From Bunny Chow to Waterfalls – A Week That’s 100% Saffa, 100% UK

It’s one of those weeks that makes you glad you stuck it out — a bit more sun, longer evenings, and that unmistakable whiff of something sizzling on the braai (or maybe just your neighbour’s BBQ... again).

In this issue:

So grab a cuppa, or a Castle if it’s that kind of day — and let’s dive in.

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Ever feel like you're paying too much and getting too little in return? Here’s the hack: you’re entitled to loads of free extras you probably didn’t know about — just by having a UK bank account, mobile contract, or council registration.

🟢 Free cinema tickets, coffee, Greggs bakes?
If you're with O2, you get weekly perks via O2 Priority — including free coffees, early concert access, and food deals.

🟡 Free food, household goods & baby items near you?
Download the OLIO app to claim free food and surplus items from neighbours and local stores. Totally free. Totally genius.

🔵 Council freebies & discounts
Search your postcode on EntitledTo — many councils offer energy vouchers, white goods grants, and more... and no one tells you unless you ask.

This week: grab what’s already yours. You’ll thank yourself for knowing this!

The cost of living crisis has hit most UK wallets — and we’re all hunting for ways to have fun without spending a fortune.

The good news? Some of the most jaw-dropping places to visit in the UK are completely free.

Think misty waterfalls, mountain skylines, rooftop gardens, and secret forests — no entry fee required.

Here’s your budget-friendly UK bucket list:

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or skyline views, these hidden gems are all about big joy without big spend. Bookmark this one.

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Born in Cape Town, Kelly Hoppen CBE has become one of the UK’s most celebrated interior designers. Starting her career at just 16, she transformed her passion into a global brand, known for her serene neutral palettes and timeless elegance.

She’s designed homes for A-listers like the Beckhams, created luxury interiors for yachts and hotels, launched product lines, authored bestselling books — and even served as a Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, backing up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

Her work has earned her both an MBE and CBE for services to interior design — and it’s not hard to see why.

We’re incredibly proud to count her among the South African community in the UK. She’s not just brilliant at what she does — she’s absolutely wonderful, and an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when talent and hard work meet.

👏 Hats off, Kelly — you’ve earned every bit of your success.

This week, we bid farewell to Darren Scott, a beloved South African radio legend who passed away on 27 May 2025 at the age of 61, following a courageous battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma.

With a broadcasting career spanning over four decades, Darren became a household name through his work on stations like Capital Radio 604, 5FM, Jacaranda FM, East Coast Radio, and most recently, HOT 102.7FM. His warm voice, quick wit, and deep knowledge of music and sports endeared him to listeners nationwide.

Beyond the microphone, Darren was known for his generosity and mentorship, always uplifting those around him. His ex-wife, Sarah-Kate Accetta, shared that the outpouring of support during his final months gave him hope and a profound sense of being loved.
👉 Source

Darren's legacy is one of connection, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his craft. He leaves behind his sons, Mark and Matthew, and a nation of listeners who will miss him dearly.

Rest in peace, Darren. Your voice will echo in our hearts forever.

You don’t need to be in Durban to bite into a proper bunny chow — just a fresh loaf of bread and a good curry bubbling on the stove. If you’ve never tried making one at home, this is your weekend fun sorted.

Start with a large white loaf, unsliced. Cut it in half and scoop out the soft insides (keep those for dunking). Now fill that bread cavity with a rich, spiced curry — chicken, lamb, chickpea, whatever you love — and let it soak in. Add a sprinkle of coriander, and boom: pure South African magic.

Here's a simplified list of what you’ll need:

🔥 It’s messy, it’s hearty, and it’s nostalgic in all the right ways.
🇿🇦 If you miss home, this is a warm, spicy hug in a bread bowl.

This week’s SPECIAL FREE REPORT is one we really think you’ll want to keep.

If you’re used to private medical aid in South Africa, the NHS can feel confusing, slow, and sometimes even risky. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this special report, we show you how to:

It’s packed with practical tips, hidden UK systems, and hybrid strategies South Africans in the UK need to know.

👉Read the report over here.

Print it. Share it. Bookmark it. It could save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Next week: We’re launching something that could change the game for South Africans living in the UK.

After months of building, testing, and dreaming — we’re unveiling the SA Connect UK Friend Finder.
A simple, private map-based tool to help you find fellow Saffas living nearby.

Want to make a new mate for coffee?
Find a walking buddy?
Plan a braai without grilling solo?

Now you can.

💬 No algorithms. No awkward DMs. Just people like you — nearby, kind, and keen to connect.

This is your invitation to find community, conversation, and maybe even a lifelong friend.

Don’t miss next week’s newsletter — we’re making it easier than ever to belong.

If this newsletter made you smile, made you hungry, or made you whisper “ag, that’s exactly us” — go ahead and forward it to a fellow South African in the UK.

We’re building something lekker here.
A little joy, a little help, a little community.

And as every Saffa knows… life’s better when it’s shared around the fire (or in this case, the inbox).