exemption is set to change dramatically from 1st March 2020, affecting South Africans worldwide. This includes anyone who has permanently settled in another country. Those who do not comply with the new requirements face stiff penalties and risk up to two years in prison. To help expatriates understand their […]

South African expat Charlize Theron has been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Bombshell! Theron already has one Oscar, from 2004, for her  portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’; and a nomination in 2006 for ‘North Country’. In her latest role, Charlize stars as Fox News host Megyn Kelly, in […]

Kevin Anderson (33) may live in the USA, but the SA expat is playing with all his heart in Australia – representing South Africa!  On Monday in Brisbane, Anderson continued his strong start to the 2020 tennis year when he beat Chile’s No1 player Cristian Garin 6-0, 6-3 to deliver South Africa their first ATP […]

A South African expat, now living in Spain, has posted an emotional plea for help for his wife after a tragic turn of events. Tim Beckerling, Executive Creative Director at MRM//McCann Madrid, posted his message a few hours ago saying: “THIS IS A CALL FOR HELP! PLEASE READ AND SHARE!!! My Wife, the bravest woman […]

On New Year’s Eve, a few hours before midnight, South African expat Flower La Elizabeth Warner – who is on holiday in South Africa with her boyfriend Hooni – penned the following letter to her new homeland, with sentiments that many expats living in different countries will share: 7 hours ahead in Korea means you […]

South African Springbok star Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira will be moving to the USA where he has signed a one-year contract with Washington’s brand new Major League Rugby franchise, Old Glory. He’s not doing it for the money… but to boost rugby in the States and help mentor young African Americans. Mtawarira confirmed the move in […]