South Africans know sunshine is more than weather — it’s fuel.

That’s why the UK winter hits so hard: grey skies, short days, and that flat feeling that just won’t shift.

This week we share our Winter Sun Survival Plan — where Saffas go to recharge when January blues arrive, and how to do it without breaking the bank.

You’ll also find a hidden UK switch that could cut £200 off your bills, an inspiring Cape Town referee making rugby history, and a London tradition so quirky it’ll make you grin.

Sunshine, savings, and a touch of Saffa pride — that’s your weekend sorted.

If you’re in the UK and paying for water on an unmetered supply, you could be wasting hundreds every year. The fix? Ask your water supplier for a free water meter installation. It’s quick, risk-free, and often saves £200–£350 a year.

How it works:

Typical savings:

Quick steps:

Why it works for South Africans in the UK: many of us live in homes bigger than our household size, making us prime candidates for this hidden money-saver.

If there’s one date to circle this autumn, it’s Sunday 21 September. Twickenham. The Women’s Rugby World Cup Final.

Not just any final either. The first ever Women’s World Cup hosted by England and Wales. Eighty thousand fans, history humming in the stands, and London primed for a party afterwards.

And yes, we can hear the question already: how on earth is South Africa not in the final? Tongue firmly in cheek here — women’s rugby is still finding its feet back home. Which is all the more reason to cheer as the game takes flight worldwide.

Kickoff is at 2:45pm, with gates opening from 11. Resale tickets hover around £50.

Twickenham sits just 15 minutes by train from London Waterloo. Which means no excuse, unless you’d rather join the crowd in a pub or shout at the telly at home.

Either way, it’s one to watch. A milestone for women’s sport, and a day when the rugby gods smile on something bigger than the scoreboard.

👉 Who’s your pick to win?

When you move countries, it can feel like starting again — smaller, quieter, a little invisible. But every now and then, a South African reminds us what it looks like to rise above the noise and make your presence felt on the biggest stage of all.

Meet Aimee Barrett-Theron, born in Cape Town, once a player for the Springbok Women, now one of the world’s top referees. This month she makes history as the first woman ever to referee 40 Test matches — blowing her whistle at Twickenham in front of 80,000 fans.

She didn’t get there easily. She had to push through raised eyebrows, lonely sidelines, and the doubters who couldn’t picture a woman holding the whistle in a man’s game. But she never backed down. Step by step, game by game, she proved that calm authority, fairness, and courage aren’t about gender — they’re about grit.

And that’s why her story matters to us. Because whether you’re chasing a job in London, building a life for your kids, or trying to find your place in a new country, Aimee shows what South Africans are made of. We adapt. We persevere. And in the end, we shine.

So when the cameras pan across Twickenham and you see her — whistle in hand, head held high — take a moment to say it with us: well done, man, well done.

Only in London would they close off a bridge so a few hundred sheep could trot across like woolly commuters late for work. Farmers march alongside, serious as judges. The Freemen of the City beam with ancient pride. And then, the cherry on top — some celebrity in a robe, waving as if they’ve just discovered sheep for the first time.

Apparently, it’s been going on for 700 years. Back then it was business. Now it’s pure theatre — part history lesson, part comedy sketch, and absolutely free.

The real joy is in the mash-up. Sheep colliding with selfie sticks. Tourists doubled over. Morris dancers stomping. Folk music competing with traffic noise. Children running about with fox faces painted on.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, Borough Market waits around the corner. Street food, pints, and the comforting thought that Britain will always find new ways to make the absurd look perfectly normal.

When & where:

It’s autumn braai season in the UK — the days are cooler, the nights are windier, but that’s never stopped a South African.

The real challenge? Getting those coals going. Back home you’d strike a match and off you go. Here… soggy charcoal and drizzle.

That’s why I now swear by this little gadget: a kitchen blowtorch. Designed for crème brûlée, but perfect for braais. Point, click, woof — flames in seconds.

Why it’s brilliant:

I literally own this exact model — and at £9.99 in the SA Connect UK Shop (at the time of writing), it’s a steal (others go for £16+). Honestly, I don’t know how I managed without it.

🔥 Get the Blowtorch — £9.99 in Our Shop

💡 Smart Saffa Tip: If you’ve ever dreamed of upgrading to a proper barbecue in the UK, now’s the time. Between now and 31 October is when the big retailers quietly slash prices — sometimes up to half off.

From November, Brits pack theirs away… but we all know South Africans don’t stop for winter. Be patient, shop clever, and you could land a serious braai bargain.

Here’s a reality check: moving from South Africa’s year-round sunshine to the UK’s grey winters can really mess with you. It’s not the cold that hits hardest — it’s the lack of light. Seasonal depression (SAD) is common here, and many Saffas are caught off-guard.

When I first arrived, I thought winter might finish me off. But Sarah and I discovered something that’s changed everything: we make sure to get away at the end of January or early February — just a short trip somewhere sunny. A week of real sunlight recharges your batteries like nothing else.

Where to go without breaking the bank:

How to afford it (without debt):
Most UK operators (TUI, Jet2, loveholidays, OnTheBeach) let you:

💡 Extra tip: Use a savings app like Monzo or Revolut Vaults — create a little “Sunshine Fund,” set up a weekly auto-save, and by winter you’ll have your escape pot ready.

👉 Browse Winter Sun Deals

Why this matters for Saffas in the UK: Back home, you don’t realise how much the sun keeps you going until it’s gone. A planned winter sun boost can stop SAD in its tracks — giving you light, energy, and hope through the darkest months.

We’ve given you sunshine this week — but next week we’ll share a little-known way to turn winter from a drain into a gain. It’s clever, it’s underused, and it could put real money back in your pocket.

Until then, take care, stay curious, and keep that South African fire burning.
Troy & Sarah