The FNB SA Global Explorer

Updated March 27, 2025, 8 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Introducing the SA Global Explorer with FNB Private and East Coast Radio. We're bringing you the best stories of South Africans exploring life around the world, embracing new cultures and experiences.

Ever wondered what it’s like to step beyond Mzansi and embrace new cultures and experiences? From Mzansi to Morocco, or a familiar "Howzit" to a cheerful "G'day Mate"?

Well, we have, which is why we’re bringing you SA Global Explorer – a celebration of South Africans making their mark around the world.

From bustling cityscapes to sun-drenched coastlines, South Africans are chasing dreams, exploring hidden gems and immersing themselves in vibrant cultures across the globe.

Whether it’s building a career in Europe, uncovering Africa’s best-kept secrets, or diving into the rich traditions of Asia, their journeys are bold, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Join us every Thursday for SA Global Explorer on East Coast Breakfast, brought to you by FNB Private, as we share the incredible stories of South Africans working, travelling, and embracing life abroad.

Week 1: South Korea (featuring Elzia Koekemoer)

First stop – South Korea. The land of kimchi, K-pop, and 'Squid Games'. A place where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge tech, and food is a shared experience.

Fun fact: South Korea celebrates "Black Day" on April 14, a special day for singles. If you didn’t receive gifts on Valentine’s Day, you can eat a bowl of black bean noodles (jajangmyeon) to commiserate.

Also, respect plays a huge role in Korean culture – bowing is the standard greeting, and meals come with an array of side dishes (banchan).

This week, we spoke to Elzia Koekemoer who's been living in South Korea for almost six years. Here, they have their own version of Google – called Naver – and hiking trails often feature wooden paths, which seems a little disconnected from nature.

Koekemoer's typical day as a Hagwon teacher starts with breakfast, followed by work from 1 pm to 8 pm. This schedule gives her mornings to explore the city and run errands, which we think sounds like the perfect work-life balance!

After work, she unwinds with some K-drama (because what else would you watch in South Korea).

Koekemoer also gives us an insider’s look at South Korea’s vibrant food culture, filled with incredible dishes that are a world away from what we’re used to in South Africa. And while it may be different, she absolutely loves it.

Take a look at some of the stunning sights and unforgettable moments Koekemoer has shared with us from her life in South Korea.

In the spirit of South Korea this week, Darren Maule decided to take on a challenge of ordering a pizza in Korean! It's safe to say he did good, but also not so great.

Check out the funny phone call below:

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Week 2: Mozambique (featuring Keanan Reis)

This week, we’re in Mozambique – the land of stunning beaches, sizzling seafood, and legendary peri-peri sauce.

Keanan Reis traded Cape Town’s city life for the stunning beaches of Inhambane, Mozambique. He hasn’t looked back since.

Inhambane is a tourist hotspot packed with scuba diving, water sports, and ecotourism. And the food? Absolutely incredible!

From weekend braais with fresh seafood to a Michelin-rated beachside chef, Reis is living in a culinary dream.

Reis's family roots played an integral part in his moving to Mozambique. Mostly though, he wanted a slower, more peaceful life away from Cape Town’s challenges.

He shared the moment when he and his wife saw a humpback whale breaching right in front of them during their honeymoon. This sealed the deal for them to make Mozambique their home.

Now, Reis wakes up to ocean views, dense coastal forests, and whales passing by from July to November.

Reis encourages people to visit Mozambique to experience the beauty and wonders that it has to offer. If you want to move there, he can also help.

As a Mozambican property specialist, he can help you navigate the real estate market in Mozambique to find the best property – from farm lodges to beach villas. Just visit move2moz.com.

Check out some of the incredible views Reis shared with us!

Week 3: Italy (featuring Marco Giuricich and Danielle Roodt)

This week, we’re saying ciao to Italy – the land of breathtaking beauty, food so good it should have its own holiday, and a country where history meets la dolce vita!

Marco Giuricich (born in Johannesburg) and Danielle Roodt (born in Nelspruit) are two adventurers, currently soaking up la dolce vita in the charming town of Laveno-Mombello, Italy.

Giuricich's Italian adventure started after he completed his studies at the University of Pretoria. He originally planned a gap year to play soccer, brush up on his Italian, and spend time with his grandparents. Lucky for him, Roodt was also keen on exploring Europe, so she happily joined him on the journey.

Now, if you’re used to the warm and chatty nature of South Africans, Italy might feel like a bit of a culture shock at first.

Roodt shared that Italians take a little time to warm up to strangers. Unlike in SA, where asking someone how they’re doing is second nature, Italians might be a bit surprised by that level of openness on day one. Although, once Italians warm up to you, they’re some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.

One major difference Giuricich noticed – coffee culture. In Italy, a cappuccino is strictly a breakfast drink. Ordering one after 11 am? That’s a major faux pas. Oh, and forget about grabbing one to-go – coffee is meant to be savoured, sitting down at a café, Italian style.

For Roodt, the biggest adjustment has been the midday break. Shops in Italy close from 12 pm to 3 pm, then reopen until 7 pm. Meanwhile, in SA, that’s prime mall-hopping time!

Despite the cultural differences though, Giuricich and Roodt are fully embracing the Italian way – taking life slow and enjoying every moment.

Here’s a little peek at some of their Italian adventures:

Week 4: Ghana (featuring Edward Fivaz)

This week, we’ve touched down in the land of jollof debates, Azonto moves, and rich history – Ghana. From the buzzing streets of Accra to the castles of Cape Coast, this West African gem is full of life, culture, and stories waiting to be told.

Did you know Ghana was the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957? Or that it’s home to the world’s largest man-made lake, Lake Volta?

We caught up with Edward Fivaz, a South African living in Ghana, to get the inside scoop on life there and how it compares to South Africa.

Fivaz works at a game lodge in Ghana, a move prompted by the challenges of navigating the industry in South Africa. Looking for new opportunities, he embraced the change – and hasn’t looked back since.

While most of his time is spent at the lodge, he does venture into the city, where he’s found Ghana to be just as developed as South Africa – rich in culture and full of warm, welcoming people.

What stands out most to him is the Ghanaian thirst for knowledge. He learns from them, they learn from him, and the exchange is something he truly values.

The only challenge? Being away from his family, whom he only sees twice a year. If he had his way, they’d be right there with him, experiencing everything Ghana has to offer.

But for now, he’s soaking up every moment. Check out some of Fivaz ’s highlights from Ghana.

Week 5: Greece (featuring Leon van Dyk)

This week, we’ve touched down in the land of myths, gods, and the birthplace of democracy (dēmokratía) – Greece!

From the ancient wonders of Athens to the sun-kissed shores of Mykonos, this Mediterranean paradise is full of history, culture, and, of course, amazing food.

We spoke to Leon van Dyk, once a Cape Town local, who now calls the historic city of Nafplio his home.

As Greece’s first capital after independence, Nafplio is steeped in history, sitting near Argos, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited towns.

Here, Van Dyk finds himself surrounded by a culture that takes immense pride in its heritage, with a society deeply connected to its roots.

His journey to Greece was shaped by both loss and new beginnings. After his Cypriot-born wife passed away five years ago, he obtained a Cypriot passport, opening the door to a new chapter in Greece.

Now remarried, Van Dyk sees his move as an adventure rather than an escape from South Africa.

While he appreciates the rich cultural identity of the Greeks, he’s noticed that many locals, despite their deep historical knowledge, may not always be as familiar with the world beyond their borders.

For now, though, Van Dyk and his wife are enjoying life in Nafplio, but the idea of returning to South Africa someday is not off the table.

Check out some of the breathtaking sights that Greece has to offer, courtesy of Van Dyk.

Want to be featured on SA Global Explorer? Simply WhatsApp “global” to 061 700 0800 with your name, where you’re based, and a brief story about your experience in the country you're in.

Whether it’s a valuable lesson you’ve learnt or a culture shock that caught you by surprise, we want to hear all about it.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the journey as we explore what it truly means to embrace adventure and create new paths across the globe.

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