Lize-Mari Ras
,

From the Horse’s Mouth – Mauritius

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent. The capital and largest city is Port Louis. Just off the coast of the country lie some 49 uninhabited islands and islets, of which several have been declared natural reserves for endangered species. Mauritius is home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals, but the arrival of humans in the 15th century introduced non-native species to the land which has threatened its indigenous flora and fauna. Mauritius is also the only known habitat of the extinct flightless Dodo bird.

How are birthdays celebrated?

Birthdays in Mauritius are always a special occasion, and mostly celebrated at home with family.

When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

We normally offer a friendly handshake. Kisses are mostly kept for family members.

What languages are spoken in your country?

Most Mauritians are multilingual. Languages spoken on the islands of this country include Mauritian Creole, English, French, and Asian languages are the most common. English remains an administrative language and is also used as support in schools.

What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in Mauritius?

We drive on the left-hand side of the road. The most important thing to know when driving here is that most drivers believe that they are in possession of a racing car. The easy-going way of life and the friendliness of the Mauritians can, however, also be seen when they are driving. When asking a Mauritian for directions they might just go in front of you to make sure you do not get lost!

How important is punctuality?

Very few people in Mauritius know what punctuality is.

What types of music are popular? Who are some of your most popular musicians?

A great majority of Mauritians listen to Bollywood music, because 60% of Mauritians are Hindu. Most of the remaining 40% listen to European or mainstream music. Very few are actually fond of Sega, the local music. A few of our popular local musicians are:

 

Are there any traditional dances in your country?

The Sega remains the main traditional dance.

 

What traditional festivals are celebrated in your community?

That’s a long list. We celebrate almost all main Hindu, Chinese, Christian and Muslim festivals. We also celebrate some special occasions like the Abolition of Slavery and the first arrival of indentured Indian workers.

What are your seasons like?

There are two seasons in Mauritius: winter and summer. In recent years our summertimes are getting very, very hot and the winters more windy. In summer temperatures vary between 25°C – 32°C and in winter between 20°C – 27°C.

What are Mauritius’ major industries?

The main sectors that contribute to Mauritius’ economy are the agriculture, sugar, textiles, tobacco, tourism, and mining industries.

How do people spend their free time?

Mauritians spend their free time at beaches and engaged in all related sea and sand activities. Most men partake in football, social media for youngsters, and window-shopping which is quite a new thing with the new shopping malls opening in the last two years.

What do people drink?

People in Mauritius usually drink a lot of sodas like Coke and Fanta, but the spirits consumption curve is constantly climbing.

What is a popular local dish?

Traditionally, Mauritian food is spicy, with influences from Indian, Creole, African and Chinese cuisine. Many of the staple fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meats are grown or caught locally and there are dishes to suit all tastes. Curry is a favourite food and there are plenty of side dishes to choose from, including rice, roti, niouk nien (dumplings) or mine-frit (Chinese fried noodles.). Lentil or bean curries are popular, along with meat, fish or seafood varieties.

Rougaille is also a very popular traditional dish. Served hot, this Creole tomato dish also contains onions, chillies, garlic and spices.

With their French name but Indian origins, all visitors should try gateau piment. Made with split peas (dhal or dholl), they also contain red or green chillies, coriander, onions and cumin. Shaped into balls, gateau piment are then deep fried until golden brown.

What do you pay for?

In a restaurant, a cup of coffee usually costs: 100 Rs

  • A can of Coca Cola usually costs: 45 Rs
  • A 2-Course meal for 2 people at a midrange restaurant usually costs around: 1500 Rs
  • At a shop, a loaf of bread will usually costs: 30 Rs

 

What is the general safety and security like in Mauritius?

Average. Unfortunately, criminals are always on duty in some specific areas like the north and west. As everywhere though, despite a fairly strong police presence, one should be aware and careful, especially at night.

 

To read more exciting blogs, please click on the link below:

Blog

Written by Eloise Williams

Edited by Saudika Hendricks

Contributions by Fontana Agathe

 

 

Lize-Mari Ras
,

From the Horse’s Mouth – South Africa

This is a Special Edition on South Africa

The Republic of South Africa sits at the southernmost tip of the African continent and is famously known to be the birthplace of humanity. This is the first and most special edition of the series titled From The Horse’s Mouth, as South Africa is our home, here at Relocation Africa’s Head Office.

How are birthdays celebrated?

Birthdays are an exciting occasion in South Africa. Even if you are not keen on celebrating yours, chances are, your friends will surprise you in some way. We celebrate birthdays with our family or friends, at home or at a restaurant, with gifts and cake.

When you first meet someone, how do you greet them?

Men and women generally shake hands, while friends will hug and kiss. The most frequently used greetings are ‘’Molo’’ (Xhosa), ‘’Sawubona’’ (Zulu), ‘’Dumela’’ (Setswana) or ‘’Howzit!’’ which is a slang word that is used and understood by the entire population, all around the country.

What languages are spoken in your country?

South Africa has 11 official languages, namely; English, Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Swati, Setswana, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, and Ndebele.

The most commonly spoken language by South Africans is Zulu (23 percent), followed by Xhosa (16 percent), and Afrikaans (14 percent). English is the fourth most commonly spoken language (9.6%) but is understood in most urban areas and is the dominant language in government and the media.

 

On a lighter note:

South Africa’s English is as unique and diverse as its people. The shores of the country have witnessed the mixing and integrating of people and cultures for many centuries, and this is reflective in the ways South Africans communicate. South African English borrows freely from the native African languages of the country, from colonial-era Portuguese immigrants and Malay slaves, as well as from Afrikaans, which is similar to Dutch. With this giant amalgamation of languages, South Africans code-switch quite often.

 

Here are some examples of colloquial English that is unique to South Africa:

  • Bakgat: [buck-ghut] – Well done, cool, awesome.
  • Bakkie: [buck-ee] – A pick-up truck.
  • Born-frees: South Africans who were born into a democratic South Africa – that is, after 1994.
  • Braai: [br-eye] – An outdoor barbecue, where meat such as steak, chicken and boerewors are cooked on a fire, served with pap and bredie.
  • Bru: [brew] – A term of affection, shortened from Afrikaans broer, meaning “brother.’’ An example of this word in use would be, “Hey, my bru, howzit?”
  • Chill bru: Relax, my mate. Take it easy.
  • Eina: [ay-na] – Typically exclaimed when you get hurt or you see someone get hurt.
  • Eish: [aysh] – Used to express surprise, wonder, confusion, frustration or outrage: “Eish! That cut was eina!”
  • Gogo: [goh-goh] – The isiZulu word for Grandmother. Used as a term of endearment and respect for elderly women as well.
  • Gogga/ Goggo: [gho-gha or gho-gho] – Insect, bug. From the Khoikhoi xo-xon.
  • Howzit: A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as “How are you?”, “How are things?”, or simply “Hello”.
  • Jozi: [jo-zee] – The city of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, which is also known as Joburg, Joeys, or Egoli (the city of gold).
  • Just now: If a South African tells you they will do something “just now”, they mean they’ll do it in the near future or sometime soon – not immediately.
  • Now-now: When a South African says, “I’ll be there now-now,’’ it means that they will be there shortly, it won’t take long.
  • Kwaai: [k-wh-y] – A term of approval which equates to ‘’great’’ or ‘’fantastic.’’
  • Lekker: [lekk-irr; with a rolling r] – Lekker is a word used to describe anything in a positive way. The word ‘’Lekker’’ can mean nice, good, great, cool, tasty, fun, and so much more.
  • Shup-shup: [sh-up] – This is another word that has multiple meanings. ‘’Shup’’ could mean good, fine, okay, great, or it can also be used as a greeting. You can say ‘’shup’’ in the same way that you say ‘’hello’’ or ‘’goodbye’’ or ‘’howzit!’’ and the person saying it will usually offer you a thumbs up and a friendly smile.
  • Shebeen: A township tavern, illegal under the apartheid regime, often set up in a private house and frequented by black South Africans. The word is originally Gaelic.
  • Takkies: Running shoes or sneakers. “Fat takkies” are extra- wide tyres.
  • Tsotsi: [ts-ot-see] – A gangster, hoodlum or thug. Tsotsi is also the title of South Africa’s first Oscar-winning movie, which we definitely recommend you watch!
  • Voetsek: [foot-sak] – Go away, buzz off.

 

What side of the road do people drive on? What do we need to know about driving in South Africa?

We drive on the left-hand side of the road. Road infrastructure is mostly good, and drivers tend to generally stick to the rules of the road. However, first-time visitors beware, our taxi-minibuses have a mind of their own and apparently have their own set of road rules too!

Fun note: The South African word for traffic lights is ‘’Robots’’ (do not ask why – we have no idea!)

How important is punctuality?

Don’t be late! In fact, try to arrive to an appointment five minutes early. South Africans are punctual and being late is considered rude (though this may not always ring true with the Capetonians, who have their own ideas on timekeeping).

What types of music are popular? Who are some of your most popular musicians?

Some classic South African musicians include Miriam Makeba, Johnny Clegg, Brenda Fassie, Mafikizolo, and Freshlyground. South Africa is also renowned for its House music, and some of the country’s most famous musicians of this genre include Master KG, DJ Maphorisa, and DJ Black Coffee.

To get a taste of South African music, listen to Miriam Makeba singing ‘Pata Pata’ by clicking here.

  • Listen to Brenda Fassie’s ‘Weekend Special’ by clicking here.
  • Or listen to Freshly Ground’s ‘Do Be Do’ by clicking here.

Does South Africa have any traditional dances?

Yes, there are many, some examples are:

The Zulu Reed Dance – watching thousands of young girls attired in traditional Zulu dress sing, dance and celebrate their culture is a powerful and moving experience.

Volkspele – a South African folk-dance tradition. The dress originated from the formal dress the Voortrekkers wore.

Watch a video below to see some traditional Setswana and Gumboot Dancing by clicking here.

What traditional festivals are celebrated in your country?

Due to our cultural diversity and different regional areas, we have many food, art, craft, music and cultural festivals taking place all over South Africa every year. One of the oldest and most colourful is the Kaapse Klopse (also known as Cape Minstrels) traditionally celebrated in Cape Town on the second of January.

Watch a video to get the experience, and to learn about the history behind the tradition by clicking here.

What are your seasons like?

South Africa is famous for its lovely sunshine. It’s a relatively dry country, with an average annual rainfall of about 464mm (compared to a world average of about 860mm). While the Western Cape gets most of its rainfall in winter, the rest of the country is generally a summer-rainfall region. In summer temperatures can reach as high as 45° C in some places and in winter as low as -13° C.

What are South Africa’s major industries?

Among the key sectors that contribute to the gross domestic product and keep the economic engine running are the automotive, financial services, communications, mining, agriculture and tourism industries.

How do people spend their free time?

South Africans love food, family, and friends. As such, it’s no surprise that a favourite thing to do amongst all South Africans is socialising around the ‘braai.’ South Africans also love watching or playing sports such as rugby, soccer or cricket, or going to the beach.

Our national teams are the Springboks (rugby), Bafana-Bafana (soccer) and the Proteas (cricket).

South Africa also hosts many international sporting events such as The Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons and the Cape Town Cycle Tour (formerly known as the ‘Cape Argus’).

What do people drink?

Beer, wine and brandy and coke (very popular with all locals).

Traditional beer was brewed from local grains, especially sorghum. Beer was traditionally so prized that it became central to many ceremonies, like betrothals and weddings, in which one family ceremoniously offered beer to the other family.

Umqombothi, from the Xhosa language, is a traditional beer made in the Transkei, from maize (corn), maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast and water.

Mageu is a traditional South African non-alcoholic drink, popular among many of the Nguni people, made from fermented mealie pap. Home production is still widely practiced, but the drink is also available at many supermarkets.

Rooibos Tea: [roy-borss] Afrikaans for ‘’red bush.’’ This popular South African tea made from the Cyclopia genistoides bush is gaining worldwide popularity for its health benefits.

Amarula is a cream liqueur from South Africa. It is made with sugar, cream and the fruit of the African marula tree which is also locally called the Elephant tree or the Marriage Tree

What is a popular local dish?

There are too many to name only one – here are some of our traditional foods:

Bobotie: [buh-boor-tee] – A dish of Cape Malay origin, made with minced meat and spices, and topped with an egg sauce.

Boerewors: [boor-uh-vors] – Literally translates to “farmer’s sausage”. A savoury sausage developed by the Boers – today’s Afrikaners – some 200 years ago. Boerewors is South African food at its most traditional.

Biltong: [bill-tong] – This South African favourite is dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky, although it can be made from ostrich, kudu or any other red meat.

Bunny chow: Delicious and cheap food on the go, bunny chow is a spicey curry served in a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread, generally sold in greasy-spoon cafés.

Droëwors: [droo-uh-vors] – Dried boerewors, similar to biltong.

Koeksister: [kook-sister] A traditional Malay and now also Afrikaner sweet, made from twisted yeast dough, deep fried and dipped in syrup. The word comes from the Dutch koek (“cake”) and sissen, meaning ‘’to sizzle”.

Malva Pudding:  a sweet pudding of Cape Dutch origin. It contains apricot jam and has a spongy caramelized texture. A cream sauce is often poured over it while it is hot, and it is usually served hot with custard and/or ice-cream.

Melktert: which means “milk tart” in Afrikaans, is a South African dessert consisting of a sweet pastry crust containing a creamy filling made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs.

Pap: [pup] – The staple food of South Africa, a porridge made from mealie meal (maize meal) cooked with water and salt to a fairly stiff consistency.

Samoosa: [suh-moo-suh] – A small, spicy, triangular-shaped pie deep-fried in oil. Originally made by the Indian and Malay communities, samoosas – known as samosas in Britain – are popular with all South Africans.

Vetkoek: [fet-cook] – “Fat cake” in Afrikaans, vetkoek is a doughnut-sized bread roll made from deep-fried yeast dough. Mainly served with a savoury mince filling, it is artery-clogging and delicious.

What do you pay for?

(1 USD = approx. ZAR 19.43)

  • In a restaurant a cup of coffee is typically R25.00.
  • A can of Coca Cola is typically R15.00.
  • A meal for 2 people – nothing extravagant – will typically cost R400.00
  • A loaf of bread – R19.00

General Safety?

Unfortunately, due to the extreme divides between poverty and wealth, in addition to rising unemployment figures, crime is very much a fact of life in South Africa. One has to be vigilant and aware at all times and take safety precautions wherever possible.

And in conclusion… Famous South Africans you may know include:

  • Nelson Mandela – Anti-apartheid activist and the country’s first black president.
  • Elon Musk – Business mogul and CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter.
  • Trevor Noah – Comedian, writer, producer and host of The Daily Show.
  • Charlize Theron – One of the world’s highest paying actresses and producers.
  • Mark Shuttleworth – CEO of Canonical, a computer software company, and the fist South African to travel to space as a space tourist.

 

To read more exciting blogs, please click on the link below:

Blog

 

Written by Eloise Williams

Edited by Saudika Hendricks

Contributions by Relocation Africa’s Head Office Team

 

Lize-Mari Ras
,

Achieving Wellness in the Workplace from an Intern’s Perspective

 

For any employee starting at a new company, worry about the type of environment they will enter into, and the culture of the company is a natural concern. As a new employee, only being at Relocation Africa for a month thus far, I was pleasantly taken aback at the measures put into place to maintain a healthy work environment.

In the boardroom was an illustration of a blue summer’s sky, covering the entire length of the wall. While on the floor was astroturf grass that immediately made me want to take off my shoes and sit crossed legs while sipping on a juice. I immediately felt calm walking in, and any remnants of nerves completely vanished when I was greeted by all the kind faces. I was invited to help build a two-thousand-piece puzzle that lay sprawled out on the boardroom table, and advised that if ever I felt I needed a break, I could escape into the boardroom to continue building the puzzle. I was swarmed by the invitations that came stringing in; a standing desk I could use if my back ever hurt from sitting at my desk for too long, a garden that I could go and pick herbs or lettuce from whenever I felt like it, a radio that I could adjust and listen to the music I liked, and the thing I loved the most; bottomless coffee at any time of the day!

Needless to say, it didn’t take me very long to become comfortable in such a welcoming environment. When important matters were discussed, I was asked for my opinion, and when I stated it, I was listened to. As a newcomer, I felt heard and seen. I felt like my opinions mattered. I felt like I was valued, and adding value to a great cause.

During my induction, our Human Resource Generalist made it a point to emphasise exactly what her job entails, that the resources at the company are human beings. Human resources are not machines, or tools, or inanimate objects. Employees are people, with lives, problems, priorities, worries, and trauma.

In that moment it all made sense to me. A great company cannot exist without great employees turning its wheels. And in order to have great employees, you not only need to encourage them to BE great, but also remind them that they ARE great.

From the moment I walked into the doors of Relocation Africa to start my first day of work, having just graduated and fresh out of university, I’ve learnt something new every day. And the learning hasn’t stopped since. Even at the end of the days that I feel exhausted after all the work that I had done, I leave the company’s premises looking forward to returning the next morning.

After working here for a month I’ve had the privilege of participating in most of the company’s regular team building activities. I was introduced to a tradition called ‘’Wacky Wednesday,’’ and initially hoped that the Steers we’d get our burgers from would be Halaal…

However, that’s not what Wacky Wednesdays at Relocation Africa is about. Although, this tradition was not at all disappointing when I participated in what Joy Jackson, our HR Generalist, had put together to ensure that everyone in the office takes a break from their work to lift their spirits. Wacky Wednesdays are an opportunity to be fun, crazy, weird, and even insightful and informative. It’s an opportunity for overwhelmed employees to get away from their laptops and share a laugh with the rest of the team.

Similar to Wacky Wednesdays, the company also hosts a monthly Wellness workshop, which typically lasts for an hour and a half. During this time, employees connect, engage, encourage, and educate one another. At my first Wellness Workshop on Wednesday the 26th of April, I witnessed first-hand what can only be described as the reason for Relocation Africa’s 30 years of success.

We hear and read so much about positive working environments, how to create one, how to maintain one, how it increases productivity and all of its other benefits. Yet, I’ve hardly ever come across an employee who hasn’t complained about their job, about how they’re underpaid, about how they’re being exploited, or about the toxic traits of others in the workplace. At this point, I was certain that a positive working environment was an absolute myth. I was unsure that any company actually stuck to their ethics and values. But what I participated in on Wednesday was the personification of a positive working environment.

During the Wellness Workshop I could physically see the moods and attitudes of my colleagues lighting up.

We were asked to describe how we were feeling at the start of the workshop, and then again right at the very end of the workshop, in just one word. I said that I felt fooled at the start because I was confused as to why everyone was throwing an egg around. Apparently, having the egg meant that it’s your turn to talk. I found myself praying that I don’t embarrass myself in the presence of my new colleagues by dropping the egg and making a huge mess, only to discover that the egg was actually made of rubber. In the beginning I felt fooled, and at the end I felt satisfied with all that I had learnt.

One of my colleagues commented; ‘’I came in feeling frustrated and left feeling like my cup had been filled.’’ I personally could relate to the last part, and I am certain the rest of my colleagues can too. I entered the wellness workshop oblivious to how much fun I would have in the minutes that followed. Like everyone else, I grabbed a seat, feeling uneasy about where to sit and what to expect. It’s a strange feeling when your HR Generalist pulls you away from your work to come and have fun.

Despite the reluctancy to start, everyone gradually eased into the activity, being drawn in by the fact that what is being discussed resonates within them. This month’s topic was boundaries, something that everyone has experienced before. The conversation entailed knowing and establishing your own boundaries in order to know when your boundaries have been crossed, what the emotions are that we feel when someone crosses our boundaries, and why we may be more comfortable when we are the ones crossing another individual’s boundaries.

Everyone is guaranteed to learn something at the Wellness Workshops, whether it’s about life, their colleagues or themselves. There is an involuntary introspection that occurs, as its only natural to apply what you have learnt to your own life. This reflection and introspection are exactly the thought processes that Joy encourages.

Joy’s motivation for initiating the Wellness Workshops came out of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. After everyone gradually started returning to the office, trying desperately to get back into the rhythm of a somewhat normal routine after enduring the trauma that the pandemic imposed, Joy noticed that everyone was still in a sombre space and decided to take it upon herself to change that. Joy tries to empower employees through these Wellness Workshops, not only in the workplace, but also in their personal lives.

She has repeatedly mentioned that, ‘’if even just one person can take even just one thing home that benefits them, even if they don’t voice it, the Wellness workshop has served its purpose.’’ She wants to promote self-awareness and encourage employees by providing insight on topics that we all might experience or even be struggling with at some point in our lives, by creating a safe space for us to talk about it.

Not only is conversation about these topics encouraged during these workshops, but it is done so while joking over and sharing chocolates and coffee. My colleagues and I took turns, in pairs, playing a game that involved clearly setting a boundary for your personal space, while the other deliberately crosses that boundary. Both parties are then asked to describe how they felt while enacting the rules of the game, thereby involuntarily being encouraged to do introspection.

I can honestly say that during this game, I learnt a lot about my colleagues and myself.

At the end, I felt happy and grateful to have the privilege to be able to laugh with my colleagues so freely. I felt like I was a part of something greater than myself and I felt eager to tackle my tasks for the day. I felt energetic, like the Wellness Workshop had given me a new zest and sense of enthusiasm to get to my desk and achieve what I had set out to achieve for that day.

On the 26th of April, at the monthly Wellness Workshop, I witnessed laughter resonate through the walls of Relocation Africa, and discovered the secret to their 30 years of success…

It’s in the way they build connections with and treat their team.

 

If you enjoyed this article, click on the link below to read more about the company and culture at Relocation Africa:

What Makes Relocation Africa Different

 

Written and Compiled by:

Joy Jackson (Ideation)

Lize-Mari Ras

Saudika Hendricks

Lize-Mari Ras
,

What Makes Relocation Africa Different?

If the company culture at Relocation Africa could be captured with a single word, we would describe ourselves as a family.

At Relocation Africa, we place emphasis on knowing and genuinely caring for each other on a personal level, having good relationships with each other, and treating one another with respect, compassion, and patience. Sharing a warm and family-like bond at the office, we prioritise creating this same bond with each of our clients. We know that a little bit of warmth and compassion can go a long way, especially in the process of making a life-altering relocation to a new country.

This is why we’ve made connecting and establishing valuable connections, the centre of the way we conduct our business.

We understand that there is an emotionally challenging side when making the decision that will shape the experience and outcome of your relocation. As a matter of fact, Relocation Africa was incorporated because of the compassion that a mother felt for others making these big transitions, a mother who found herself in a similar life-altering situation. This mother, our founder, Rose Maytham, decided to help other families by turning her passion into a business.

In 1993, Rose started Relocation Africa. Today, 30 years later Relocation Africa is not only stronger than ever but also the best relocation service provider on the entire African continent. Rose’s entrepreneurial spirit has been passed onto her daughter, Rene, who has taken over the reins since 2002.

Rene is following in her mother’s footsteps, with all the same passion and dedication. Having grown up and experienced the turmoil of relocating with her mum and sister after being forced to relocate from Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) to South Africa, René happily climbed on board with her mother to steer the business into success. Like mother and daughter, they share the same values, and have implemented these core values into the company as well. These values tie into the sincerity of the objectives with which the company was started, making Relocation Africa destined for success.

This powerful mother and daughter duo has been through and felt the exact emotions that each of the expatriates may feel during their relocation. This is why our company’s purpose is to embrace the unknown, and we encourage all our clients to do the same. You embrace the unknown while we ensure that your destination that you are relocating to is successful and fruitful.

Life happens, and while you could say that Rene’s life plans were completely thrown off course, since she initially saw a career for herself in marketing, we choose to look at it as an act of fate. While her interest in marketing was strong, her passion to help people was overwhelming. It was this passion for the relocation industry that made the transition so easy for Rene, and she hasn’t looked back on her decision since.

However, her love for marketing and other creative modes of business still exists and is evident in the business’ involvement and presence on all forms of media. Relocation Africa has a range of Blogs and Articles on their website to keep clients informed and help them in any way possible, written with the very same objectives that the company was initially started for. Rene also regularly attends conferences, workshops and meetings all over the world, representing the company – her primary passion – and tending to her interests at the same time.

This combination of passion, interests, motivation and dedication from Rene and the rest of the team at Relocation Africa’s head office is the main reason why Relocation Africa is the largest independently run destination service business in the whole of Africa. René and her team prioritise building authentic and lasting relationships with all of their clients and stakeholders as Relocation Africa understands the value that such relationships have for the future of a company in the relocation industry.

As a business who treats each of their staff and stakeholders like family members, we understand that relocating your family is a challenge that comes with a lot of stress and uncertainty, which is why we always keep each client’s unique needs and concerns at the forefront of our service delivery.

Whether you are moving to Europe or Africa the task of relocating will always pose a challenge. There will always be some unexpected hurdles you will have to overcome along the way. Depending on the culture of the country you are relocating from, you may experience more challenges and even a bit of a culture shock as you settle into Africa. It is important to be mindful of the fact that every nation and group of people have different methods of doing things, so experiencing a culture shock may be inevitable.

Cultural differences alone can be remarkably challenging, requiring individuals to make significant adjustments to adapt to the lifestyle, customs, and language of the new environment. However, at Relocation Africa, we make it our mission to prevent potentially overwhelming culture shocks by building our client’s knowledge of their locations and managing their expectations upfront so the chances of encountering unexpected surprises are minimised.

When we educate our clients, we ensure that they are properly informed about the impactful factors, the little things, and even the fun and creative aspects of the new city they will soon call their home. We take the liberty of compiling a list of things each client may need to take heed of, places they might like to visit, sights they should definitely see, and fun things to do for themselves and the whole family. For instance, we may advise our clients of the infrastructural issues in the city they are moving to, such as the problems with the reliability of the electricity supply in South Africa. In the same breath, we also enlighten our clients about the various fun, sporty, leisurely, or relaxing activities that are offered in these same cities, like paragliding from signal hill in Cape Town or swimming amongst the sharks in Durban.

Relocation Africa places emphasis on ensuring that our clients are well familiar with all the amenities available to them and all the challenges they may encounter, we highlight the good and the bad.

While Africa certainly offers many great investment opportunities, it would be ignorant to ignore the challenges that may come with it. We know, however, that the prior usually overshadows the latter as the feedback we get from clients we have previously assisted usually describes their experience as fulfilling and extremely financially rewarding.

So, Why Choose Relocation Africa?

Being around for 30 years certainly bears testament to the strong relationships embedded in the business’s culture. In our 30 years, we’ve grown, we’ve learnt, we’ve overcome obstacles, and we’ve also expanded our business according to the need of our clients. That is what is important to us, and that is what makes our service delivery excellent and reliable. Moreover, our 30 years of experience and knowledge have enabled us to turn your challenging relocation process into a hassle-free experience, allowing you to spend more time on the more important things in life.

By now you would understand that we speak from experience when we say that we know how intimidating and nerve-wracking the process of settling in can be, especially when it comes to relocating your entire life and family across the world to an unknown country. We’ve walked the road before, and by dealing with these cases every day, there is not a problem that may arise during any relocation that we have not yet solved.

We encourage and help our clients to embrace the unknown, all while equipping them with the necessary resources and knowledge to make their relocation easier. We take pride in the personal and supportive relationships that we’ve established with our clients, because we know exactly how reassuring it is to have someone who understands by your side. Our clients have the comfort of knowing that our directors, stakeholders, consultants, and staff are here to accompany them on their journey. Our aim is to create a positive, and welcoming atmosphere, one that encourages conversation and trust.

We achieve this by taking the time to get to know you, to ask you what is important to you, because what’s important to you, is important to us.

To us, our customers are more than just paying customers, our customers are family.

 

If you’re interested in gaining an insider’s perspective on how Relocation Africa puts their principles into action, then please click on the link below:

Achieving Wellness In the Workplace from an Intern’s Perspective

 

Written and Compiled by:

Lize-Mari Ras

Saudika Hendricks