Worldwide is an initiative by AfriForum to exchange news and information among South Africans who are living happily abroad; or people who lived abroad and have since returned to South Africa; or people who are still living outside the borders of the country but are planning to return eventually.

According to Sue-Ann de Wet, AfriForum’s Project Coordinator for South African Diaspora, Worldwide is for every South African who lives in a foreign country and wants to stay in touch with the country. “The initiative involves a website that helps people to keep abreast of news events in South Africa. Here they can also get reliable advice, just connect with others, share their experiences and tell more about the interesting places where they live and work. The Worldwide team has conducted thorough research on what is important for South Africans in a foreign country, and it is precisely this information that is available on the website. This includes current local news, contributions – photos and stories – of South Africans living in interesting places in all corners of the earth, as well as a one-of-a-kind World Guide,” De Wet said.

In the World Guide people can exchange information about where true South African products are available and can be bought in the various countries. Anything from biltong, Ouma rusks, traditional chutney to restaurants that serve South African food and even services are included in the guide. The guide aims to help people who feel disoriented in a foreign country to meet other South Africans, while supporting their businesses. South Africans abroad can include their businesses in the World Guide free of charge.

Worldwide also has a free weekly newsletter to which people can subscribe at wereldwyd@afriforum.co.za.

What is on offer in the newsletter, Spotlight?

• The latest news from South Africa: Maroela Media provides free Afrikaans news articles.
• News from outside South Africa: from current news, to festivals and famous South African artists performing elsewhere.
• Migration news: important information on citizenship, passports, tax and so on.
• Blogs by emigrants.

In addition, Worldwide’s Facebook page is a very popular interactive entertainment area for all South Africans locally and abroad.

Worldwide wants to create a platform for you to socialise with other South Africans around the globe, the way only South Africans can do it.