Welcome to South Africans In Vancouver, the newsletter that doesn’t judge you for using Flippen Lekker Spice on everything. 🙂

We finally had the first snow of the year, and I’ve got to say—I still love it. I suppose it’s because, back in South Africa, snow was the stuff of fairy tales and Christmas movies. So whenever I step outside and see everything blanketed in white, I get that same wow feeling, like I’ve just walked into a winter wonderland.

Now, I know a lot of locals don’t quite share my enthusiasm. For them, the novelty wears off around the umpteenth time they’ve had to shovel their driveway or dodge drivers who somehow forget how to drive the moment snow hits the road. I get it. But still—there’s something about that crisp, untouched snow that gets me every time.

The shoveling part, though? Not as magical. And I got a proper taste of that on Sunday.

Angelique is working towards her N license, so I figured it was the perfect chance to get her some real snow-driving experience. On our way back, just as we were coming up the hill, we spotted a car stuck, wheels spinning helplessly. It wasn’t going anywhere.

So I got Angelique to drive around it, grabbed my shovel and some salt, and walked back down to help. And wow—what a mission. I cleared a path, got in the driver’s seat (the owner, a young lady, wasn’t too confident driving in the snow), and managed to get about a quarter up the hill before it got stuck again. So, more shoveling, more salt, another attempt—four tries later, we finally got to her house at the top. And let me tell you, by the end of it, I was sweating like it was December in Durban!

And that’s when I discovered the real problem—she was still on summer tires.

Now, this wasn’t some tiny hatchback. It was an all-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee. But without winter tires, every time it stopped, all four wheels just spun in place, going absolutely nowhere.

So I gave her some friendly (but firm) advice: Either get winter tires or park the car, because I’m not shoveling for another hour to get you home again.

Lesson of the day? Snow is magical. Shoveling is a workout. And winter tires aren’t optional.

In Today’s Newsletter

• Upcoming Events

• Update on the Howzit Canada Launch

• The Power of Perspective – Why Staying Positive Matters

• Sweet Memories of Grandma – Dadelballetjies (Date Balls)

Upcoming Events

🌍 Vancouver Sevens Rugby – Sit with the Saffas!
📅 Friday, February 21 – Sunday, February 23, 2025
📍 BC Place, Vancouver
The Vancouver Sevens is around the corner, and a group of South Africans is getting together to sit as a lekker squad. If you’re keen to join, email [email protected], and she’ll add you to the WhatsApp group where all the planning is happening. Let’s bring the gees and make some noise!

🍩 Afrikaanse Erediens & Fat Cake Feast
📅 Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 5 PM
📍 Mount Calvary Lutheran Kerk, Mission, BC
A special Afrikaanse Erediens followed by a proper vetkoek en maalvleis feast—sounds like a plan! It’s always a great chance to connect, speak some Afrikaans, and feel a little closer to SA. Pop it in your calendar!

🍻 South African Pub Night – Monthly Meet-Up
📅 Monday, February 17, 2025 – 6 PM
📍 Sailor Hagar’s, North Vancouver
It’s that time again! Join us for the next South African Pub Night at Sailor Hagar’s in North Van. Whether you’re a regular or new to the group, pull in for a lekker evening of good company, cold drinks, and plenty of Saffa banter. No need to RSVP—just show up and join the fun!

🏉 99s Sevens Breakfast – 15th Anniversary Social
📅 Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 8 AM
📍 Dublin Calling, Vancouver
The 99s are celebrating 15 years with a Guinness Six Nations live viewing event. $20 gets you breakfast and a pint, and there’s sure to be plenty of gees to go around. Get there early, grab a seat, and enjoy the vibes!

Update on the Howzit Canada Launch

Alright, quick update on the Howzit Canada website! The agency in South Africa that’s building the site originally told me it would be ready on January 30th, then February 1st, and then… well, you know how these things go—technical hiccups happen. 😅

The good news? It’s finally up on our side for final testing! Now, over the next few days, we’ll be loading in all the businesses, shops, and community listings. Then, on February 14th—Valentine’s Day—we’ll be making it official and launching it for everyone. Because, let’s be honest, what better day to give the site some love?

Massive shoutout to Lois, Karmen, and the rest of the team who’ve been working hard—over 500 businesses, groups, and events have already been contacted and are ready to go. The response has been unreal, and I can’t wait for you all to see it.

In the meantime, here’s a quick video update where I chat more about what’s happening: https://youtu.be/O5UTbLWaytU

Just a few more days, and we’re there. Stay tuned—Howzit Canada is about to go live! 🚀

The Power of Perspective – Why Staying Positive Matters

Last week, I tuned into Tony Robbins’ Time to Rise event, and it reminded me of something we all know instinctively—yet we keep forgetting. Your mindset shapes your reality.

And I’m not just talking about good vibes only nonsense. This is backed by behavioral science, neuroscience, and decades of research. The top ad agencies use it to influence what you buy. The best business minds use it to spot opportunities. Even the old Stoic philosophers knew it: what you focus on expands. If you focus on the bad, you’ll find more of it. But if you focus on the good, you’ll start seeing it everywhere.

Now, I know—it’s the middle of winter. It’s cold, the days are short, and it’s really easy to let the grey skies put you in a funk. But you’ve got two choices. You can sit at home, grumble about the weather, and feel sorry for yourself. Or you can look outside, see the snow-covered mountains, and realize you’re living in a beautiful postcard. You can complain about the cold, or you can embrace it—layer up, get out there, or just use it as an excuse to curl up under a warm blanket with someone (or something) you love.

Life will always throw curveballs—that’s a given. But just remember, it’s not happening to you, it’s happening for you. Every challenge is a chance to learn, grow, and shape your response. And once you start looking for the awesomeness in life, you’ll find it’s everywhere.

Sweet Memories of Grandma – Dadelballetjies (Date Balls)

Alright, before we wrap up, let’s talk about something lekker. We made dadelballetjies again this week, and it took me straight back to my childhood because my grandma used to make the most awesome dadelballetjies. I still remember it to this day.

Okay, probably not the healthiest thing you’ll eat this week, but hey, some things are worth it. If you haven’t made them before, they’re basically little bites of happiness—crushed Marie biscuits, chopped dates, butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, all rolled in coconut for that perfect balance of chewy and sweet. Super easy to make, no baking required, and dangerously addictive.

If you’re keen to whip up a batch (or just want to drool over the recipe), check it out here:

👉 Dadelballetjies Recipe

Enjoy, and try not to eat them all in one sitting! (No judgment if you do. 😉)

Thanks for reading! 

You’re all awesome, and I hope you have a lekker week ahead. Stay warm, stay positive, and we’ll catch up again soon!

Cheers,

Callie 😊