The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
From working on top secret military projects for South Africa in Russia to living in Canada with Kobus De Villiers - E34 artwork

From working on top secret military projects for South Africa in Russia to living in Canada with Kobus De Villiers - E34

The Relocated South African | Emigration stories
55:03
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Imagine being a young aircraft engineer in the 1980’s in South Africa who goes to Russia to work on a top secret military project. In this episode, I talk to Kobus De Villiers, who shares his journey from South Africa to Canada. Kobus tells us about his experiences in aerospace engineering, and the secret project to build the MIG-29 engine into the South African Airforce’s Mirage and Cheetah aircraft. Kobus has written 5 books and numerous articles, We discuss the challenges of emigration, the cultural adjustments in Canada, and his passion for writing, including his published works. He reflects on his life choices, the importance of commitment in emigration, and offers advice for those considering leaving South Africa. It was a fascinating discussion with a man who has great passion for his work, his family and his writing and has lived an amazing life. Kobus De Villiers: “my morals and my values are just not going to allow me to go there..” 00:00 Introduction to The Relocated South African Podcast 02:35 Kobus De Villiers: Journey from South Africa to Canada 05:03 Career in Aerospace Engineering and Military Projects 07:38 Collaboration with Russian Engineers on Military Aircraft 10:06 Transition to Life in Canada and New Opportunities 12:37 Challenges and Experiences in the Aerospace Industry 15:01 Family Life and Dual Citizenship 17:25 Writing Journey and Publishing Books 27:26 Writing and Personal Growth 33:34 Exploring the Publishing World 41:32 Reflections on Life Choices and emigration 48:21 Advice for Potential Immigrants Kobus De Villiers’ books are available on Amazon both in hard copy and e books and at Kobus de Villiers Archives | Malherbe Uitgewers Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com

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