WATCH: ‘Struggling’ white South Africans in NZ singing Setswana has Twitter giggling
A man who left SA as a journalist ended up owning a shore repair shop, while a baker took on the job of bus driver.
A 2010 video feature on South Africans who migrated to New Zealand has resurfaced on social media and once again divided those who’ve seen it.
In the clip, selected South Africans explain their reasons for leaving their country and share their experiences in their new home.
Crime was among the reasons they left Mzansi.
Among those interviewed was former journalist Ryk Hattingh, who opened a shoe repair, key-cutting and engraving business. He said he had never repaired shoes in South Africa.
Carole Venecourt used to work as a caterer in South Africa, but the laws in New Zealand required her to have a separate kitchen to operate her business. So she opted to sell at markets. She also became a bus driver and had a spot on community radio where she shared recipes.
“I decided to earn some money and I went bus driving. I know everyone thinks this is very strange for a baker in a bus,” she said.
Though Jan Coetsee was lucky enough have a job as a radio show host, his marriage did not survive – something said to be common among South Africans who’ve moved to New Zealand.
“Most South Africans are pretty assertive in their employment relationships. That sort of attitude doesn’t seem to work here. You’ve got to be far more user-friendly than what we’re used to in South Africa,” he said.
New Zealander and hairdresser Michael Gullery said a South African family built a high wall and flew the old South African flag.
“That’s actually a symbol of something that we don’t want anything to do with,” he said.
Another group of women could be seen singing in Setswana, something that left a few South Africans amused on social media.
Twitter user Mokone wrote: “You see what whites are afraid of when you speak equality here in SA, most of them don’t want to do the jobs done by black people,” while @VladimirPutiny said: “In other countries they are just commoners. No one to call them baas. They have to go job hunting like ordinary citizens. But here in SA, they think they are the cousins to Jesus.”
Watch the full video below:
These were some of the fresh comments on social media:
White people who left south Africa are poor and struggling in New Zealand they even pray in Setswana. pic.twitter.com/ZENNTnp74f
— Battalion 54 (@54Battalion) August 26, 2019
This is so normal overseas, I’m happy for her! And In Sa many white women would be happy to drive bus I promise you that. Anyway most South Africans is making a huge difference in the rest of the world! Proudly South African not begging for grants making a plan #Proud
— hendrik odendaal (@hendrik198606) August 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/kwethu90s/status/1166186323679547395
He said 14 to 16 hour days were grueling. That’s normal for most SAns.
Why do they threaten us with leaving as if they’re going to the land of milk and honey?
RESORTto selling food at hospitals?!
Way of life in SA as they well know.
They r so humbled. Good thing they immigrated— Lol'popu (@LollyMkunqwana) August 27, 2019
— Her Majesty (@busiswaah) August 26, 2019
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