Mother Maria Du Toit, 39, moved from Reading to a new country to start a new life with her husband overseas. She enjoys the beautiful weather and cost-of-living differences
A woman who ditched her life in the UK has shared why she re-located to South Africa and revealed the numerous benefits she has experienced so far.
Maria Du Toit, 39, who used to live in Reading, said she was fed up with the cost of living such as childcare and expensive rent. She decided to embark on a new life in South Africa last year, after she gave birth to her first child.
The former university professor had to stump up more than £1,400 per month for childcare whilst living in England. Now, the mum, who is originally from Greece, says she is happy she made the move to her husband’s native country.
She is living in Bay, Western Cape, and gets to bask in 26C heat even in the winter. Speaking about the major life change, she said: “We moved as the UK was becoming not a very nice place, or as nice as it used to be, for work, and people from abroad. In Reading, it really made us start to think about how much you have to pay for things like childcare – we would have to pay £1400 each month on the low end.”
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The lower day-to-day expenses and outgoings are certainly cheaper than the UK. According to database, Numbeo, the cost of living in South Africa is over 49% lower than what most Brits would be used to and rent, eating out, and everyday items come in at a fraction of the cost, reports Express.
As well as saving money, the weather is certainly an improvement for Maria and her family. September bringing a heat of 29°C is commonplace. There’s also a great community that makes moving across the world easier. Maria said: “Things in South Africa feel incredibly active.
“I’ve joined a lot of Whatsapp groups and community groups trying to meet people here, and there’s a lot of movement. People advertising local businesses are always around, and just a couple of years ago people were struggling to find a job. But now everybody we know is in employment. It’s a good sign of the things to come.”
Opening up on her first impressions of life in South Africa, she discussed the difference between the country and Britian. She said: “I think the main difference between life in South Africa is that here people are more direct with you. Social media and the news makes it sound like the country is so much worse than it is – like everywhere, there are just pockets of problems.”
A travel expert revealed some of the benefits of moving overseas and said in some cases you can maintain a UK salary. Simon Hood, Executive Director of relocation firm, John Mason International, said: “The cost of living is significantly lower in South Africa, and with the hoped expansion of the Digital Nomad scheme the opportunities are endless. You can live it up in the sunshine and scenery of the Cape while maintaining a UK salary.”
