Adjusting To Life Back In SA After Decades Abroad with Bronwyn Rodrigues - E24
The Relocated South African | Emigration storiesPlay episode
Show notes
From being born in South Africa, to moving to Canada as a teenager, and then back to South Africa (this time as an adult), today's guest has been on quite the journey!
Bronwyn Rodrigues is a mother, entrepreneur, and content creator who left South Africa at 15-years-old to start a new life in Canada - only to return home 23 years later. Bronwyn opened up about her reasons for relocating, the challenges and realities of life in Canada, and what ultimately brought her back home, with her young son.
Recounting her experience of navigating Canada’s healthcare and education systems, Bronwyn shared how local doctors told her she would “never be able to have children” and what it felt like to realise there was no place for her child in school as someone with special needs.
It was fascinating speaking to her, as she shared the difficult moments of navigating public systems in a foreign country and the ups and downs of resettling in South Africa. I think her story offers lots of relatable moments - whether you’re considering a move abroad, thinking about returning home, or just looking for inspiration from someone who’s faced tough choices and kept moving forward.
“I could not imagine how I was going to have a special needs child in that country.” - Bronwyn Rodrigues
00:00 Introduction
06:22 Mixing with SA expats in Canada
07:19 From endometriosis to falling pregnant
09:29 A long and difficult labour
11:22 Seeking help in the US
13:53 Returning to SA
18:12 Multiple businesses to support son’s medical needs
18:54 Feeling like she doesn’t belong
25:08 Virtual tour business
27:57 Commitment to local progress
30:41 Corruption and safety concerns
33:16 Navigating SA social dynamics
39:05 Overcoming depression in Canada
45:27 “Stay and appreciate your country”
48:05 Holidaying in Cape Town
Resources
Discover Alpha Pro Virtual Tours: https://alphaprovirtualtours.co.za/Follow along with Bronwyn’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bronwyn_and_dylan
If you want to connect with us or share your own story, please contact us on:
relocatedsouthafrican@gmail.com
This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency:
https://www.zapods.com
