SA Expats
They may have left the country of their birth but what expats still love about South Africa has been revealed in a new survey. Picture: File/Fotor.

Home » BOKS, boerie, biltong: What EXPATS miss about South Africa

BOKS, boerie, biltong: What EXPATS miss about South Africa

They may have left the country of their birth, but here’s what expats still love about South Africa, according to a latest survey.

21-10-23 10:49
SA Expats
They may have left the country of their birth but what expats still love about South Africa has been revealed in a new survey. Picture: File/Fotor.

When it comes to what expats still love about South Africa, many will be faced with strong emotions when England and the Springboks scrum down in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.

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According to Citizen, an online survey of more than 300 South African online expat social groups around the world has shed a light on what expats still love about South Africa.

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WHAT EXPATS STILL LOVE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

What expats still love about South Africa
Image: Adobe Stock

The findings from the survey reveal fascinating insight into expat South Africans. The first is just how many groups cater to South African expats. This in and of itself shows that expats clearly feel a need to remain connected with South Africa.

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Surprise, surprise, the thing expats still love the most about South Africa is RUGBY. The survey says that while many may live abroad, the spirit of watching a Springbok game is top of the list when it comes to expressing national identity.

BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AFRICA

What expats still love about South Africa
A big reason for expats still loving SA is the natural beauty. Picture: Valentin Flauraud for Saype.

After rugby, expats love the country’s natural beauty. This is a big reason that South Africa is a top destination for expats, whether returning or recommending it to other travellers. Cape Town is the favourite spot (37%), next is a Kruger National Park safari (17%), then Kwa-Zulu Natal (11%).

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Food wise, which foods do expats miss the most? Biltong (27%) and boerewors (18%) were the runaway winners amongst respondents. What about TV shows they can no longer watch overseas? 7de Laan (27%) won the day, Egoli (18%), followed by Noot Vir Noot (15%).

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HOW EXPATS TAKE HOME WITH THEM

What expats still love about South Africa
Picture: File.

To make where they live feel a little more like home, 36% said they braai as often as possible. 26% said they like to use ‘lekker’, and 12% will greet others with ‘howzit’. There you have it, what expats still love about South Africa. You can take the South African out of Mzansi but you can’t take Mzansi out of the South African.

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