South Africa:
You phone your dentist, book an appointment within a few days, stroll into a clean, private practice, and get world-class treatment — often partly covered by your medical aid.

Fancy a scale and polish? Easy. Need a crown? Sorted. Want a second opinion? No problem.

Your biggest worry? Remembering to floss before the appointment so they don’t judge you.

United Kingdom:
You phone... and you wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Then you find out your NHS dentist closed their list six months ago.
You can go private — if you don't mind remortgaging your house for a filling.
Your biggest worry? Finding a dentist that still accepts new patients before all your teeth fall out.

The good news?
We're dropping a full Special Report next Tuesday on how to hack UK dentistry — how to get seen faster, what to ask, when to go NHS vs private, and how to save your smile (and your wallet).

Watch this space!

South Africans arriving in the UK often feel serious sticker shock when it comes to groceries.

Wait... HOW much for a block of cheese?!
But here’s the good news: If you know where (and how) to shop, you can slash your food bill without living on instant noodles.

Here’s how savvy South Africans do it:

• Shop at ALDI and LIDL for basics.
  (They’re like the no-frills cousins of Pick n Pay — but cheaper and often just as good.)
  

• Use loyalty apps (Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar) — prices drop massively when you scan the app.
  

• Hit the yellow sticker section in supermarkets late afternoon/early evening.
  (That’s where the heavily discounted "about to expire" stuff hides — some deals are insane.)
  

• Visit local markets for fresh veg and fruit — they’re often way cheaper than supermarkets.
  

• Buy 'own brand' products — in the UK, supermarket brands are often identical to the fancy ones but half the price.
  (Try Tesco’s "Finest" range or Sainsbury’s "Taste the Difference" if you want fancier.)

Bonus Tip:
For proper taste of home treats (like Mrs Balls chutney, biltong, boerie), check out specialty South African shops like The Savanna — but buy only your treats there and basics elsewhere to keep costs sane!

Plans to hike VAT in South Africa have been officially scrapped after massive public backlash and some fierce political pressure, led strongly by the DA.

The proposed increase — meant to plug budget holes — was met with outrage from citizens already stretched thin by rising costs.

Thanks to a loud and united outcry, the ANC government had no choice but to backpedal fast and confirm that VAT will stay put at 15%.

Moral of the story?

When South Africans stand together, we still make magic happen.

Here's to keeping a few extra rands in your pocket — and enjoying a rare, sweet win for the people!

Brighton Festival 2025 — A Whole City in Celebration

Dates: 3 May – 25 May 2025
Location: Brighton, Sussex

Imagine an entire city transformed into one huge, joyful playground for art, music, dance, theatre, and wild imagination — that's the Brighton Festival.

One of the UK’s biggest and boldest multi-arts festivals, Brighton Festival spills through the streets, parks, theatres, and beachside venues with a vibrancy that's impossible to resist.

Think stunning open-air performances, breathtaking circus acts, intimate concerts, powerful storytelling, giant puppets, fireworks — and thousands of creative souls letting loose together.

Whether you're in the mood for boundary-pushing art, family fun, or a long, lazy day wandering through impromptu street performances with coffee in hand, Brighton has it.

And this year’s festival is especially joyful, with a focus on connection, community, and celebrating the sheer wonder of being together.

Pro tip: If you can only make one event, don’t miss the Children’s Parade (the largest of its kind in Europe!) or the wild and whimsical outdoor shows along the seafront.

Explore the Brighton Festival lineup here.

This May, don’t just watch from the sidelines — jump into the magic. Dance, celebrate, wander, wonder. Build new memories that root you deeper into your new home — and remind you that the spirit of adventure that brought you here is still burning bright.

One of the unexpected delights of living in the UK? Getting lost — and loving it.

South Africans often find the UK’s historic mazes completely enchanting.
We grew up with beaches, mountains, and open veld — but not whimsical gardens where you can wander, laugh, and puzzle your way out through towering green walls!

Where to start?

• Longleat Maze (Wiltshire): the biggest in Britain, with 1.7 miles of pathways!

• Leeds Castle Maze (Kent): twisty paths and a magical underground grotto waiting at the end.

• Hampton Court Maze (London area): over 300 years old — the original “get lost for fun” experience!

Find more here.

Pro tip: Bring a friend, a packed lunch, and your sense of humour.
(And maybe a GPS... just kidding. Mostly.)

Our website dedicated to Saffers is growing. Remember to use it and give us suggestions we can add to help fellow South Africans.

Struggling to find a good dentist in the UK? You're not alone.

Next Tuesday, we're dropping a free Special Report that reveals how to survive the UK dental system — from getting faster NHS appointments to knowing when (and where) to go private without breaking the bank.

Your smile deserves better — and so does your wallet.