By Sue-Ann de Wet

When you move to another country, everything changes – from how you buy your morning coffee to whom you can strike up a conversation with about the weather. The familiar rhythms and relationships give way to uncertainty, new customs and sometimes a sense of loneliness. In this context, the value of a community abroad becomes clear: it’s about people who understand your language, share your frame of reference, and keep your culture alive with you. This article explores how such communities take shape, what role they play in expats’ lives, and why it is so important to be part of them – especially when life abroad is anything but simple.

The value of a support network across borders

A community is not just people who live near you. They are the people who speak your language, understand your humour, long for the smell of a braai fire, the sounds of Afrikaans on a Sunday morning, a walk under the trees on a warm summer afternoon, or the feel of the veld under your feet. They are the people who laugh with you about “sokkie music”, get nostalgic about rugby days, or celebrate together in ways that remind you of home – whether it’s a milk tart, a church bazaar or a campfire chat. They are the people who know what it means to be proud of where you are now and at the same time long for where you come from.

In a new country, you often have to work with dedication to build such a community. You meet each other at cultural events, through the children’s schools, at church, sports clubs or online platforms. And slowly but surely you form a network again – one that helps you feel like you belong.

This is what South African communities look like overseas

South African communities abroad do not look the same everywhere. In some cities there are active groups that regularly gather for cultural festivals, Afrikaans music performances or joint celebrations of national days. Then there are smaller circles – a few families who support each other, socialise together and raise each other’s children as family would.

Sometimes the community is online – on WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages or virtual gatherings. These spaces offer support, share practical advice on emigration challenges and keep people connected to their culture, language and heritage.

Every contribution makes a difference

A community is not something that happens by itself – it is something that each member actively helps to shape. It starts with people like you. Maybe you are the one who organises the first get-together, starts an Afrikaans book club or cultural group, or welcomes every new family in town with biltong and a chat. Or maybe you are someone who listens, supports and is always there when others need you.

You contribution does matter. It’s part of the pulsing heart of your community, no matter how small or large it is. Help build a community where people understand and support each other. Your involvement makes a world of difference.

What does community mean to you?

What does your community look like overseas? Do you feel connected? Do you have people who understand where you come from? Do you perhaps dream of getting more involved or starting something new? Maybe someone else is also waiting for your invitation, your idea, your hand of friendship.

Wherever you are in the world – Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Namibia – you are not alone.

AfriForum Worldwide is this home that helps South Africans abroad to build communities and maintain ties with their culture. Through practical tools such as the World Guide – an extensive online guide that connects you with Afrikaans or South African businesses, service providers, cultural organisations, communities and events worldwide – AfriForum Worldwide makes it easy to find, support and expand your community. By means of networking opportunities, cultural festivals and Afrikaans educational resources, AfriForum Worldwide connects you with other South Africans around the world. We not only offer practical support for the daily challenges of emigration, but also help you find your own community abroad. Wherever you are, AfriForum Worldwide is your home away from home abroad.