South Africans in Qatar – ons gaan nou braai
We may live in swish surrounds, earn good money and feel oh-so-safe in Qatar, but our hearts still yearn for South Africa. I know I am not alone. With some 6 500 Saffers living the ex-pat life here in Doha, I know I am far from the only one missing the bush, braai fires, family, […]
My new best friends in Doha
Mrs Waze, AC and Buftar … it’s okay if you don’t recognise them. I didn’t have a clue who they were either until soon after I arrived in Doha as a newbie South African. But now, four months on, I wouldn’t be without them. They are my new best friends. Ehteraz used to be my […]
The Journey to Doha
A false start … and who on earth is Ehteraz? I first heard about Ehteraz in the build-up to my departure for Doha. By all accounts, this Ehteraz, whose name constantly escaped me, was important and extremely well connected. It was best, folk warned, that I get to know him as soon as I could. […]
All packed for Doha and a new life
Two suitcases and the hang-dog barometer Once upon a time, back in the ‘80s and 90s, South Africans were “packing for Perth”, set on escaping the challenges of Mzansi for the order of Oz. Nowadays, Saffers* can be found the world-over, having packed up their sunny skies and Chevrolet lives for any number of reasons. […]