Have you ever wondered what it really feels like to leave South Africa behind, or why some people choose to seek opportunities elsewhere? Is it about following your ambitions, looking for safety, or simply searching for a different way of life?

In this episode, I’m joined by Khaya Dlanga - a South African author, marketing executive, and media personality who has achieved so much both at home and abroad. Khaya might be best known for his storytelling and books, but today we dive deep into the emotional side of what it means to leave South Africa: what it means to miss your family, how to cope with grief when you’re far from loved ones, and why building community is so important wherever you find yourself in the world.

Having read Khaya’s latest book, 'Life Is Like That Sometimes', I felt a real connection to his stories about family, loss, and finding belonging. It was both moving and uplifting to talk honestly about the sacrifices, hopes, and challenges that come with relocating, and why, even in the darkest of times, we can still “glow in the dark”.

So if you’re thinking of moving abroad, or you’re already living far from home and missing those everyday South African moments, I hope you’ll find this episode both comforting and inspiring.

“Depending on what drove you overseas, your attitude will be different depending on whether there's a pull factor or a push factor.” - Khaya Dlanga

00:00 Introduction

05:15 YouTube, a happy accident

07:05 Trevor Noah is a global citizen

13:35 Pull vs push factor

15:12 Unemployment in South Africa

21:40 Writing got Khaya through grief

30:21 Building your community

34:45 Advice for staying in South Africa

39:30 “Even in my darkest hour, I glow in the dark”

Resources

• Connect with Khaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khayadlanga
• Follow Khaya on X (Twitter): https://x.com/khayadlanga

This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:

https://www.zapods.com