In partnership with
Let’s not sugar-coat it: this week’s newsletter is a banger.
We’ve got the loo-locator every South African in the UK needs, the Chelsea Flower Show’s most over-the-top garden drama, and a legal win that means you can now hold two passports without blinking.
Whether you’re fresh off the plane or a decade deep, these are the little things that make life here feel more doable—and even delightful.
Scroll on, friend. You’re going to love this one.
Life Hack of the Week: Toilet Panic? There’s a Map for That
Back home, you’re never more than 5 minutes from a spotless loo—garage stops, shopping centres, petrol stations. Not so in the UK. Here, thanks to sky-high labour costs, public toilets are rare, and clean ones even rarer. For some of us (hi, Troy), that’s a source of… let's call it quiet panic.
Enter the hero we didn’t know we needed: www.toiletmap.org.uk. This glorious site lists every single public toilet in the UK—including opening times, accessibility, and even whether it costs 20p. It’s like Google Maps, but for bladders.
Next time you're out and about and nature calls, don't panic—just pull up the map and relax (well, soon).
What’s On: FA Cup Final – Crystal Palace in a Wembley Showdown
Mark your calendars: Saturday 17 May is FA Cup Final day—and Crystal Palace have made it to Wembley! They’ll be facing Manchester City in what’s sure to be a thrilling clash of the underdog vs. the giant.
The FA Cup is the UK’s oldest and most-loved football competition. Watching the final—whether live at Wembley, on BBC One, or at your local pub—is basically a British cultural rite of passage. Expect passion, drama, a few tears (happy or otherwise), and loads of shouting at the telly.
Where to watch: BBC One, ITV1, or your nearest pub with a pint.
When: Saturday 17 May 2025
Even if you're not a footie fan, this one's worth joining in on. And if Palace pull it off? It'll be one for the history books.
SAFFA FOCUS: Dual Citizens, Rejoice!
Big news from back home: the Constitutional Court has ruled that South Africans can now hold dual citizenship without needing prior permission from Home Affairs.
That’s right—you no longer automatically lose your South African citizenship when becoming a citizen of another country. The law that made this happen (Section 6(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act) has officially been declared unconstitutional.
If you or someone you know lost their South African citizenship under the old rule, there’s more good news: a process is being developed to reinstate it. The Department of Home Affairs is building a portal to help get things moving.
This ruling brings peace of mind and a powerful sense of continuity to South Africans abroad—no more choosing between your roots and your future.
South African and British? Ja, you can be both now.
Fun Stuff: Blooming Brilliant! It’s Chelsea Flower Show Time
Get your picnic hat and poshest inner gardener ready—The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back from 20–24 May 2025, and it’s as over-the-top and beautiful as ever. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, it’s the glitziest garden party in the UK calendar.
Expect jaw-dropping floral displays, bizarre sculptures, celeb sightings (King Charles is a big fan), and a few “how is that a garden?” moments. It’s equal parts art, theatre, and plant nerd paradise.
This year, look out for Monty Don’s debut garden, featuring a “shaggy lawn” with daisies and dandelions, promoting a more relaxed approach to gardening. Also debuting: “Catherine’s Rose”, a coral-pink bloom named in honour of Kate Middleton, supporting cancer care initiatives.
And don’t forget the South African stars—fynbos and proteas often steal the show. Even if you can’t go in person, BBC coverage is brilliant.
Flower power, British-style. Who knew begonias could be so competitive?
Resource of the Week: Free Days Out – Find Hidden Gems Near You
Want to explore the UK without breaking the bank? Say hello to www.freedomtodiscover.org—a brilliant website that helps you find free days out across the UK. Parks, museums, heritage sites, quirky trails, family-friendly adventures—it’s all there, and it’s all free.
Just pop in your postcode and voilà: a list of local gems you probably didn’t even know existed. It’s perfect for weekend wanders, half-term plans, or just getting out and about without spending a fortune.
You didn’t move across the world to sit on the couch, right?
Bonus tip: Bookmark it now. You’ll thank yourself when the sun comes out and your wallet says “no thanks.”
Coming Up Next Week
Next week’s edition is going to be a cracker!
We’ll take a look at how to avoid culture clash moments at work, spotlight a South African making waves in the UK food scene, and share a cheeky tip for saving money on UK prescriptions— don’t miss it!
If today’s newsletter made you laugh, helped you feel more at home, or just gave you something to chat about over tea—please pass it on to a fellow Saffa in the UK.
It might be just the thing they needed this week.
We’ll be back soon with more stories, tips, and a reminder that you’re never far from home—even here.
The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
