So, I’ve spent the past week diving into how to set up a non-profit here, making sure every i is dotted and every t is crossed. And let me tell you, navigating these Canadian government websites is no walk in the park! If you’ve ever been through it, you’ll know what I mean—it’s like they go out of their way to keep things as complicated as possible.

But, I managed to get through it, and our application’s officially in! We should hear back in the next day or two about whether it’s approved. We’re setting up a federal non-profit so we can reach South Africans all across Canada, and it’s going to be called the South African Institute of Canada.

Our first program? It’ll be called “Howzit Canada?” – a way to help our community settle in and feel more at home. I’ll tell you more about that later in the newsletter, but first, let’s check out the regulars!

In This Weeks Newsletter:

1. Upcoming Events

2. Howzit Canada Program

3. Saffa Spotlight: Meet Lois Webber

Upcoming Events:

1. Vernon’s Potjie Cook-Off – November 9

Alright, folks, we’re heading off to Vernon for the Potjie Cook-Off this weekend! We’ll be hitting the road early on Friday, so fingers crossed for good weather because there’s talk of snow on the Coquihalla. Nothing like a little adventure, right? If you’re coming along, make sure the car’s winter-ready and bring that road-trip spirit!

As for the big day itself, Liza and Jeffrey Hausberger are hosting this lekker cook-off at 2715 Francis St in Vernon, with Netvleish sponsoring. Pots go on the fire at 11 AM, and judging kicks off around 5 PM. There’s room for 25 pots, so if you’re planning to join in, don’t wait – spots are filling up fast! Even if you’re not cooking, come along, enjoy the day, and dig into some top-notch potjie. It’s BYOB and bring your own chair, so let’s set up, kick back, and make it a day to remember!

Still keen to throw your hat in the ring? Reach out soon – or just show up and be part of the fun! [Click here for more info].

2. Rugby Internationals – November 10, 16, and 23

The Springboks are set to face Scotland on the 10th, England on the 16th, and Wales on the 23rd. The games are showing at Dublin Calling in Vancouver. However, one of our subscribers, vddool replied that the Capilano Rugby Club and Pemberton Station Pub in North Vancouver also show the games sometimes so check with them too.

3. South African Film Festival – November 7 to 17

For a bit of home from the comfort of your couch, check out the virtual South African Film Festival. It’s packed with great films that’ll take you right back. [Festival program here].

4. Christmas Dinner Interest?

We’re toying with the idea of organizing a Christmas Dinner in North Vancouver to bring everyone together for some festive fun! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, let us know so we can start planning. Hit reply if you’re keen!

Introducing Howzit Canada: Your Home Away from Home 🇿🇦🍁

Alright, here’s what Howzit Canada is all about—helping South African expats find their footing and really settle into life in Canada. Let’s be honest, we’re a long way from home, and being so far removed from our usual support networks can be tough. Our friends, our family, those people we could always rely on—they’re all on the other side of the world. That’s where Howzit Canada comes in, making sure no one has to feel alone in this process.

1. Connections

One of the biggest things we miss? That sense of community, having people to turn to, whether it’s for advice, a good laugh, a braai, or just someone to celebrate a birthday with. Howzit Canada is all about connecting you with other South Africans, helping you build those networks that usually take years to find. We’ll be hosting events, setting up neighborhood directories, and building a community where you don’t have to do this alone.

2. Essential Information

Let’s face it, moving here comes with a crazy amount of stuff to figure out—bank accounts, mortgages, where to live, how to start a business. We’ve been here for nearly four years, and we’re still learning new things every day. So, we’re going to cut through all that confusion and put together the info that actually matters. It’ll be practical, straightforward, and explained in a South African way ;-)

3. Bringing Home to You

Sometimes you just need a taste of home. We’re pulling together a list of where you can get all the goodies, from biltong to boerewors, and even working out deals so you can get them at the best price if you’re a Howzit Canada member. Right now, this is only available in BC, but it’s a start! This is about those little comforts that make all the difference, and we’re here to help you find them.

4. Community Support and Advocacy

We’re here to make life in Canada easier, and that means supporting each other through and through. Whether it’s organizing more braais, helping our kids find summer jobs, or even advocating on behalf of the South African community, we’ve got each other’s backs. Howzit Canada will be a hub for sharing information and looking out for one another. This is our place to rally, to connect, and to make sure no one gets left behind.

Getting Ready to Launch

We’re lucky to have an awesome graphic design volunteer, Tanith Lambi—also a fellow South African expat—who’s working on our logos and corporate identity. With Tanith’s help, we’re hoping to have a website up and running in the next week. Once that’s live, we’ll kick off membership signups and officially get this thing rolling! If you need some design work, or know of someone that does, connect with Tanith on LinkedIn

So, that’s the vision for Howzit Canada—a way to keep our community strong, grounded, and connected as we build our lives here. Together, we can make Canada feel like home without losing the heart of who we are. Let’s build something amazing, right here in our home away from home.

Saffa Spotlight: Meet Lois Webber

Alright folks, this week’s Saffa Spotlight is on Lois Webber, who’s stepping up to help us build the South African Institute of Canada! Lois has been in Canada for seven years now, living on the UBC campus with her Canadian husband (whom she describes as “very handsome!”) and their daughter, Adelaide. With her background in non-profits, she’s got a ton of experience and heart for this kind of work, and we’re so lucky to have her onboard.

Back in South Africa, Lois ran programs to uplift women from neighboring countries—giving them real opportunities to grow and thrive. She’s all about creating chances for people who just need a foot in the door. Even now, she stays in touch with many of the women she helped, proving that her impact lasts.

Lois’s journey here hasn’t been easy. She’s been battling Lupus, a tough autoimmune disease that took years to diagnose. At one point, she was wheelchair-bound and housebound. But thanks to treatment here in Canada, she’s bouncing back. Lois is now healthier, more determined than ever, and ready to help our community navigate life in Canada.

With the South African Institute of Canada, Lois and I want to create a solid support system. She envisions a place where new arrivals have a network right from the start—think “host families” who welcome you with a good South African meal and help you feel at home. And it’s not just about the practical stuff like healthcare and job resources (though we’ll cover that too); it’s about building real connections so no one has to go it alone.

Curious to hear more from Lois herself? Watch our full interview here!