Out and aboutis a column where we talk to people who currently live abroad, or who used to live and work there. This week we talk to Juanita Smith, who lives in Australia.

Hello Juanita, it’s really nice to talk to you!

Where in South Africa are you from and why did you decide to move to Australia?

I am from Pretoria and my husband is from the Nelspruit area. I moved to Australia with my parents and brother in 2012. My husband, Francois, and I met in Adelaide, South Australia, in 2013 and got married in September 2014.

We have a son, Luke, who was born here and is therefore a true “Aussie” – he is now 10 years old and the light of our lives! We initially lived in Adelaide and were in South Australia for 12 years before moving to Brisbane, Queensland, in October 2024. We are very happy here.

Tell us more about your family.

My husband and I were married in South Australia in 2014. Our son, Luke, was born in November 2015. My husband is an IT manager at Bretts in Brisbane. I am a photographer, and we also homeschool Luke, who is now in year 5.

How did you experience the emigration process to Australia?

I think it’s different for everyone. For me personally, the first two years were rough. It took time to adjust – especially with the language, culture and food. After two years it started to feel like home. I always say: it’s what you make of it.

You miss your homeland and you miss your people, family and friends, but there are so many more opportunities here. It is safe, clean and incredibly beautiful. You can do things that were not always possible in South Africa. We as a family are very happy here – 14 years later we are still counting our blessings!

Tell us more about your work. What does a typical day look like? Is life more relaxed there and do you have more time to relax or travel?

I am a photographer (Joy Filled Photography) and I enjoy it immensely. I have been in the industry for six and a half years now and work with both South African and Australian clients.

I enjoy working for myself because it gives me flexibility as a stay-at-home mom, and also to travel with my husband for his work. I help my son with his schoolwork during the week – he has been doing homeschooling since we moved to Brisbane, and he is progressing well.

I mostly do photography on weekends – including weddings, elopements and family photos. Life is more relaxed. You can go to the beach, visit the zoo, visit friends or just relax at home on weekends. We love being outside – playing cricket, walking, camping, going to the beach or just making a day trip or road trip.

Did you find it easy to make new friends and integrate into the community?

Yes, I made friends easily. It helps to become part of Afrikaans groups and churches, and through my photography I also meet a lot of new people. It also helps that my parents and brother are here.

What was the strangest thing for you to get used to? What was the biggest adjustment for you?

Everything was strange at first, but you get used to it. There is no one specific thing that stands out. Take it one day at a time and remember why you made this decision. Make the most of each day – it is a blessing that not many people experience.

What interesting things have you discovered about the country you live in that you didn’t know before?

There are so many! The beaches are incredibly beautiful, and the Outback is a must for people who love camping and travelling. Australia is enormous – it was a big shock for me to see how far and spread out everything is.

What lessons have you learned as a family since moving?

Lean on each other and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be humble enough to say, “Can you help me?” Keep your heart protected, but also be willing to give where you can.

Marketplace is also a great place to find bargains if you’re new and don’t have everything yet. Make the most of your new life – it gets better!

What does your Afrikaner heritage mean to you?

We buy South African products from Saffa stores whenever we can. We regularly prepare South African dishes, speak Afrikaans at home, braai and socialise in Afrikaans and still listen to Afrikaans music.

What do you miss most about South Africa?

I miss the people – and I miss Wimpy and Spur!

What would you call your emigration chapter?

“Enjoy the new adventure and look ahead.” The best is yet to come. Enjoy every moment – live and explore!

What is the biggest change in yourself since you emigrated?

You grow. I only got my licence in Australia at 28 because I was afraid to drive – but now I enjoy it! Emigration also forces you to move out of your comfort zone.

Do you have any advice for others considering emigrating?

Do it! You can make it work. Remember why you are doing it and look ahead. We have been here for 14 years and have not regretted it for a single day.

You’re going to have to clean, do the laundry and look after your children yourself if you don’t have assistance, but there are so many more positives than negatives. You adapt, grow and learn. You can’t put a price on freedom and safety – it’s worth it.

Come write your own story here in Australia!

Also read: Out and about: an e-mail from Australia – AfriForum Wêreldwyd