Howzit Folks!

I know you all signed up for this newsletter probably months ago on SouthAfricansInVancouver.ca or you bought something from TheSouthAfricanShop.ca and subscribed to mails from the shop, so if you moved in the meantime or for some other reason don’t want to know whats happening anymore - there is an unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email ;-)

For the rest - I’m Callie and I’ll be writing the weekly South Africans in Vancouver newsletter with info on what is happening, how to do stuff, where to get Saffa goodies, specials, how to connect with other Saffas and whatever else I find interesting.

If anyone feels like helping out with the newsletter or just have something to say to the South Africans in Vancouver Community, this platform allows for guest authors, so feel free to ping me and I can get you set up (if you promise to create lekker content). Or you could just drop me a message and I’ll get it in the next newsletter if it is newsworthy.

Upcoming Events This Week

We have a busy weekend coming up with 3 big Saffa events happening - The Netvleish Boere Fees in Dawson Creek, the South African Heritage Music Festival at Prospect Point Picnic Area, Stanley Park, and off course, the Rugby on Saturday that can be checked at Dublin Calling in Downtown and a few other places.

We will be heading out to the Boerefees in Dawson Creek on Thursday - a ‘quick’ 13 hour drive. We are sleeping over at Williams Lake though. Really looking forward to a proper spitbraai on the farm with a bunch of other South Africans.

I’ll take lots of pics and video to share on social.

Future Get Togethers

We have a big one coming up in just over 2 weeks - The Netvleish Boerewors Roll day at John Lawson park in West Vancouver, so keep your diary open for Saturday the 14th of September and also help pray it doesn’t rain that day!

We are making lekker big boeries with a 200mm wors in a soft City Market bun with your choice of Steers Mustard, All Gold Tomato Sauce, All the Mrs Balls Chutneys, and a bunch of other Saffa Sauces. We will also have proper fried onions in Butter and Aromat. You can get tickets for the Boerewors Roll day at The South African Shop. Please pre-order your Boeries so we can be properly prepared.

Thought of the Week

Do you know what city on earth is the furthest away from Vancouver? That would be Durban in South Africa! If you drill a hole straight through the center of the earth from Vancouver, you’ll pop out just off the coast of South Africa.

The point is, we are very far away from what we used to call home. Which also means we are very far away from our friends, families, and those familiar support networks that made life back in SA a little easier. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when the inevitable homesickness hits or when we’re navigating the highs and lows of life in a new country.

Vorster from Netvleish once told me, “We have to find new family here,” and that really stuck with me. He’s right—we do. Immigration isn’t just about learning new streets or figuring out where to get a decent braai. It’s about rebuilding those connections, finding those shoulders to lean on, and creating a community that feels like home, even when we’re on the other side of the world.

We’ve all had those days—when the sky is a little too gray, the accent a little too thick, and the heart a little too heavy. But here’s the thing: you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and that’s why it’s so important to look out for one another. Whether it’s a helping hand, a lekker chat, or just knowing there’s someone to talk to when the going gets tough, this community is here for you.

So, if you ever find yourself needing a bit of emotional support, a friendly ear, or just someone who understands what it’s like to miss home, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s to me or anyone else in our Saffa community, we’re all here to lift each other up. After all, a chat over a beer or a boerie roll might be just what the doctor ordered.

Let’s keep this community strong, connected, and ready to face whatever comes our way—together.

Saffa Spotlight

Kicking off our Saffa Spotlight series this week, we’ve got Dirk, a fellow Saffa who’s been living in Vancouver for five years. Dirk’s story is full of the ups and downs that come with immigrating, and you can check out the full interview here.

Dirk waited a whopping eight years for his Canadian permanent residency, all while keeping life going back in SA. When the call finally came, he had just one month to pack up and move. Once here, Dirk faced the challenge of finding a job in his field. After months of sending out CVs and getting no response, he decided to take matters into his own hands and start his own business. A bit of luck and a lot of hard work landed him his first big client, and things took off from there.

But Dirk’s story isn’t just about work. He’s big on giving back, volunteering at the SPCA, helping out at park runs, and even getting his hands dirty with beach cleanups around West Van. His dedication earned him an award from the mayor, and it’s easy to see why.

Dirk’s advice? Get involved. Whether it’s volunteering, joining local groups, or just putting yourself out there, it’s the best way to find your feet in this new place. Vancouver might be far from home, but with the right attitude, it can feel like home in no time.

Feedback

This being the first ever Newsletter I would love your feedback on what you would like to see more/less of.

Here are the segments I have been thinking of including in the weekly newsletter:

• Saffa Tips: practical tips on navigating life in Vancouver as a South African—where to find your favourite goodies, how to deal with cultural quirks, and more. Got a tip? Send it in!

• Recipe of the Week: a lekker Saffa recipe for you to try out—think bobotie, milk tart, or something with a twist. If you have a favorite recipe, let me know!

• Local Saffa Businesses: Let’s support our own! I’ll highlight a South African-owned business in Vancouver each week. Great way to discover services and products right in our community.

• Community Questions: Got a question about life in Vancouver or something you’re curious about? Ask away! I’ll answer them in the next newsletter or open it up to the community for input.

• What’s New in SA? Stay connected to home with a quick update on what’s happening in South Africa—news, events, and sports.

• Saffa Classifieds: Need to sell something, rent out a room, or offer a service? I’ll include a classifieds section so you can find what you need within our community.

• Job Board: Looking for work or need to hire someone? I’ll include a small job board where you can find or list job opportunities, side gigs, or volunteer work. Perfect for helping newcomers settle in.

Please forward this mail to any other Saffas you know in Vancouver (and BC for that matter). It really helps build the community.

PS: There are some cheap flights out of Vancouver to Joburg for November this year and Jan/Feb next year. Long layouvers but the flights are just over $1000 return all included. Check it out here