What South Africans living abroad miss the most
RANDBURG – Having moved to New Zealand a few years ago, three South African sisters tell us what they miss most about living in South Africa.
The world today is smaller than ever and South Africans, proud as they might be, find themselves living all around the world, many longing for home on a daily basis.
With Heritage Day upon us, Randburg Sun spoke to a South African family, now living in New Zealand, about what they missed most about South Africa.
Stef Anstey moved to New Zealand with her husband Charl and their two small daughters five years ago, and have built a beautiful life with family and friends. But they still remember their ‘home ground’ fondly, and miss much about South Africa and its people.
So what does Anstey miss the most?
“The biggest part of our hearts that we left behind was our beautiful family, friends and gogo Precious – especially during big occasions like weddings, birthdays and Christmas time. Not having them here with us as our children grow up is always very hard, and we miss that a lot,” said Anstey.
But it’s not only family that she misses – some of South Africa’s most well-known products and brands are also missed.
“We miss a good Wimpy meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner, Wimpy always had us sorted,” joked Anstey. “And then, there’s Woolworths… Woolies anything, groceries, clothes, home and cafe.”
And then there are the luxuries that many South Africans take for granted. “I miss not having to put petrol in my own car, and the happy smile of the petrol attendant when I said ‘100 bucks please baba’. And domestic help. Now we don’t have ironed clothes because we just tumble dry everything.”
Mostly, Anstey said, she just missed the South African spirit of ubuntu. “Even though things weren’t always easy in South Africa, the people are so lively and happy, and I miss that.”
Anstey’s sister, Alexandria Tarr misses friends, family and the African sunset in the bush with a bonfire burning. “Also the ‘gees’ and energy at sports games, and not having to explain my slang all the time,” joked Tarr.
Lana Coetzee, sister to Anstey and Tarr, said it was all about the sunshine. “What I realised I missed most when I went back for a holiday was the African sun on my skin. It is so warm and comforting. I miss how it feels when it just kisses your skin and warms your soul. I am looking forward to that most when we visit again,” she said.
