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Latest Springbok News

South Africa has become the first nation in rugby history to defeat every Six Nations team and every Rugby Championship side within a 12 month period.

The world number one, Springboks completed this historic achievement with a 42-28 bonus point victory over Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

No other country has ever recorded a clean sweep against the top teams from both the Northern (Europe) and Southern Hemispheres in the same 12 month span.

The milestone highlights South Africa's outstanding consistency and confirms the Springboks' dominance over the world's leading rugby nations, rewriting the sport's record books.

Rassie Erasmus has expanded his Springbok squad to 44 players by recalling Stormers prop Ntuthuko Mchunu ahead of their upcoming Test against Argentina and the high-profile 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' series against the All Blacks.

Squad Updates and Preparations

• Prop Call-Up: Ntuthuko Mchunu re-joins the group following his recent appearance against Scotland.
• Argentina Test: Rassie Erasmus will name his traveling match-day squad bound for Buenos Aires later this week, ahead of the Test on 8 August 2026.
• All Blacks Series: The historic series opener against New Zealand kicks off at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026

WORLD RANKINGS

Rand vs Dollar



RAND VS POUND

International Currancy Converter:

https://www.oanda.com/currency-converter/en/?from=EUR&to=USD&amount=1

Springboks next match?

The next Springbok match is an away Test against Argentina on August 8, 2026, at the Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.

MOST ADORABLE BOKKE SUPPORTER EVER!!!

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1682292812839253

Interesting Facts

The United Kingdom holds the highest concentration of South Africans living overseas, with an estimated 217,000 South African-born residents. Australia follows closely as the second-largest destination, home to approximately 206,000 South African emigrants.

The highest concentration of South Africans in the UK is in South West London and the neighboring county of Surrey. Within London, the single local borough with the highest population of South African expats is Wandsworth.

This specific region is so well-known for its dense South African community that the train line running through it is affectionately nicknamed the "Boerewors Corridor".

Key Hotspots for South Africans in the UK

Data from the UK Census and local council records highlight several specific pockets where the diaspora is largest:

• Wandsworth (London): Home to the largest individual concentration, with areas like Southfields, Earlsfield, and Putney being incredibly popular hubs.

• Merton & Kingston (London): Neighboring South West London boroughs, specifically around Wimbledon and Raynes Park.

• Surrey: The commuter county directly south of London, particularly towns like Woking, Elmbridge (including Weybridge and Cobham), and Guildford.

• Other Major Cities: Outside of the London commuter belt, high concentrations exist in Milton Keynes, Bristol, and university towns like Oxford and Cambridge

SOUTH AFRICA SHOPS IN THE U.K.

1. Jumbo South African Shop (Central London)

Located right in the heart of London, this is a highly popular stop for commuters looking for biltong, Castle Lager, and home snacks.

• Address: 3, The Arches, Villiers St, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 6NG
• Contact: +44 20 7839 6415 | shop@jumboretail.co.uk

2. The Savanna (Victoria Station, London)

The Savanna is one of the largest South African retail brands in the UK, operating multiple railway station kiosks and an online store. Their Victoria branch sits right on the main concourse.

• Address: Victoria Station Concourse (Opposite Boots), London, SW1V 1JU
• Contact: info@thesavanna.co.uk

3. Best Biltong (Kingston upon Thames, Surrey border)

Serving the heavily South African "Boerewors Corridor" commuter belt, this store is renowned for its fresh meats and extensive grocery imports.

• Address: 61 Surbiton Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 2HG
• Contact: +44 19 3298 8936 | buysouthafricaonline@bestbiltong.com

4. Billy Tong (Cobham, Surrey)

A beloved local gem situated in the heart of Surrey that specialises in premium artisan biltong, droëwors, Durban curries, and braai essentials.

• Address: 1 Hollyhedge Rd, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DQ
• Contact: via the Billy Tong Official Website

5. Kalahari Moon (Bristol)

For South Africans living outside the London commuter belt, this is the premier destination in the West Country for groceries, spirits, and spices.

• Address: 88 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8BN
• Contact: +44 11 7924 7431

U.K. EXPAT NEWS

Recent trends show a two-way flow between the UK and South Africa, marked by UK firms hiring remote local talent, tighter UK visa requirements, and a wave of professionals executing reverse immigration.

Remote Work and Employment Trends

• UK Remote Hiring: UK businesses are aggressively hiring South African remote workers across finance, sales, marketing, and tech, offering higher global salaries without relocation.
• Stricter UK Visas: Proposed immigration adjustments raise qualification thresholds for the UK Skilled Worker visa from a diploma to a full degree (RQF level 6), alongside higher English proficiency rules.

Reverse Migration and Financial Planning

• Returning to SA: A post-Covid surge has brought a brisk wave of South African professionals moving back home from the UK after accumulating offshore assets, drawn by lifestyle and family ties.
• Tax and Estate Traps: Financial emigration specialists warn returning expats to properly manage dual-tax residency rules, offshore income declarations, and cross-border inheritance structures.

Major changes for South Africa’s visa system

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/travel/major-changes-for-south-africas-visa-system-heres-new-500-rand-fee-eta-travel/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=TheSouthAfrican&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawTVbptleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuQmdYZlRINzZCU3J4cTVQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHim8g53C0UmW_fHfTlOhDIFQINy98pvz8PuBtY9an8lZSJA9pHacE8rhbCoV_aem_sFjNMK_66TQyBEns3G117A#Echobox=1785224266

AUSTRALIA EXPAT NEWS

Recent updates for South African expatriates in Australia include massive visa fee hikes, new biosecurity alerts, and shifting financial trends regarding living abroad.

Immigration and Visa Costs

• Visa fee surges: Australia increased application charges by up to 203% on July 1, 2026.
• Resident Return Visa: Costs tripled overnight from A$490 (R5 782) to A$1,475 (R16 632).
• Partner visas: Climbed to a high of A$11,710, impacting new family-based migration pathways.

Health and Biosecurity

• H5N1 Bird Flu: The detection of the H5N1 bird flu strain in Western Australia (near Esperance, roughly 700km from Perth) has triggered national biosecurity alerts, concerning the large South African expat community in the region.

Expat Lifestyle and Relocation Trends

• Reassessing the move: Financial advisors note a small but notable shift of some expats questioning the rising cost of living overseas and looking into moving back to South Africa for lifestyle reasons.

SAMI HALL NEWS (South African Comedian visiting Britain)

Sami Hall will be appearing live in Bristol next week! Get your tickets here.

Tickets are £10

Date: Friday 17 July 2026

Time: 7.30pm show starts

Venue: Almondsbury Creative. 10 Gloucester Rd, Almondsbury, Bristol

BS32 4AA

Click for tickets:

https://SamiHallSays.eventbrite.co.uk

Sami Hall’s next performance: Why I'm Still Single (and other stupid questions) is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Centrestage at Baywest in Gqeberha, South Africa.

Performance Details

• Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
• Time: 19:30 – 22:00 (Doors/Show timeline)
• Venue: Centrestage at Baywest (100 Baywest Blvd, Hunters Retreat, Gqeberha, 6017)
• Price: Tickets start from R220

SAMI HALL's YOUTUBE PAGE

https://www.youtube.com/@samihallsays/featured

NICE TO KNOW INFORMATION

Major South African organizations, hubs, and platforms in the UK include:

• Lekker in London: A major annual South African cultural festival held in spaces like Cheam Park, featuring live SA artists, braais, and rugby screenings.

• Saffas Connect: A dedicated UK community platform that lists upcoming Springbok test watch parties, Heritage Day events, and regional social meetups across the UK.

• South Africa Club UK: Hosts regular social get-togethers, diaspora fundraising events, and community mixers (follow their updates on the South Africa Club Instagram or the South Africa Club Meetup Page).

• Expat Facebook Groups: The South Africans Living & Networking in the UK Facebook Group is an active place to find local pub crawls, regional braais, and connect with other Saffas in your specific area.

Here is where you can experience the best of South African food, wine, music, and rugby across the UK:

Food & Wine Tastings

• Vivat Bacchus (London): With highly rated locations in Farringdon and London Bridge, Vivat Bacchus is the premier spot for authentic South African wine dinners. They host regular immersive events featuring iconic estates like Kanonkop, complete with guided tastings and curated food pairings.

• Passport to South Africa Series: Hosted on select dates throughout the year, these popular culinary events pair iconic South African staples like boerewors rolls, chakalaka, and chicken sosaties with expert-led wine flights. Check availability and grab tickets directly on Eventbrite UK.

• Nelson Mandela Day Concert (London): On Saturday, 18 July 2026, a massive, free public concert is taking over Trafalgar Square. Celebrating 30 years of South Africa's Constitution, the star-studded lineup features massive contemporary SA artists including Sjava, Zakes Bantwini, MiCasa, Msaki, Jesse Clegg, and Sun-El Musician. The event runs from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM and requires no tickets.

• Lekker in London (Surrey): Dubbed one of the biggest South African festivals in British history, this highly anticipated event takes place on Saturday, 29 August 2026 at Cheam Park. It features incredible homegrown talent like Prime Circle, Goodluck, Majozi, and Kevin Fraser, alongside sizzling braais and major big-screen rugby. Tickets and info are available via Skiddle or the official Lekker in London Website.

• Zambezi Fest (Regional): Running from 27–30 August 2026, this major cultural festival celebrates Southern African heritage with extensive live music, cultural performances, and traditional cuisine. Tickets can be secured on the Zambezi Fest Website.

Rugby Watch Parties (Before going to these venue, please make sure that they are open)

When the Springboks play, the gees (spirit) moves to dedicated pubs and massive screening spaces:

The Horse & Groom

£10–40Pub

London, United Kingdom

A legendary, South African-run pub explicitly known among expats as one of the best atmospheres in London for catching any live Bokke match.

Belushi’s

£10–50Sports bar

ClosedLondon, United Kingdom

A top-tier sports hub featuring giant screens and individual table viewing booths. They frequently offer special deals for South African supporters who book ahead.

The Faltering Fullback

£10–20Irish pub

The Faltering Fullback

ClosedFinsbury Park

Excellent South African hubs that draw massive, green-and-gold clad crowds on international matchdays.

*For an authentic South African expat experience in London, The Pig and Whistle in Southfields (Wandsworth) is widely considered the top spot. Located at 481 Merton Road, this popular pub serves Castle Lager, runs regular braais, and streams major South African rugby matches to a packed-out crowd of expats.

AUSTRALIA

The premier South African expat destination in Sydney is Lucky Tsotsi Shebeen and Bar in the CBD. Located at Shop 1, 38-42 Bridge St, it serves traditional bunny chow, boerewors, and peri-peri prawns, all washed down with South African classics like Savanna, Castle Lager, and Don Pedro milkshakes.

For a more premium dining and lounge experience, The Meat & Wine Co (with flagship locations in Circular Quay and Barangaroo) was founded by South Africans and heavily features Afro-centric flavors, South African wines, and a stylized "Safari" vibe.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The top-rated South African expat spot in the US is the Springbok Bar & Grill in Los Angeles (Van Nuys, CA). Owned by South African expats, it is the premier US venue for watching the Springboks and the Proteas. It serves authentic dishes like boerewors rolls, peri-peri chicken, and bunny chow.

Other notable spots depending on your US location include:

• East Coast: Shebeen Pub and Braai in Charlottesville, VA, which is famous for its South African-inspired pub grub and biltong.

• NYC: Kaia Wine Bar in Manhattan, offering South African wines, gatsbys, and bunny chow.

HAVE A SMILE

"Just now"

Visitor: "When will you be ready?"

South African: "Just now."

Twenty minutes later...

Visitor: "I thought you said 'just now'?"

South African: "I did... I never said right now!

The Lion

A tourist asks a farmer:

"Aren't you afraid of lions out here?"

The farmer replies:

"No, they're far more afraid of you."

The tourist sighs with relief.

The farmer continues:

"That's why they wait until you're asleep."

Springbok Pride

A South African gets to heaven wearing a Springbok jersey.

St. Peter says,

"You can't wear rugby jerseys in heaven."

The South African smiles and says,

"Don't worry... it's not for me."

"Who's it for?"

"It's in case the Walsh arrive."

A South African never gets lost...

He just takes the "scenic route to the braai."

SOUTH AFRICAN NEWS WEBSITES

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/move-to/south-africans-abroad/

https://iol.co.za/travel/world/2026-07-09-why-leaving-south-africa-hits-differently-an-expat-shares-her-reality/

https://www.sapeople.com/

ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA

All travelers entering South Africa from overseas must complete a compulsory online customs declaration via the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration Portal within 24 hours of departure.

You also need to ensure you meet the following baseline requirements before your flight:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended date of departure from South Africa and have at least two completely blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

• Visas: Check if your country requires a visa to enter Apply for a visa | South African Government. Many passport holders from the Americas, the EU, and the UK are exempt for short stays (typically up to 90 days), but you should verify your specific nationality. Travelers from the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada do not need a visa for a holiday in South Africa if the stay is 90 days or less. Upon arrival, eligible visitors are typically granted a free entry stamp that permits them to stay for up to three months.

• Return Ticket: You must possess a valid, confirmed return or onward ticket.

• Health Requirements: Depending on the countries you are traveling from or transiting through, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be strictly required.

• Unabridged Birth Certificates: If you are traveling with children under 18, you must carry their unabridged birth certificate (or equivalent) showing the details of both parents, as South Africa has strict regulations to prevent child trafficking.

OLD PRE 1994 SOUTH AFRICAN TV AD'S. OLD BUT STILL CLASSIC'S OF NOTE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dJywkXXYZI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r12oYyAB5zU&t=4s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kksJRW38dY4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW4qauKUVv0

INTERESTING VIDEO'S ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA + HOW TO BRAAI!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq7t9I6oyFI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYgnxfgf16Q&t=39s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIkmkD22930

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHdBw3k5KcQ&t=137s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMnBi-nM6iU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y41lQDC1j_Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ase4k9omUM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPNBSN8dif0

HOW TO BRAAI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_51aMnAXHdE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPbjLASFZjw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP7Ux_lBpBc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJjYRqDZFaM

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pleuWazAd6M

https://www.sa-online-shopping.co.za/portal

Moving or living abroad? What you need to know about your South African bank accounts.

​If you have ceased your South African tax residency, you don’t necessarily have to close your local banking doors. Instead, your accounts will transition to Non-Resident status.

​Here is a quick breakdown of what changes (and what stays the same) when banking as a non-resident taxpayer in SA:

​Same Details, New Status

​The good news? You won’t have to deal with the administrative headache of updating your account numbers. Your existing bank account numbers and routing details remain completely unchanged. The bank simply updates your profile classification on their backend to reflect your new tax residency status.

​The Major Shift: Funding is Regulated

​While your account details stay the same, how you put money into the account changes entirely. Under South African Exchange Control regulations, funding a Non-Resident account is strictly monitored. Banks are required to restrict random deposits, local cash, or casual EFTs from resident sources.

​Instead, the account can only be funded by specific, regulated sources. Valid deposit examples include:

​Funds from abroad (Forex inflows)

Capital proceeds from the sale of remaining SA assets

​Trust distributions or inheritances

​Rental income generated from SA properties (subject to providing a valid lease agreement)

​Payments originating from other Non-Resident accounts

​Quick Tip: If an unapproved ZAR deposit hits your account, it will likely be placed on hold until you submit official documentation proving the source of funds to your bank's forex department.

The restrictions only apply to what goes in. Once compliant funds are sitting safely in your account, payments out of the account operate as per normal use. You can use the funds normally for local debit orders, bills, or day-to-day transactions without additional hurdles.

​Navigating international tax and cross-border compliance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Staying informed on these funding rules keeps your SA accounts open, active, and fully compliant!

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. Please verify all information independently and consult a qualified financial adviser before making any financial decisions.

Thank you for supporting Heritage Heart. As you leave our store, take care, spread the word about us, and remember—it's not goodbye, it's simply... until we meet again!