First off, I hope you’re all having a lekker festive season and finding ways to make Christmas in Canada feel a bit more like home. It’s a strange time of year for us Saffas, isn’t it? Missing family, summer sunshine, and braais, but also finding new traditions and joys here.

For us, it’s going to be a relaxed family day—board games, movies, and eating way too much. No white Christmas this year, which is a bit of a letdown. I know the snow isn’t for everyone, but for me, it still has that magical feel. Anyway, I hope you’re spending the day with people who make you smile, whether it’s family, friends, or even just a lekker meal.

It’s like Jaco Scholtz from Manne Medi Planne (our SAFA Spotlight in this newsletter) says: “There’s no need for anyone to feel alone in Canada.” Just remember, there’s a huge community out there—people who are ready to connect, support, and help. All you have to do is reach out. Whether it’s through WhatsApp groups, events, or even just replying to this email, you’re never as alone as it might feel.

Now, let’s get into it!

In Today’s Newsletter:

• Pub Night Recap & 2025 Plans

• SAFFA Spotlight: Jaco Scholtz from Manne Medi Planne

• For the Rest…

Pub Night Recap & 2025 Plans

Our second Pub Night at Sailor Hagar’s Pub in North Vancouver was a big success! Ten of us rocked up, and it turned out to be a chilled, fun evening. We met some new faces, caught up with familiar ones, and spent the night playing pool and darts. We even had a round of killer on the pool table—though not everyone was competitive (or top-notch players), which just made it all the more fun.

That said, I might need to issue a challenge for next time—if anyone thinks they can knock me off the pool table, bring your A-game! 😉

Just to note, this isn’t an all-night jol. We kicked things off at 6 p.m., and most of us were wrapped up and heading home by 10. Some folks came a bit later, and others left earlier, so it’s super flexible and low-key—join when you can, leave when you need to.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re busy planning a whole range of events—Pub Nights, networking opportunities, and other community get-togethers. We’re even thinking about expanding Pub Nights to other areas, with local groups hosting their own events.

If you’re in Langley, Chilliwack, Richmond, or any of the other major areas in the Lower Mainland and would like to set up a Pub Night in your neck of the woods, let me know! I’d love to help you get started—and maybe even come out and join you for a drink or two.

So, watch this space—it’s going to be an exciting year for our community in 2025!

SAFFA Spotlight: Jaco Scholtz from Manne Medi Planne

This week’s SAFFA Spotlight shines on Jaco Scholtz from Manne Medi Planne, an incredible support group for South African men living in Canada.

Jaco and his wife arrived in Canada on December 7, 2018, just a week after finding out they were pregnant, landing in a small town far away from family and friends. Like so many of us, Jaco started from scratch—finding work, building a life, and navigating the challenges of being a newcomer. He even worked construction as a laborer for a time before landing a job in IT, the field he was trained in. His breakthrough came through connections, highlighting just how important they are.

After hosting a housewarming party where seven South African couples joined them, Jaco had an idea: to turn the WhatsApp group they created for the event into something more. That’s how Manne Medi Planne was born—a WhatsApp group where South African men could connect, share advice, and help each other out.

What started as a small group in Ontario has now grown to over 200 men. They’ve organized Pub Nights, annual family get-togethers, and, most importantly, created a safe and supportive space for guys to ask questions, no matter how big or small. From “How do I change the furnace filter?” to finding the best deals or navigating life in Canada, the group is always there to help.

When Jaco and his wife moved to Calgary to buy a house, he started a new Manne Medi Planne group there, which is now thriving as well. His strict but simple rules—no politics, religion, jokes, or spam—ensure the group stays focused on its mission: supporting each other in practical and meaningful ways.

We’re also thrilled to share that we’re working with Jaco to expand Manne Medi Planne across Canada! Early next year, we’ll be launching Manne Medi Planne Vancouver/Lower Mainland as part of the South African Institute of Canada. If you’re in other regions and want to set up something similar, we’d love to help. Just reply to this email, and we’ll work with you to make it happen.

As Jaco says:

“I started this group because I never want anybody arriving in Canada from South Africa to feel as alone as I did when I arrived here.”

Don’t miss the video—it’s a great insight into the story behind Manne Medi Planne: [Watch the video].

Jaco’s initiative is a testament to how powerful community can be. If you’re a South African guy feeling a bit lost or just wanting to connect, Manne Medi Planne is something truly special.

To Join Manne Medi Planne:
Ontario: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DABznIxP9fR89lfmvbuffa
Calgary: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EIuJqWzvT3QEgWT3eNLARk

For the Rest…

I hope you all have an awesome week of relaxing, enjoying yourselves, and taking in the beauty of British Columbia—or wherever in this big, beautiful country you might be. Whether it’s cozying up at home or getting out and exploring, make the most of it!

Just a quick note: this isn’t the last newsletter for the year. I’ll be sending out the final one on Tuesday, December 31st, so keep an eye on your inbox for that.

Oh, and a little side note—it’s my birthday on the 28th of December, and I’ll be hitting the big 5-4. 🎉 I’m still figuring out what to do, but I’m sure it’ll involve good company and a bit of fun. (If you’ve got fun ideas for celebrating a December birthday, let me know—I’m open to suggestions!)

Take care, and have a lekker week!

Cheers,

Callie

PS: Don’t forget to share this newsletter with your Saffa friends in BC—let’s keep building this amazing community!