Expat Insights
Get news and useful articles for South Africans worldwide on our blog.
Can I Cash in My Retirement Annuity Early in South Africa?
If you have been doing some research into how emigration impacts on retirement annuities in South Africa, you will probably have stumbled across the fact that most South Africans end up cashing in their retirement annuity (RA) when leaving the country. Most people...
Lamb Shanks with Mieliepap
If you have a hankering for a South African blast-from-the-past meal while living and working abroad; lamb shanks with mieliepap should be on the very top of your list. This firm favourite is comfort food, celebratory food, just plain delicious food! Of course no one...
South African Tax Matters: Capital Gains Tax Explained
If you’re not prepared for it, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can be a nasty shock to the system. Let’s take a look at what Capital Gains Tax is, when you’d have to pay it and how the CGT calculation works in South Africa. Capital Gains Tax explained What is CGT in simple...
Unclaimed Pensions & Policies in South Africa
Everyone could use an unexpected windfall in the form of unclaimed money in South Africa. While this might sound unreal, there is a possibility that you could be one of millions of beneficiaries due a share of R42 billion in unclaimed pension fund money and life...
Hertzoggie recipe
Let’s talk about cookies; Hertzoggies, to be exact! You have probably gobbled down a Hertzoggie before and never really given much thought to its history. For those who don’t know, a Hertzoggie is a tartlet that was created by Cape Malay women in the country, when...
Law of Succession in South Africa: Who Inherits When There is No Will?
It’s an uncomfortable conversation for most people, but a necessary one given that no one has yet discovered a fountain of youth and immortality. Although we don’t like to think of our loved ones passing away; we do need to think of our loved ones and plan for them...
Cashing In Your Retirement Annuity Early – The Rules Are Changing in 2021
If you’re a South African expat living abroad with retirement funds back home, pay close attention. Changes that were made to tax laws last year effectively seek to prevent South Africans who no longer pay tax in SA from withdrawing their retirement funds until they...
Tamatiebredie
Tomato Bredie is not just a delicious meal…it’s a dish that requires ceremony. It demands time, usually spent with loved ones, while it bubbles and boils its way to absolute perfection. Most South Africans are very fond of Tomato Bredie, but for those who don’t quite...
Tax Matters: How Do You Know When SARS Owes You Money?
When it comes to tax, it always feels like you’re the one owing the South African Revenue Service money, right? Fortunately, that’s not always the case because sometimes SARS is the one that owes you money and you can claim it back. Let’s talk about tax refunds in...
Expat Tax News: Clarity on the new South African financial emigration rules
A big important decision was reached recently in Parliament, after the National Treasury (aka Treasury) and the South African Revenue Service (aka SARS) presented to the Standing Committee on Finance. The topic under discussion? Proposed amendments to tax law that...
South African Bunny Chow
Bang the drums and turn the spotlights on…it’s time South Africa’s very own Bunny Chow was pushed right into the limelight! Bunny Chow, already growing in popularity in the United States, is a fast food meal born and bred in Durban, South Africa. Essentially, it is a...
Everything You Need to Know About The New Expat Tax Law in South Africa
Until March 2020, South African residents living and working abroad could apply for tax exemption on foreign income. This has since changed. Now, South African residents temporarily abroad are expected to give the South African Revenue Service a cut of their...
The Expat’s Guide to: Buying Off Your Retirement Annuity
South Africans currently living abroad have until 28 February 2021 to use formal emigration as an immediate means by which to access their retirement annuities early. Thereafter expats will have to show that they have ceased to be a tax resident for a period of three...
Malva Pudding
As far as truly original South African treats go, Malva pudding is at the very top of the list. Most Saffas who have sunk their teeth into a Malva pudding and marveled at it’s silky smooth delectable taste and texture, don’t even know that this particular dessert...
Virtual Safari South Africa
As a South African living abroad, one of the things you’re likely to miss most is the bushveld but if a sunrise safari was part of your travel plans this year, you don’t have to skip it just because it’s not advisable to travel internationally for the foreseeable...