Navigating Borders and Building a Life with Ankia Coetzer-Ep 57
The Relocated South African | Emigration storiesPlay episode
Show notes
Explore the compelling story of Ankia Coetzer, a South African whose life has spanned several countries, careers, and personal challenges.
Her journey highlights the complexities of migration, the importance of resilience, and the evolving meaning of home.
Ankia shares how her early relocation from Johannesburg shaped her perspective on migration
She talks about the experiences and lessons learned during her two decades of living and working in London and how she navigated visa pathways, citizenship, and tax implications across the UK and South Africa
She highlights the impact of family, health crises, and personal growth on her international decision-making
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Ankia´s unique relocation story
01:16 - Early beginnings and moving between South African towns
02:41 - First move to London and initial work experiences
03:24 - Why London was the chosen destination in 2000
04:44 - Starting her career in retail and retail management
06:26 - Transition into recruitment and HR consulting
08:08 - Returning to South Africa and the challenges of visa and education rules
10:29 - Deciding to study HR and career development in South Africa
12:02 - Balancing work, study, and entrepreneurial efforts as a student
14:23 - Re-entering the UK visa system and professional growth
16:53 - Building lasting relationships and community across different years and countries
18:57 - The complexities of immigration compliance and becoming a UK citizen
22:26 - Reflections on the privilege of citizenship and the costs involved
24:09 - Moving back to South Africa in 2020 during the pandemic
33:27 - Navigating homelessness and repatriation during COVID lockdowns
36:52 - Realising her impact through coaching and relationships in her current career
40:07 - The importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in leadership
42:13 - Family, safety, and balancing dual identities across borders
45:42 - What South Africa means to her and the pull of home
53:52 - The challenges and opportunities of working in both countries
54:12 - Looking back and advice for her younger self
Connect with Ankia
LinkedIn - Ankia Coetzer MBAEmail - hello@yellow-cable.com
Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com
