So lately, my new hobby has been sitting in the passenger seat while Angelique practices for her N road test. Takes a bit of getting used to — usually I’m the one behind the wheel, so just sitting there on the other side already feels strange.

Add a learner driver into the mix, and let’s just say it keeps things… interesting. 😅

Also, back when I learned to drive, we still had those proper old-school handbrakes between the two front seats. If you messed up, your dad or uncle could just yank the handbrake and save the day.

Modern cars? Nope. Just a silly little foot brake on the driver’s side — which basically means if anything goes wrong, I’m just sitting there, quietly bracing for impact. Not exactly the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Luckily, Angelique actually drives pretty well. She might have inherited a bit of her dad’s enthusiastic driving style — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but overall, she’s doing great.

But here’s the crazy thing:

Technically, after you fail your first test, you can book a second attempt within two weeks. Fail again, and you can book a third attempt after a month. After that, it’s a two-month wait each time.

In theory….

In practice?

When Angelique failed her first test in early January, the first available appointment wasn’t two weeks later… it was May 1st. And now, if she doesn’t pass this one, the next available slot is basically near the end of the year.

You would have thought they would have figured these COVID-era backlogs out by now — but hey, here we are.

Speaking of which — BC’s latest bright idea to fix the backlog isn’t to hire more testers.

Nope.

They’re planning to scrap the second road test altogether.

Under the new law they’re proposing, you’ll do your first test (“N” test), and if you keep your nose clean for a year — no accidents, no tickets — you automatically move up to your full license without having to do a second test.

Anyway, that’s where we’re at — cruising around town, fingers crossed, hoping Angelique nails it this time so we don’t have to deal with ICBC again… 🤞

In Today’s Newsletter

• Upcoming Events:

• 🇿🇦 SAFFA Spotlight: Safari Outpost in Calgary

• Community Thought: Trying a little harder makes all the difference

• That’s a Wrap

🇿🇦 Upcoming Saffa Events in Canada 🇨🇦

Spring is in full swing, and summer’s just around the corner—time to get out and connect with fellow Saffas!

From braais and pub nights to cultural festivals and Afrikaanse kerkdienste, there’s a ton of lekker events happening across Canada. Whether you’re in BC, Alberta, Ontario, or beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy a taste of home and some proper gees.

Highlights include the Spring Fling Picnic in Burnaby, a vibrant AfriCa-Fest in Québec City, and boerewors rolls at Serengeti in Langley. Plus, don’t miss South African actor Paul du Toit in Oleanna in Vancouver or the South African Pavilion at West Vancouver’s Community Cultural Fest.

Ready to join the fun? Check out the full calendar of events at howzitcanada.ca/ and start planning your next Saffa catch-up. Got an event to share? Let us know so we can spread the word!

🇿🇦 SAFFA Spotlight: Safari Outpost in Calgary

On our recent road trip through Calgary, we swung by Safari Outpost — and I’m so glad we did. The moment we walked in, you could just feel the difference. The shop’s had a complete revamp under Pieter and Carin, who took over not long ago, and wow, they’ve done an incredible job. 🇿🇦✨

Not only does it look and feel amazing, but their droëwors? Hands down, the best we’ve tasted in Canada — and that’s the whole family talking! Plus, their prices are really competitive, which never hurts.

What really stood out, though, was the heart behind what they’re doing. If you’re a South African moving to Calgary for the first time, they’ll give you a $100 voucher to spend at the shop. How awesome is that? Just a small way of making the transition a little easier — and a lot more delicious.

And there’s more good news: they’ve recently revamped the old South African Meat Shop in Calgary and turned it into a second Safari Outpost. So now there are two Safari Outposts in Calgary, both ready to help you not just find a little taste of SA — but to feel genuinely welcomed too. Walk in, have a chat, and you’ll get a proper slice of South African friendliness along with your goodies.

If you’re anywhere near Calgary, make a plan to pop in. You won’t regret it.

🔗 Watch the video here

Community Thought of the Week–Trying a little harder makes all the difference

You know, something that really struck me when I visited the two South African stores in Calgary — Safari Outpost and Baobab — is just how much extra effort they put in. It’s something I’ve noticed again and again when I think back to South Africa: at our markets, at our food stalls, even just walking into shops — there was always this sense of people trying a little harder.

The places were decorated with care. There was pride in how things were presented. It felt welcoming. It felt like someone had really tried.

And honestly, that’s one of the things that makes South Africans so special. We grew up having to hustle. You had to make a plan, put in the extra effort, and go that little bit further to stand out. It’s in our blood — and it’s something that’s sometimes missing here in Canada.

At both Safari Outpost and Baobab, it was awesome to see that spirit alive and well. The stores weren’t just functional — they were beautiful. They felt like home. The owners didn’t just sell products — they built a place where you could feel welcome.

And it reminded me: this is one of the edges we have as South Africans.

Whether you’re running your own business or working for someone else, that willingness to work a little harder, to make things just a little bit better, is your superpower. It’s what sets you apart.

There’s a saying (I can’t remember who wrote it originally) that goes something like this: “In everything you do, always ask — what can I do to make it just a little bit better?” Even small improvements, day after day, add up to something amazing.

That’s the mindset. That’s the attitude.

And it’s one we should be proud to bring with us wherever we go.

That’s a Wrap

That’s it for this week’s newsletter! Hope you found something useful, something lekker, and maybe even something a little inspiring along the way.

As always, let me know how I did — if you’ve got ideas, feedback, or anything you think could make this newsletter better, I’d love to hear from you. I reply to every message, so don’t be shy!

Until next time — stay warm, stay connected, and stay proudly Saffa 🇿🇦🍁