In Out and about, we talk to people who currently live abroad or have lived and worked there. We want to hear from anyone who wants to share their experiences with us. This week, we talked to Deon du Plessis, who lives in the Netherlands.

Hello, Deon. Why did you decide to emigrate to the Netherlands?

We chose the Netherlands because of the language and because I had already visited the country and conducted research here.

Tell us more about your family.

My wife and I moved here in 2016, and my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, who lived in the United Kingdom, too. All of us are teachers.

You are the headmaster of a school in the Netherlands. Was it difficult to adjust to the work culture in the Netherlands? And how does the Dutch school system differ from that in South Africa?

There is a huge difference in the approach to education. The approach here is more holistic. Support services work, each child is considered an individual, and each one’s total development is important. I am at an international school with English as the medium of instruction. We use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).

You are the coach of the Kwaggas, a group of rugby-playing South Africans. Tell us more about them.

The Kwaggas are a group of South Africans who are passionate about Afrikaans and rugby. Most of them play all over the Netherlands for different clubs in various leagues. We only get together a few times a year to train for the Amsterdam 7s. We have now grown to four teams. It is no longer just about rugby but also about a support network for South Africans who need to belong somewhere. We help each other – like a family away from family in South Africa. My wife and I are the oldest, and of course, they call us “oom” (uncle) and “tannie” (auntie). We have a few social events per year where we “kuier” (hang out) and braai! Boerewors. And sometimes, a bottle of brandy appears.

There are quite a few South Africans in the Netherlands. Do you sometimes get together?

South Africans have regular gatherings. The Kwaggas also have gatherings. A few weeks ago, we played at the Dutch rugby stadium (NRCA) against a team from the United Kingdom, the Penguins, and 350 people attended our braai!

Adapting to a new country can be challenging. What was the biggest adjustment for you?

The fact that everything works! The food and the loads of rules.

How does the Dutch lifestyle and cost of living differ from that in South Africa?

The Netherlands is expensive, very expensive. Do not convert prices into rand if you earn euros.

What do you miss most about South Africa? What is the one thing you wish you could have packed in your suitcase when you emigrated?

“Lekker” meat, especially the cuts we have. Meat is very expensive in The Netherlands. But we have adapted! We live in The Netherlands, and we must adapt!

Do you still speak Afrikaans? What do your African roots mean to you?

Sure thing. We will always speak Afrikaans. Even my English son-in-law tries his best. I am Afrikaans and will always be proud of that. Even my English/Dutch/Afrikaans grandchildren speak Afrikaans fluently!

Any lessons you have learned?

• Be yourself but adapt to the Netherlands. You are a guest and must adapt to them and not the other way around. We will always remain Afrikaners!
• Travel through Europe!

Are there any South African businesses (shops, restaurants, services) nearby that you like to support?

There are many, but we only support one that makes boerewors and biltong, Biltong Bothers. He also sponsors the Kwaggas. His biltong and boerewors are as good as the real McCoy. Full stop! We also have Afrikaans churches here.

What interesting things did you discover about the Netherlands that you didn’t know before?

• The Dutch suffered greatly in the Second World War but supported each other.
• They are very forgiving people and like to help each other.
• Even the highest authorities cycle to parliament and are not transported by blue light gangs.
• The king is like an ordinary citizen and tries to relate to everyone.

ALSO READ: Out and about: an email from Darmstadt, Germany

Write to us

Do you live abroad, or have you recently returned from abroad? Then you too can write us an Out and about column. Send an e-mail to wereldwyd@afriforum.co.za and we will send you questions to answer.