A theme I come across often in Facebook posts, is where people, after moving abroad, say that they are surprised by the weather/taxes/how people live, etc., in their new countries.

Research is SO important. I understand that you can google temperatures and weather and still be blindsided by what it really feels like. And I know that there are things you never consider because they’re simply not within your “realm of normal”. I get that.

BUT, a lot of surprises can be avoided by doing research.

Things To Research Before Moving Abroad

Here’s a list of the most important things that you need to research before moving abroad:

Weather

There are so many sites online that will show you daily weather for the last year, temperature averages, hours of sunshine per month, and rain days per month. You can compare different cities across the world with each other by annual average temperatures, by month.

Ask those who live there how they cope with the weather. If you are active and willing to try new winter sports you will, for example, be much more likely to adapt to longer, colder winters.

Housing

Use Google images, maps, street views, etc. to get an idea of what suburbs look like. Yes, in many countries houses are much closer (and in some much, much, much closer) than in SA.

It isn’t bad, it is just different to what we’re used to.

In some areas you will be able to get more space by living further out of the city or by living out in the country, but this may not be an option for you.

We rented a house in Ottawa for a year. It was convenient, close to the park, lovely neighborhood, BUT we knew that it would be temporary as we needed more space to “breathe”. So, we KNEW that my husband would have to have a longer commute to work. If this weren’t an option, we would have made the best of it until that could change.

Government

Read online newspapers, listen to radio stations, research the political system and understand how it works.

If you are very conservative in your political views, then going to a country that is very left-leaning will probably not be for you.

Education

Check the level of education, but also get an understanding of how the school system works.

If you are all for the South African “short back-and-sides”, strict uniform rules, etc., then you will need to be aware that it is unlikely that you will get that in your new country. You will have to adapt or pay for a private school that meets those needs for you.

Research if sports are part of school, or usually played in clubs outside of school.

Years ago, there was a letter written to Huisgenoot by “Mev Dr. in Koue Kanada.” She voiced her severe disappointment in there not being any cricket and netball for her kids in the rural prairie provinces of Canada. A little research would’ve gone a long way!

Sports

If sports is super important to you and your kids: Go to a country where they can play that particular type of sport.

Yes, rugby is growing in Canada, but if rugby is your passion there are probably other countries that are better. Or be willing to try something else

Yes, club sports is more expensive than doing sport at school. So, prepare to budget for that.

Cost of Living

The Numbeo website is excellent for researching cost of living. It isn’t always 100% correct (for us and how we budget and spend), but it is an excellent place to get a good idea.

Pets

Pets usually have to be in quarantine for a while after moving abroad. Find out what the cost of that will be.

Also check how pets live, costs, vet costs, pet insurance, etc., in your new country.

Medical Costs

Some countries, like Canada, provide universal health care. Other countries, like the US, do not, and health care and health insurance can be very expensive.

Find out if there is federal/provincial health care. Make sure you understand how it works, and what the costs are, etc.

Taxes

Find out not only about income tax, but all those other “hidden taxes”, like sales tax, property tax, etc.

I’m sure there are a million other things but those are the big things off the top of my head.

Where To Get Information

To do your research, hit up your favorite Internet search engine. But be careful. Try to verify information with official sources and watch out for scammers.

Ask pointed questions in expat groups on Facebook if you have concerns. What may be a concern for you, may not be an issue for someone else, so they may never mention that. If you’re considering Austin, Texas, join South Africans in Austin (Texas). Other good groups are South Africans living overseas share their good and bad experiences and Immigration USA.

Good luck to you. Moving overseas can be tough, but it can also be the best move you ever made!

Medicare is the primary government health insurance program for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents age 65 and over. Most seniors are very happy with their Medicare insurance coverage; it covers hospital care, most outpatient doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and therapy, and there is a separate Medicare prescription drug plan to help pay for your medications.

If you are a new U.S. citizen, or permanent legal resident hoping to apply for citizenship soon, here’s what you need to know about the Medicare insurance program.

What are the different parts of the Medicare insurance program?

Your Original Medicare coverage includes Part A and Part B. Part A is your hospital insurance; it covers inpatient care in a hospital and short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility. It also covers hospice care and certain home health care services.

Part B is your health insurance and covers things such as doctor visits, outpatient tests, medical equipment and devices, and physical and occupational therapy.

Part C is the Medicare Advantage program. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies; you get both your Part A and Part B benefits in a Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.

You cannot enroll in both Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan; you have to choose one option for your Medicare coverage.

Part D is the Medicare Prescription Drug program. It is voluntary coverage that helps pay costs for prescription medications. There is a separate monthly premium for Part D.

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you may also buy a Medicare Supplement Plan, or Medigap plan. These are optional plans that help cover your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare- covered health care services under Part A and Part B. You cannot combine a Medigap plan with Medicare Advantage, however.

Who is eligible for Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who has lived in the U.S. continuously for five years. If you are under age 65 and receiving Social Security disability payments, you may qualify for Medicare earlier.

If you or your spouse has a qualifying work history, you may qualify for premium-free Part A. Everyone enrolled in Part B pays a standard monthly premium, although those with higher incomes pay an additional premium supplement.

Even if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A, you can enroll if you pay the monthly premium and meet other enrollment requirements.

You must be enrolled in Part A and/or Part B to purchase Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Everyone who is eligible for Medicare coverage can enroll in Part A, Part B, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions. You do not have to pass a physical to enroll in a Medicare plan.

How do I apply for Medicare?

If you are already collecting Social Security benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare if you signed up for Medicare at the time you applied for Social Security. If you aren’t automatically enrolled, you can enroll up to three months before the month you turn 65, and for three months following your 65th birthday.

You can enroll online at www.SSA.gov, or in person at your local Social Security office. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.

If you want Medicare coverage, you should enroll when you are first eligible, because there is a late enrollment penalty if you sign up later. The penalty applies to your Part A premium, if you have to pay it, your Part B premium, and your Part D premium if you decide to enroll in prescription drug coverage.

If you choose Original Medicare and want to add Medigap coverage, it’s very important to buy a plan when you are first eligible. The Medicare Supplement Plan open enrollment period begins the month you are both enrolled in Part B and are 65 or over and lasts for six months. If you enroll during this period, you can buy any plan sold in your state at the lowest possible premium. If you wait to enroll and you have a pre-existing condition, you may be turned down for Medigap coverage.

How much does Medicare insurance cost?

In 2019, the Part A premium if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A is $437. The standard Part B premium, which everyone must pay, even if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, is $135.50.

Private insurance companies offer Part D, so premiums may vary, but the average monthly premium in 2019 is $33.

Part C is also private insurance, so premiums vary. You may be able to enroll in a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan, which means there is no additional monthly premium on top of your normal Part B premium. If your plan has a monthly premium, you will send one payment to Medicare each month for your Part B premium, and a separate payment to your insurer.

The federal government sets Part A and Part B premiums each year. They may increase slightly from year to year.

What do I pay for with Medicare?

Both Part A and Part B have deductibles. With Part A, there is a $1,364 deductible for each benefit period; you may pay this deductible more than once in a year. The Part B deductible is only paid once per year and is currently $185.

You may also pay coinsurance for certain covered services. With Part B, you generally pay 20% of the allowable charges. There is a daily coinsurance amount under Part A for inpatient stays lasting longer than 60 days.

Some services have a flat copayment, which is due at the time you get care at the hospital outpatient department or doctor’s office. You will either pay a coinsurance amount or a copayment, but rarely both.

Medicare Advantage plans have different cost-sharing systems. You usually have just one annual deductible, and most plans have a copayment when you see the doctor or get outpatient services.

Part D plans usually have an annual deductible and charge a copayment amount each time you fill a prescription. Again, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are private insurance plans, so you should check with each insurance company or a Medicare plan insurance agent for details about available plans.

Can I add my spouse and/or family to my Medicare plan?

Unfortunately, Medicare is individual coverage. You and your spouse will have to buy separate plans when you each become eligible. You can each enroll in a different plan or type of coverage if you like.

Children are not eligible for Medicare coverage.

Does Medicare cover all health care services?

Medicare covers most medically necessary services to diagnose and treat most illnesses and injuries. It also covers most preventive health care, including many vaccines, and annual wellness visits. Mental health services are also covered.

What it does not cover includes:

• Long-term care in a nursing home
• Routine dental care
• Routine vision care
• Routine hearing care
• Cosmetic procedures
• Most elective surgery
• Custodial care (custodial care is non-medical care for help with things such as eating, bathing, and dressing)
• Most prescription medications you take at home

Although you don’t lose any benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage may be slightly different. Many plans include optional expanded benefits such as routine vision and dental care in addition to your Part A and Part B benefits.

What if I have more questions about Medicare insurance?

The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program has information about your Medicare insurance options and how to get help paying for Medicare if you are eligible. If you have questions about specific plans available in your area, contact an insurance agent specializing in Medicare plans near you.

South Africa is a country in turmoil. Many people are making plans to emigrate. They don’t see a future for themselves there.

Immigration can be difficult though… especially to the USA!

This difficulty to immigrate to the US creates a problem. People become desperate. And when they become desperate, they become prime targets for immigration fraud and visa scams. The result can be that such people end up out of money, out of luck, or even in prison.

Here’s how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of immigration fraud…

Immigration Fraud Exists

In case you’re wondering if immigration fraud exists, here are two examples of visa scams that South African expats in the US sucked unsuspecting people into…

The Woman in Idaho

A woman in Idaho is notorious for defrauding people and other entities. She was recently arrested on a large number of felony charges.

The story doesn’t end there. At the time of writing this, the investigation is ongoing… Among several other reported schemes, this woman also offered immigration services. I noticed that she used Facebook groups to find “business.” When people asked immigration questions, she would respond with, “PM me, I have options.”

Being aware of her reputation, I wondered what she was up to. Then people started sending me details… She would charge a few thousand dollars to register a US company for the person. She would be the company’s registered agent. At least in some cases, she then advised people to come to the US on tourist visas. Once here, the idea was to change status to L1 visas.

I ran the story by a trusted immigration attorney and he immediately told me, “visa scam!” One man lost the money he paid when she went silent after receiving the money. Another family got stuck in a foreign country after a failed entry into the US. They lost a huge amount of money in the process.

It is easy to find several people on Facebook who are fuming at this woman after dealing with her. Many believe she should go to jail, with the key thrown away!

[Update 2022: This woman was found guilty of identity theft and wire fraud and was sentenced to a few years in prison.]

The Man in Oklahoma

US authorities recently arrested a South African man in Oklahoma. The charges include several felony counts of human trafficking. Many young South Africans come to the US as non-immigrant seasonal workers on farms. Farmers file the proper paperwork for these guys and they work in the US on H2A visas.

According to the affidavit, this guy lured some workers away from the farmers where they worked legally. He promised them higher wages. Then he hired these guys out to local farmers without obtaining new visas for them.

The result was that these guys ended up stranded in Oklahoma. Without new visas, they lost their ability to work. This left them without money to support themselves or to return to South Africa.

[Update 2022: This guy has moved back to South Africa. He had a number of human trafficking charges filed against him, so it is possible that his return to South Africa was part of a plea deal with prosecutors.]

Attorneys Aren’t Innocent Either

While there are excellent attorneys out there, there are also some bad apples. Here are examples of what two immigration attorneys did to people who trusted them. (People with knowledge of these events sent this to us.)

The Attorney with Bad Service

A South African couple wanted to emigrate. They went to see an immigration attorney in Texas for a paid consultation. The couple wanted to expand their existing business into the US and get L1 visas.

The attorney gave them no useful information and had not prepared any documentation. The attorney kept on saying that the couple needed to enter the Green Card lottery and see if they got selected. Beyond that, the attorney was more interested in text messages and the next client. In the end, the couple felt cheated out of their money.

This example does not amount to immigration fraud, but only bad service. The couple then went to see another immigration attorney. There they got excellent service and had a wonderful experience.

The Attorney using Fake Companies

There is an immigration attorney on the East Coast who is reportedly up to some unsavory business as well. Someone wrote the following about this attorney:

This attorney is reportedly also quick to threaten unhappy clients with lawsuits if they talk about reporting the attorney to the state bar.

These examples illustrate that immigration fraud is real. Poor service in the immigration industry is real. People get ripped off if they aren’t careful.

How To Avoid Becoming A Victim

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of immigration fraud:

Also, visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services resource for avoiding immigration fraud and visa scams.

What To Do If You Become A Victim

If you become a victim of immigration fraud, a visa scam, or a bad attorney, you could try to sue. You might not be successful, but it could be worth a shot. The next best thing to do is to report the person and let the law deal with them.

How to Report Immigration Fraud

Visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to report immigration fraud.

Reporting Attorneys

According to the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA), you have the following options:

You can also visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services for state-by-state information on reporting visa scams.

Bringing It All Together

Now you know that immigration fraud and visa scams are real. The key to not getting caught in an immigration scam is to be cautious with who you’re dealing with. Do your own research. Make sure that what you’re getting into, is legal. And if you become a victim of a visa scam or bad lawyer, report the bastard. It will help to stop them from scamming other people as well.

Please share this article far and wide. This has to stop!

If you have a comment to add, please do so below…

[…]

Now there is a new event for South Africans over Labor Day weekend!

We recently spoke to one of the organizers of the South African Potjie in Texas about this new event… 

“The South African Potjie in Texas was established as an alternative event to the Texas Potjie Festival and is in no way affiliated. We are providing an alternative event for South Africans over Labor Day Weekend. Our goal is to promote the original spirit of camping together, having fun, visiting friends and making new friends.”

South African Potjie in Texas

And so, the South African Potjie in Texas was born…

This new event will have no competitions, like the Texas Potjie Festival does. Instead, there will be a potluck dinner where everyone prepares food and brings it to a central location for everyone to share and enjoy together.

Fun and games will be available for the children with the central theme to teach and preserve the South African Heritage for years to come.

On the Saturday evening, there will be a “sokkie” (dance), in typical South African tradition.

The 2017 event will be held in the KOA campground in Rusk, TX. It is a smaller campground.

“With people camping closer to each other, it helps to create a better community spirit.”

The South African Potjie in Texas will begin on the Friday and end on the Monday of Labor Day weekend. Those who want to arrive earlier, are of course welcome to do so.

“We invite any South Africans and their families in the US to join us for a weekend of fun!”

The first event will be from September 1 – 4, 2017.

The 1994 elections in South Africa brought big changes to the country. The African National Congress (ANC) won the first all-race elections.

With the changes came a lot of uncertainties.

Everyone was wondering where the country would be heading under ANC rule. Was it going to flourish and grow, or was it going to become another failed African state?

The ruling ANC’s supporters were hopeful of a wonderful new life. Many other people were uncertain. But they hoped that things would be OK. Others feared that South Africa would start falling apart.

Now it is more than 20 years later. Who was right?

ANC Rule Since 1994

The ANC has ruled South Africa ever since the 1994 elections. They won four more general elections with large majorities since then.

These victories were not based on exceptional performance by the ANC. They were thanks to a large voter base who seems unwilling or unable to truly judge the ANC’s performance.

The ANC is so sure of continued victories that President Zuma declared that the ANC will rule South Africa forever.

How are things going under ANC rule?

The ANC is looking out for itself first, and not for the people of South Africa. President Zuma recently even admitted that the ANC comes first, not the country.

The ANC will tell you that things are going well. After all, many in the top echelons of the ANC have become wealthy. This seems to be their primary goal.

Many others disagree. They say that things are not going well at all.

In fact, there are some informed people who say that South Africa is failing.

8 Reasons Why South Africa Is Failing

Here are some of the developments that suggest South Africa is failing under ANC rule:

1. Crime is out of control

Crime is ongoing, and the police seem unable to deal with it. There have even been cases where they took part in it. Yes, some of the crime is as a result of the socio-economic situation for many people. But not all poor people are criminals. Many criminals have made crime a lifestyle. Others have turned crime into profitable businesses.

2. Leaders deflect responsibility and stir up hatred

Instead of taking responsibility for the ANC’s failures, President Zuma likes to blame whites for the country’s problems. Julius Malema, the leader of the EFF, also makes anti-white statements while claiming not to be a racist. He has been found guilty of hate-speech before.

3. National infrastructure is crumbling

Eskom, the national electricity company, is crumbling. This is due to poor maintenance and insufficient planning for new generators. Electrical blackouts, a.k.a. “load shedding,” have become common over the past year or two. Eskom warned that this will continue until at least 2017. Recent reports say that the water supply is starting to crumble as well.

4. Unemployment is increasing

Unemployment has been a problem in South Africa for a long time. It is worse now than at the end of apartheid 20 years ago. The current unemployment rate is more than 25%. Among youth aged 15-24, it is 50%.

5. Education system creates unemployables

The education system is in an appalling state. It has high failure rates despite low passing requirements. About 50% of kids who enter school in Grade 1, never make it to Grade 12. Combined with a high Grade 12 failure rate, it leaves a large percentage of youth that is unemployable. One commentator has even referred to South Africa’s youth as a “ticking time-bomb.” This situation is also likely to make the crime problem worse.

6. Corruption & fraud have become a way of life

Corruption is running wild in government. President Zuma’s Nkandla project is the poster-child for government officials using government funds for personal gain. The inner circle of the ruling ANC and their families are getting rich off government projects. This is like what happened in Zimbabwe with Mugabe and his inner circle. Many consider the ongoing corruption and fraud to be the biggest problem in South Africa.

7. Credit rating & currency is falling

Constant labor strikes and violent protests have cost the country. Credit ratings agencies have downgraded South Africa’s credit rating. This makes it more expensive for South Africa to borrow money. Another downgrade is looming. With the downgrades come the departure of foreign capital investments. Along with that came the drop in the value of the currency. The Rand currently trades at more than R14 per 1 US Dollar, an all-time low.

8. Economic growth continues to decline

South Africa’s economic growth has been slowing for several years. In 2013 the economy grew by 1.9% and in 2014 by 1.4%. This is partly due to many of the issues already mentioned, like labor strikes, power outages, and credit rating downgrades.

This list is not exhaustive. There are other problems as well.

What Prominent Commentators Say

In his book, How Long Will South Africa Survive?, R.W. Johnson opined that South Africa may have to approach the IMF for a bailout in as little as two years. Johnson feels that the ANC government is unlikely to change it ways. It will take a regime change to rescue the situation.

Magnus Heystek, a prominent investment strategist, says that South Africa is on the road to bankruptcy.

Can This Really Be Happening?

The above issues paint a dreadful picture. Are there positive things that could make a real difference? Are there things that negate the above issues? It would only be fair to consider those as well.

What do you think? Take the poll and share your opinion in the comments.

“Let’s have a braai!” – Epic words spoken by many a South African.

(The word “braai” means “to grill food” and is pronounced “bry.”)

The South African braai is much more than a way to cook food. It is an event that fills voids in lives!

When things go right, like the Springboks winning, South Africans celebrate with a braai. When things go wrong, like Eskom cutting electricity again, a braai is the answer. The braai fixes anything!

South Africans will braai in any type of weather. There have even been sightings of South Africans clearing an opening in snow to make a fire and have a braai.

The Typical Fun South African Braai

 With a typical South African braai, the guests will arrive close to the set time. 

The first order of business is for everyone to open or pour their favorite drink… usually alcoholic. Most of the guys will open a beer. Some will go straight for brandy and Coke. The ladies often drink wine. Many love a beer shandy, which is a mixture of beer and Sprite.

The first 20-30 minutes is about catching up on news and chatting about important things, like the Springboks. The braai isn’t lit yet… Remember, this is a process and like any decent process, it takes time.

After a while, the hostess might get antsy and give her husband the look. “Go light the braai!”

The host will then head to the braai to light the fire. All the other guys follow closely. This is an important job and needs to be done right. Advisors need to be on hand.

Once the coals are ready, the meat goes on the grill. The host braais the meat and anything else his wife tells him to braai. The other guys won’t interfere with this. They only offer occasional advice and refill drinks when necessary.

The ladies will usually hang out in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the side dishes. Their discussions are a bit of a mystery. There is a rumor that they might discuss their husbands from time to time.

After all the food is ready, everyone dishes up and eat together. Some might sit at a table, but many will have their plates on their laps.

After the meal, everyone will visit together for at least another two hours before the first guests start heading home. Another perfect braai under the belt!

How To Plan Your Own Braai

Let’s get down to planning your own South African braai…

Something has to Cook the Food

We have to get one thing clear… a real South African braai is done on coals, not on a gas grill! You can use charcoal, but if you want to stay traditional, use wood. That’s the law of the land!

What is a Braai without Meat?

The typical meat for a South African braai is boerewors (sausage) and lamb chops. People also braai chicken, steak, and sosaties (kebabs).

Boerewors isn’t always easy to buy in the US, but there are some people out there who sell it. Many people make their own boerewors.

Lamb chops can be really expensive in the US, especially loin chops. A cheaper option is to buy a deboned leg of lamb and then cut it into 3/4-inch slices. Lamb chops are seasoned before the braai, or while on the braai. If you don’t have a favorite seasoning, salt and pepper work well.

Chicken drumsticks are very popular. A great variation is to wrap them with bacon before the braai.

Hamburger patties? No! This is a braai, not a barbecue.

Side Dishes and Desserts to make your Mouth Water

If a braai were up to men, as in a “guy-braai,” there would only be meat and drinks. But most braais include the ladies and kids too, so we have side dishes and desserts as well.

Side dishes include various salads. A Greek salad or pasta salad works well. Potato salad is a favorite!

“Pap en sous” (grits and gravy) is a favorite with many South Africans. Some people make a tomato-and-onion gravy, but many also use regular brown gravy.

“Braai broodjies” (grilled sandwiches) is another favorite. They are quite easy to make. Make a sandwich and fill it with sliced tomato, onion, and some cheese. Then braai the sandwich after the meat when the coals are not quite as hot. (Tip: turn the bread regularly to avoid burning.)

Dessert can be as simple as ice cream, but South Africans love traditional desserts, like malva pudding or milk tart.

You now know most of what you need to know to have an amazing South African braai.

Join the Braai Party

Do you have anything to add to make an awesome braai even better? Tell us in the comments…

From the many email inquiries that we receive at SA-Austin.com, one thing is clear… emigration is a topic that comes up in many South African households.

This is not a new trend. South Africans have been moving to other countries in droves for at least a couple of decades. Politicsweb published an article that put the number of South African emigrants at more than 588,000 in 2010.

People have many reasons for wanting to leave South Africa, and it is typically thought that such a step will remove those issues from their lives. Depending on which country they go to, for the most part, that is true.

However, nobody should be under the illusion that emigration is easy. It is of course not impossibly difficult, but it is not necessarily a walk in the park.

Here are some of the issues that will come up…

Emigration… Which Country?

The first emigration question to consider is which country to emigrate to. You must have some sort of idea about whether you think you can live there happily. For example, if you simply can’t function in cold weather, Canada would not be a good choice for you. Do some homework on what life is like in the countries you are considering.

Visas

Some people think that you can simply show up at your new country with a tourist visa and move in. Not true! You need a specific visa that allows you to live and work in your new country.

Sometimes these can be very difficult to obtain. The USA is notoriously difficult to get into. If you win a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery, you’re set. If not, you will have to a find a job with an employer that is willing to sponsor a work visa (H1B). If you have an established business in South Africa and you want to open a branch in the US, you can transfer yourself to the branch on a L1 visa.

However you do it, the visa is critically important and can be a deal-breaker. Despite your preferences, you may be forced to pick a country where you can get the right visa.

Wrapping Up Your Affairs

Assuming that you have the correct visa for the country of your choice, the next step will be to wrap up your affairs in South Africa.

This may include selling your house and/or possessions. Some people ship their possessions to their new country, but this may not be practical if you don’t have many valuable possessions or your new country has a different electrical system.

You will have to wrap up your income tax affairs with SARS. This will include closing your old bank accounts and obtaining a new “blocked” bank account, as well as obtaining a tax clearance certificate from SARS (a certificate that states that all income taxes have been paid).

Your Family

Here comes the potentially sensitive part… your family and how they feel about your decision to leave.

Some families understand and support the new emigrants-to-be, but others don’t. They might not share your sentiments about your reasons for wanting to emigrate.

You will have to break the news gently, especially to parents for whom it can be a devastating thing to see their children go off.

Departure

Brace yourself for some strong emotions on the day of your departure.

You will be anxious because you’re heading into the unknown. You will also be sad because you’ll be saying goodbye to your family, not quite knowing when you’ll see them again. Your family, and especially your parents, will be anxious and sad for the same reasons.

After 20 years in the US, and several trips to South Africa to go visit, I can tell you that the goodbyes at the airport are still not easy.

Arrival In The New Country

When arriving in your new country, you will probably still feel a little anxious because of the unknown-thing, but you will probably also feel somewhat excited. There you are, standing at the beginning of something new and exciting, ready to take on the world.

After a few days, that feeling will likely subside and the reality of what you have done, will kick in. That is not necessarily bad, but you might feel somewhat lonely.

This is why it is a good idea to try to connect with other South Africans in the area as soon as you can. They will help to give you back that feeling of belonging that you need. These days it is quite easy to connect with such groups. Many of them have websites (like this one) or Facebook groups.

[Update] As Jurie Korkie suggests in the comments, it is also important to make some friends with locals in your new community. When they hear your accent, many will be fascinated and interested in your story. Look for social events or clubs in your area, or if you are religiously-inclined, join a local church.

The First 2 Years

In my experience, you need to give yourself at least two years to make peace with the fact that you are now living in a new country. You will probably question your move and sometimes feel sad about it. You may even strongly consider packing up and moving back home. Give yourself at least two years to get over these feelings and to adapt to your new home.

If all this sounds negative, it isn’t meant to be negative… it is meant to be realistic. It is meant to help you understand what you will be facing when you emigrate. It is meant to strengthen your mind to take on the challenges that you will be facing and to become one of the hundreds of thousands of people who have made a success of their emigration.

If you are considering emigration, I wish you all of the best   

Do you have an opinion on emigration, or an experience to share? Let us know in the comments…

Africa has a secret… a filthy secret, that is in fact not so secret at all… rhino poaching!

• In 1970 there were 70,000 rhinos in Africa.
• Currently, there are fewer than 30,000 rhinos left.
• That decline is largely due to rhino poaching.
• In 2013 alone, more than 1,000 rhinos were killed by poachers!

Rhinos are magnificent animals that have inhabited our planet for about 50 million years. Now, humans are threatening to wipe them out.

If something is not done to stop rhino poaching, rhinos will be gone in another 30 years!

Why Rhino Poaching?

The short answer to why rhinos are being poached at such an alarming rate, is money.

There is a huge demand for rhino horns in the East, particularly in Vietnam, where people believe that rhino horn has medicinal properties. The demand for rhino horn is so big that it sells for about $45,000 per pound on the black market. The average horn weighs about 15 pounds.

This belief in medical properties of course absolute nonsense. Rhino horn is made of keratin, the same material found in hair and fingernails. There is not a single scientific study that even remotely supports any kind of claim that rhino horn has medicinal properties.

So, all of these rhinos are being killed for absolutely no good reason at all!

How To Stop Rhino Poaching

There are a handful of organizations that actively fight rhino poaching.

One such organization is Rhinos Without Borders. It is an anti-poaching organization that has arrested more rhino poachers than any other organization. Rhinos Without Borders is also a leader in ground support and education in the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa.

To be able to function effectively, these organizations need money. They have equipment to purchase, and staff to train and pay. One of the best ways that you and I can support the fight to save the rhino, is by supporting these anti-poaching organizations with donations. It keeps them functioning!

Here in the US, two South Africans, Clint Weimann and Graham McDonald, have created an organization called Project Rhino Charleston, based in Charleston, South Carolina. Project Rhino Charleston‘s mission is to raise funds to support Rhinos Without Borders.

In 2013, Project Rhino Charleston exceeded their fundraising goals more than 4 times! In 2014, their goal is to raise $36,000 to support the wonderful work of Rhinos Without Borders.

This year’s fundraiser will be a massive “Save the Rhino Party” on November 8 from 1 pm – 6 pm. The party will include live music, a South African “potjiekos” competition, kids’ activities, and much more.

If you would like to make a contribution to the fight, here is how you can help…

• Attend the Save The Rhino Party (that will be a lot of fun!)
• Make a Donation if you can’t attend the party.

Fighting rhino poaching is a very worthy cause! It needs to be stopped! If we fail in this, rhinos will be gone in 30 years!

Whereas American jerky is usually made from slim strips of meat that consist of very little fat, traditional South African biltong are manufactured using large cuts of meat, often having a third of the cut consisting of fat.

The meat cuts are normally thicker than other dried-out meat cuts and the moisture differs greatly depending on the cook’s preference.

I personally favour my biltong to be moist and have a slightly pinkish colour in the middle, including a thick strip of fat on the side, whilst my better half enjoys the biltong without any fat and much-much drier.

Some folks argue that venison biltong ought to be really dry – almost to the point of falling apart, while others like it really soft. There are several different inclinations as there are South Africans on this planet.

We think the real shame is that many people cannot afford this South African delicacy, or even more depressing, have absolutely no idea how to make it for themselves.

Please check the biltong recipe below and afterwards you can enjoy this awesome treat watching the local rugby game on television or enjoy it as treat if you are peckish. You can always pop a few pieces in your youngster’s lunch box; they will enjoy it immensely. It’s not a difficult recipe and quite simple to make, so let’s give it a try.

A Typical South African Biltong Recipe

• 5kg sirloin/rump meat (normally use silverside or topside)
• A cup of brown sugar
• 500 grams of coarse salt(not normal table salt)
• 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda
• 1 cup of broken up coriander seeds
• 1 cup of red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp cracked up black pepper

Just what is the procedure in making your first batch of biltong?

Begin by cutting your meat into strips; remember to only cut on the normal grain of the meat. I definitely prefer our end product to be a little moist on the inside, so if you enjoy a bit of pink in the middle, try to keep it 5cm wide. If you like it dry, you can make them a bit thinner.

Now you need to mix up the salt, coriander, pepper, bicarbonate of soda and the sugar together to make rubbing mixture. You now need to use a large glass container; wipe and rub some of the mix into each item of meat. Place a solitary layer of the mixture in the bottom of this container. Spray some of the red vinegar over meat strips then continue the exact same procedure till all the meat is layered and there is no more vinegar left. You need to remove the access salt from the meat otherwise you may produce really salty biltong.

You now have to cover the container with some cling wrap and leave it to marinade for at-least 12 to 24 hrs depending on the thickness of the meat and the strength of the flavour you want.

At this point you should find a cool completely dry and well-aerated location to hang your meat (we normally hang it high it in the garage area and cover it up with a net to keep the bugs and flies away). If you live on the beach front or in an area where it’s not always dry, you may want to invest in a biltong-maker-ventilation-system. Not everybody likes it moist, so for those that don’t want the biltong to be moist you can leave it for longer to dry out more completely.

Get some galvanized wire hooks to hang your meat. You can hang them until the exterior is dark. Try some of the biltong after 2 days. You will then be able to do a taste test to determine if it is working for you or whether you need to leave it hanging for a while longer.