You’re Not in SA Anymore... But You’re Definitely Not Alone

Do you remember how long the queues are in SA and can you remember spending days waiting?

If you’ve ever needed a South African birth certificate, police clearance, or any official document from Home Affairs, you’ll know the pain of those endless queues.

But what if you didn’t have to deal with that at all — from the UK?

Enter: Apostil.co.za — a lifesaver for South Africans abroad. This brilliant service stands in line for you, handles the paperwork, gets the documents apostilled or authenticated, and couriers everything to your door in the UK.

Whether you’re applying for visas, sorting citizenship, or just need a marriage certificate fast, they’ve got you covered.

No more favours, no more guilt, no more queues.
Check out their services and pricing here — and thank yourself later.

Dates: 23–25 May 2025
Location: ExCeL London
Tickets: From £21 | Book here

If you’ve ever wanted to meet your favourite actor, cosplay your heart out, or dive into the world of anime, fantasy, and sci-fi — this is your weekend.

MCM Comic Con is back, and it’s huge. Expect three days of panels, celebrity guests, gaming zones, artist alleys, and more merch than your inner geek can handle.

Whether you're into Stranger Things, Star Wars, Marvel, manga or Magic: The Gathering, this is your mothership.

Tip: Dressing up is encouraged — even a cape or silly hat will do. Bring your inner child (and your actual children, too — kids under 10 go free with an adult ticket). It’s creative, joyful chaos... and we’re all for it.

Heads up, team — this Sunday is Mother’s Day back in South Africa. If your mum’s still there and you’ve already bought a card (go you!), now’s the time to post it or finally write in it and get it moving.

Quick and safe option: Use Royal Mail’s International Tracked service — it’s one of the most reliable ways to get a card to SA in about 5–7 working days. But if you’re cutting it fine...

eGifts and eCards are a game-changer. Try services like Moonpig, Funky Pigeon, or even Woolworths SA online to send something beautiful and instant — no stamps, no stress, just love delivered digitally.

Whether it’s a handwritten card or a sweet little ping in her inbox, now’s the time to show her you haven’t forgotten. You’ve still got time to make her day.

In South Africa, a hike means boots, biltong, and a bit of a mission. In the UK? It’s more like a stroll through sheep-dotted fields, a thermos of tea, and a pub at the halfway point.

Welcome to the wonderful world of pub walks and country rambles — where getting “lost” means wandering through stone villages, saying hello to horses, and finishing up with a pint or a roast in a 400-year-old pub.

South Africans here are falling head over muddy boots for the UK’s “right to roam” — the joy of public footpaths that criss-cross almost every corner of the countryside.

Grab a walking map, a mate, and your sense of adventure. Trust us: the Sunday scaries don’t stand a chance.

Don't forget to capture the moments that matter!

Take plenty of photos and share them with us so we can showcase them to our connections.

This way, everyone can stay updated on the fun and exciting events happening within our community. Happy snapping!

Waiting on a UK visa decision can feel like watching paint dry… in winter. But did you know there’s an official tool that gives you a realistic idea of how long you might be waiting?

The Home Office UK Visa Waiting Time Checker is a free online tool that shows average processing times for different visa types — from spousal to skilled worker to visitor visas.

It’s updated regularly, so you can stop refreshing your inbox every five minutes and get some peace of mind.

Check your visa category and get a realistic timeline — instantly.
Try the Visa Waiting Time Checker here

Starting a new life in the UK can feel exciting — but also a little nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to keeping your job.

Many South Africans are still carrying the stress of unstable employment back home, and here’s the good news: UK employment law is built to protect workers — including you.

In Tuesday’s Special Report, we’re breaking down your rights as a worker in the UK — clearly, practically, and without legal mumbo-jumbo. You’ll learn:

• What rights you have based on your visa

• What to do if your boss underpays you

• How holidays, sick leave, and dismissal work here

• The big differences between UK and SA job laws

• And why you actually can say something if something feels off at work

Whether you’re just starting out or already settled, this guide will give you peace of mind — and a lot more confidence about what you’re entitled to.

Ah, rusks. Not quite a biscuit, not quite bread — just pure South African comfort in every bite.

Whether you grew up dunking them in tea on a chilly winter morning or sharing them around a fire on holiday, rusks are one of those rare things that taste like belonging.

Sure, Brits might raise an eyebrow and call it “dry cake,” but we know better. From buttermilk classics to muesli-packed modern twists, rusks carry the warmth of home across oceans.

Ready to bake your own batch and fill your kitchen with the smell of nostalgia?

Our yummee recipe is waiting for you at SAConnectUK.co.uk and also, remember to take a look at the website for more mouth-watering recipes and helpful resources.

Loved this week’s issue? Forward it to a friend who misses the taste of home — they’ll thank you for it.