The FNB SA Global Explorer

Updated April 17, 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.

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.

Week 6: Botswana (featuring Wayne Pieterse)

This week, we’re heading next door to Botswana – home to the breathtaking Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas, and the highest elephant population in Africa.

However, did you know that Botswana is also one of the world’s top diamond producers and boasts one of Africa’s most stable democracies? Neither did we.

In this episode, we follow the fascinating journey of Wayne Pieterse, a South African who has lived all over the country – from Johannesburg and Pretoria to Durban – before making Gaborone his home.

Pieterse shares his firsthand experiences of life in Botswana, comparing the cultural dynamics, lifestyle, and opportunities to those in South Africa. He paints a picture of a thriving city with a booming construction industry, a welcoming community, and a unique way of life.

While his children attend boarding school in South Africa, Pieterse has fully embraced the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of Gaborone.

And for those wondering if they’d feel at home, he assures us that the South African spirit is alive and well – especially when the Springboks take the field!

Take a look at some of the spectacular scenery that surrounds Pieterse every day. You might just be inspired to make Botswana your next adventure.

Week 7: United Kingdom (featuring Simon Carter)

This week, we’re hopping over to the United Kingdom – the land of afternoon tea, iconic red buses, and centuries of royal history. The UK is a blend of tradition, charm, and proper British banter.

We caught up with Simon Carter – former Durban radio producer and now UK resident – for a laugh-filled chat about life abroad as part of our 'SA Global Explorer' series.

Carter lives in the charming village of Thames Ditton, just outside London, but he still dreams of that classic KZN sunshine.

“You really do take it for granted,” he admits. “Even Durban’s winters feel like summer compared to the UK!”

He also shared how community life differs; while Durban’s got that friendly "everyone-knows-everyone" vibe, the UK tends to be more reserved.

Like that time he asked a neighbour to check in on his dog... Spoiler: it didn’t go well.

Accent-wise, he’s still proudly South African with the occasional confused Brit thinking he’s from Australia.

And as for culture shock? Let’s just say he wasn’t ready for how seriously Brits take Pancake Day.

From radio studios in SA to producing content in the UK, Carter’s journey is a mix of nostalgia, humour, and finding his place in a new rhythm.

Week 8: India (featuring David Miller)

This week, we’re heading to India - the land of vibrant colors, spicy street food, and centuries of rich tradition. India is a whirlwind of culture, chaos, and unforgettable charm, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan.

We caught up with Proteas powerhouse David Miller, who’s practically an honorary Indian citizen at this point (seriously, someone get this guy a deed!).

David’s been spending a chunk of his year in India for the IPL, and while he doesn’t technically live there, he jokes that he’s been around so long, he might as well start paying rates and taxes.

Right now, he’s based in a buzzing city just east of Delhi, loving the vibe, the energy, and the cricket stadium that’s always bouncing; though he admits the hotel rooms could use a bit more elbow room.

Life in India is a full-on sensory adventure, says David. From the delicious street food smells to the symphony of honking cars in traffic that somehow just works, it’s what he calls “organized chaos” in the best way.

Being a famous face comes with its moments, especially after he smashed his first IPL hundred and got mobbed in a mall.

Luckily, it’s not all red carpets and flashbulbs. Unlike some of his Indian teammates, he can still sneak in a quiet coffee (most days).

As for the food? No problem there. Durban’s curry scene prepped him well. He’s been digging into the local dishes with gusto, though he still draws the line at anything too spicy. Respectfully.

Would he ever move there for good? Not quite. As much as he loves the IPL experience and the incredible fans, South Africa’s still home. However, he’s super grateful for the wild ride and promises to keep the stories coming.

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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