Bon Voyage!

Welcome, South Africans in the UK!

Troy Robins & Sarah Robins
February 27, 2025

Hello fellow South Africans! Welcome to our very first issue!

Whether you've been living in the UK for years or you've just arrived, our brand new newsletter is your new home away from home.

We understand the unique journey of adapting to a new culture while keeping the vibrant spirit of South Africa alive in your heart. Our goal is to connect you with fellow South Africans, sharing news, culture, and opportunities that resonate with our shared heritage.

Through this newsletter, we aim to:

Educate: Keep you informed about the latest news from both South Africa and the UK, ensuring you're never out of the loop.
Connect: Foster a sense of community by highlighting gatherings, events, and stories that celebrate our South African identity.
Thrive: Provide resources, advice, and insights to help you navigate life in the UK, from career opportunities to cultural adjustments.

We're more than just a newsletter; we're a community hub where each edition brings you closer to friends, news, and the South African warmth you miss. Let's make the UK feel a bit more like home together.

Cheers to thriving, connecting, and celebrating our South African spirit!

Thriving in the UK…

Gif by gifiday on Giphy

Pancake Day in the UK: A Quick Guide for South Africans (and others)

Who’s Involved?

Everyone in the UK gets in on the action—families, mates, even random strangers racing down the street with frying pans!

It’s a nationwide vibe where Brits (and now you, our SA expats) flip pancakes like pros. Kids, grannies, and even the local vicar might join in, especially in smaller towns where traditions run deep.

Why Do They Do It?

Pancake Day, officially called Shrove Tuesday, is the last hurrah before Lent kicks off—a 40-day stretch where Christians traditionally give up the good stuff (think biltong-level sacrifices, but for sugar, eggs, and butter).

Back in the day, folks used up these ingredients before fasting, and pancakes became the lekker way to do it. Now, it’s less about religion for most and more about scoffing tasty treats.

What’s Happening?

It’s all about pancakes—thin, crepe-style ones, not the thick American stacks. You fry ‘em up, flip ‘em high (if you’re brave), and pile on toppings like lemon and sugar (the classic), or go wild with chocolate or fruit.

Some towns host pancake races—people sprinting while tossing pancakes in pans, often in aprons or silly costumes.

It’s like a jol with a side of chaos!

When’s It On?

This year, it’s Tuesday, 4 March 2025. The date shifts annually because it’s tied to Easter, always landing 47 days before Easter Sunday.

So, unlike Heritage Day back home, it’s a moving feast—mark your calendars!

Where’s It At?

Everywhere in the UK! Your kitchen in London, a mate’s flat in Manchester, or a village green in Buckinghamshire—pancakes pop up coast to coast.

The famous Olney Pancake Race in Buckinghamshire is a must-see if you’re near there; it’s been flipping since 1445. Otherwise, just peek out your window—someone’s bound to be at it.

Bonus Tip for Saffas: Add a dollop of Mrs Ball’s chutney for a fusion twist—sweet and tangy, just like home! Enjoy the jol, and let us know how your first UK Pancake Day goes.

Before we leave you, here are some great tips to help make you feel more at home in the UK:

Personal Touches: Bring in elements from South Africa. This could be art, photographs, or even traditional paintings. These can serve as comforting reminders of home.
Community Connections: Look for local South African communities or groups in your area. They can be a fantastic resource for finding South African goods, sharing traditions, and making friends who understand the expat experience.
Local Exploration: While embracing your roots, also dive into local UK culture. Visit markets, attend local events, and try out British cuisine alongside your South African favorites. This blend will enrich your sense of home.
Comfort Foods: Cooking or finding South African food can be a big mood booster. Look for South African shops or online stores where you can get ingredients like boerewors or biltong.
Garden or Indoor Plants: If you have space, consider gardening with some South African plants or herbs, or even just having indoor plants can bring a touch of nature and comfort.
Routine Building: Establish routines that feel comforting, whether it's a Sunday braai, watching South African sports, or having a weekly catch-up call with family back home.

Remember, making a house feel like a home takes time, but each small addition you make will help. If you need more specific advice or information on where to find South African communities, goods, or events in the UK, feel free to ask!

Next week we discuss how to go about getting a bank account when you first land in the UK

Sorting a bank account when you first hit the UK can be a bit of a mission. No stress though, we’ve got you! SA Connect UK will walk you through the how-to so you’re not left scratching your head.