Yesterday was a big day in our household — Angelique officially graduated, Class of 2025! And there we were, sitting in the beautiful Orpheum Theatre, just me, Belinda, and Connor, clapping loudly and making as much noise as we could as she walked across the stage.

But I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a little pang of something missing.

You see, back home in South Africa, big moments for our kids aren’t just a parent-kid affair — they’re a full-blown family event. Oupas, oumas, uncles, aunts — everyone pulls in, makes noise, takes photos, and cheers when your kid walks across the stage. Here in Canada, it was just the three of us doing our best to make up the volume.

And that’s when it hit me again — how much we miss out on those extended family moments after moving abroad. But it also reminded me why community matters so much here.

I’ve always made a point of showing up to other people’s kids’ concerts, plays, and recitals. Not just because it’s fun, but because it feels like family. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need more of in those moments.

In fact, I think most people are like that. So maybe instead of just going it alone, we should let others know when our kids have something special going on. I’d happily pitch up to support our new Vancouver family — and I know I’m not the only one.

The thing is, being typical South Africans, we just keep quiet and go at it on our own. But chances are, if you told someone, they’d be there cheering too.

Oh, and yes, Angelique graduated with honours. She’s a clever kid, but I’ll be honest: part of me looked at her marks and the number of times she arrived late for school and thought, either she’s a genius or school just isn’t as hectic as it used to be back in our day.

(Don’t worry — she already rolled her eyes at me.)

So here’s to milestones, showing up for each other, and making new family from the people around us.

📬 In Today’s Newsletter

• 🎉 Upcoming Events

• 🌟 Founding Member Spotlight: Michael Ping

• 🏡 Rental Prices Are Coming Down… Kind Of. Sort Of.

• ☀️ Something to Think About: This Is It

• 🥩 Biltong Tasting Contest: Updates Are Rolling In

• 🔧 RAND-Challenged… but Not Idea-Challenged

• 📮 That’s a Wrap

🎉 Upcoming Events

For those of you in Vancouver, don’t forget — tonight is Pub Night at Sailor Hagar’s! Come hang out, meet some fellow South Africans, and enjoy a proper kuier. We’ll be there from 6:30 p.m. – it’s always lekker to see new faces, so don’t be shy.

Here’s what else is coming up across the country:

• 🍻 Pub Night – North Vancouver

  Monday, June 16 @ Sailor Hagar’s

  Details here »

• 🍺 Hemingway’s Saffa Pub Night – Toronto

  Tuesday, June 18 @ Hemingway’s, Yorkville

  Details here »

• 🙏 Wainwright, Alberta – Eerste Afrikaanse Kerkdiens

  Saturday, June 22 @ Wainwright Church Centre

  Details here »

• 🛶 MMC Canada – Men’s Conference

  Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14

  Details here »

It’s a bit of a quiet patch right now — summer plans, school holidays, you know how it goes.

If you’ve got something coming up in your town — even a braai in the park — let us know and we’ll help spread the word! Email me at [email protected]

🌟 Founding Member Spotlight: Michael Ping

I want to do a proper shoutout to Michael Ping, our very first Platinum Family Founding Member.

I only met Michael for the first time at the West Vancouver Cultural Festival — even though he signed up as a Platinum family member right after we launched the site. He was literally the second person to sign up, and the first to jump in at the Platinum level.

Michael’s originally from Benoni, but he’s been in Canada most of his life. He told me how he went back for a visit to SA recently, and because he didn’t have a valid South African passport, he ended up getting stuck there for a couple of months. And while he was there, he said something really hit him — just how much he misses the people, the vibe, the way we do things back home.

So when he got back to Canada and came across one of my videos about the South African Institute, he didn’t even think twice — he signed up for the $500 Platinum Family Membership to support what we’re doing. Not because he needed help settling in, but because he just wanted to back something that keeps that South African heart beating over here.

Michael’s had some pretty serious challenges with his eyesight since he was young — he can’t see much at all. But you’d never guess it by how involved and open-hearted he is. He’s got this calm, kind energy, and a deep love for the South African community.

So big thanks to Michael — for showing up, for believing in the idea, and for reminding us why we’re doing this.

And hey, if you’re in Coquitlam and you see Michael around, go say howzit. He’s always up for a chat.

🏡 Rental Prices Are Coming Down… Kind Of. Sort Of.

Yes, technically, average rents in Metro Vancouver dropped slightly last month. But before we all do a little happy dance, let’s be honest — it’s still flipping expensive out there, especially if you’ve got a family and need more than a shoebox.

I broke it all down (with some South African flair) in this month’s rent update. What areas are still sort of affordable? What’s the deal with basement suites?

👉 Read the full article here

☀️ Something to Think About: This Is It

Okay, so it’s finally summer. Like proper summer. The kind where the sun stays up late, the kids forget what day of the week it is, and you start thinking, “Ja, maybe I should just live outside.”

Just a reminder: this is the good stuff. And it doesn’t last forever. A few blinks and we’re back to grey skies and short days, so now’s the time. Don’t let it pass by while you’re stuck behind your laptop or sleeping in. Get out there. Go do stuff.

Light the braai. But don’t just do it at your house — take it to the lake, the park, the beach, wherever. And when the fire ban kicks in, grab the gas braai. No excuses.

This is the season for road trips, hikes, swims, camping missions, backroads exploring, or just a lazy afternoon at the beach. So here’s the challenge:

👉 Post your summer photos in the Howzit Canada Facebook group
facebook.com/groups/howzitcanada

Let us know what you’ve been up to — or even better, what you’re planning. If you’ve got a hike, a braai, a road trip, or anything fun on the cards, post it in the group. You never know who might join you. (In fact, I’m always looking for something fun to do — so I might just pitch up myself.)

And just to make it lekker — we’ll pick one person each month to send a random pack of biltong to. Yup. Free biltong for getting out there and living your best life. Not a bad deal, né?

So don’t sit still. Don’t wait. This is your window. Go have some fun — and take the rest of us with you.

🥩 Biltong Tasting Contest: Results Are Rolling In

The results are starting to trickle in — people have been testing their mystery biltong packs and sending us their favourites (and their photos)! We’re loving seeing how everyone’s making an event of it — some folks are getting seriously scientific, others are pairing it with beer and vibes, just like in the photo above.

If you’re one of our official tasters — or just curious about how to rate your biltong like a pro — here’s the short video that explains the whole thing:

👉 Watch it here

Also, for everyone still waiting — your shipments should all be out by the end of this week, so keep an eye on your mailbox (and maybe stock up on beer or Appletiser in the meantime).

Keep those votes coming — we’re getting closer to crowning the king of biltong in Canada.

🔧 RAND-Challenged… but Not Idea-Challenged

I came to Canada as an entrepreneur — and truth is, I’m still one. That part doesn’t change. But let’s be honest, starting something new here isn’t always easy. Startup capital is hard to come by. And let’s face it, we’re all a bit RAND-challenged. My million rands might’ve looked impressive back home, but they don’t get me too far on this side of the ocean.

Even when you spot a good opportunity, pulling it off solo can be tough.

Recently, I came across one of those rare gems — a mobile tire service franchise called GOMO Tires. It’s a fully kitted-out 4x4 van setup that offers mobile tire replacement and servicing at people’s homes and offices. It’s already doing well in the U.S., and I’ve managed to secure the chance to launch it here in Canada, starting with the North Shore.

I believe in it. I’m going to get it. And I’m ready to put in the graft.

But it also got me thinking… what if we stopped trying to do this stuff alone?

What if we created an investment group — a small network of like-minded Saffas in Canada — where each person puts in something manageable ($5k, $10k), and we spread the risk and share the reward? We could buy or start businesses together, share in the profits, and build something meaningful without each of us carrying the load on our own.

And once one business is running, we keep going — invest in the next one, and the next. Hedge our bets, share the journey, and maybe help a few others along the way.

If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, give me a shout. I’d love to hear from you.

📮 That’s a Wrap

Hey, let me know how I did in today’s newsletter. Is there anything you think should’ve been better? Anything you’d love to see more (or less) of?

I respond to all replies — so give me a shout and let me know what you liked, what didn’t land, or if you’ve got something cool going on we should share. Always good to hear from you.

Until next time — keep well, keep warm, and keep making Canada a little more like home.

– Callie

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