Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
Staying connected during the holidays & trying times
The definition of 'family' is broadly described as a group or unit of people living together. However, as South Africans, we know that 'family is so much more than that. A traditional South African family consists of the following: required set of parents, children...
Can South African retirement annuities still be cashed in by emigrants?
Not all change is bad, however, as these legislative amendments were intended to simplify processes that had become unnecessarily complicated. Here’s what you need to know about early retirement annuity withdrawals in South Africa in 2021, and what the rule changes...
South African lamb shoulder roast
Traditionally, South African Sunday lunch with family means a succulent lamb shoulder roast. Of course, this means you need all the trimmings, too. We’re talking about sumptuous roast potatoes and onions, fresh green beans or peas, and gem squash halves. What could be...
No need to panic, there’s nothing new about SA’s “new” retirement fund rules
If there’s one thing that triggers an anxiety attack for South Africans, it’s the idea of the government going after their retirement savings. With the tax rule changes that almost came into play recently around emigration, panic levels have been on the rise,...
Potbrood recipe
Potbrood or 'Pot bread' is a bread synonymous with South African food. You can't get more South African than potbrood unless you consider the braai. However, they both go so well together it is a veritable South African super-feast when you combine the two! South...
Five things to know before you complete tax emigration from South Africa
Many South Africans working abroad for foreign employers are now questioning whether they should retain their tax residency in South Africa. One of our most frequently fielded questions when it comes to expat tax matters is: when should a South African expat consider...
Three things you need to be aware of as a South African tax resident working abroad
With legislative updates that were designed to bring South African tax residents working abroad back into the South African tax net, it’s important to be aware of how the Taxation Laws Amendment Act of 2020 affects you. This is because South Africans earning abroad...
Tear and share bread
There's something to be said about the gorgeous smell of freshly baked bread. It lingers in the air better than any expensive perfume, and it immediately makes your mouth salivate in anticipation of its crunchy yet soft texture spread with rich, thick butter. Bread...
Open a bank account in South Africa
Let’s talk about banking convenience for a bit. Picture this; you have painstakingly packed the boxes, closed your local accounts, said the tearful goodbyes, clutched your paperwork, and treaded hesitantly through airport security. A new life awaited you on the other...
Have you heard about the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020?
With high levels of national cyber crime dominating the headlines in the last few years, the signing into law of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 is a welcome step in protecting businesses and consumers from cyber criminals. Although the President has yet to give an...
What is Capital Gains Tax and when do South Africans pay it?
If there’s a phrase that makes people uncomfortable, it’s definitely “Capital Gains Tax”. While it might sound scary, if you’re prepared for it you can break it down step by step and minimise the impact of capital gains tax on your life and your stress levels. With...
13 Weird traditional dishes in South Africa
Known for its many traditions and fabulous rainbow nation, South Africa is no stranger to the weird and wonderful. The many cultures that live on South African soil have shared and fused their colourful backgrounds and superbly unique traditions into the amazing...
Property Matters: Can you still buy property in South Africa as a non-resident expat?
In recent years there has been an increase in South Africans living and working abroad who are buying properties back in South Africa. Whether they’re doing so with the plan of returning home at some point in the future or they’re simply looking for a good deal, the...
Chutney mayo chicken mash balls – Halloween style!
Today, we’d like to bring you a Halloween-inspired recipe filled with the delicious taste of true South African food. If like many people, you believe that the origins of Halloween stem from America, you are forgiven for getting it wrong. After all, they have led the...
Hot question: Should I cease South African tax residency if I have relocated abroad?
If you’re a South African who has been living overseas for some time, you might find yourself wondering about whether or not you should cease your tax residency now that you’ve relocated abroad. Good question. It’s especially pertinent, given that this is the first...