South Africans have scattered all over the world, and wherever we go, we look for each other. Sometimes it happens by accident — you hear “howzit” in a supermarket queue, or spot a Bok jersey at the park. But you don't have to wait for luck. There are reliable ways to find the South African community wherever you live, from big hubs like London and Perth to towns where you might be one of a handful of Saffas.
Why your South African community matters
Local friends help you belong where you are. South African friends help you stay connected to who you are. They understand the jokes, the food, the rugby and the mixed feelings about home without needing an explanation. They're also incredibly practical: the person who tells you where to find boerewors, which suburbs are good for families, or which bank made their life easier.
And for many people, especially in the first year, simply knowing there are South Africans nearby makes the move feel a lot less lonely.
Start online: apps, groups and channels
Online is where most Saffas abroad find each other first. A good starting mix:
1. A South African community app
Oorsee is a free app built specifically as the home for South Africans abroad. Instead of one noisy group, it gives you tools for each part of life abroad:
- Members directory — search for South Africans by city and country.
- Continent groups — conversations with Saffas in your part of the world.
- A feed — share life abroad and react like only a Saffa can (lekker, eish, ayoba, jislaaik…).
- Events — braais, meetups and Springbok viewings near you, or host your own.
- Private messaging — chat one-on-one with people you meet.
- Homesick and the business directory — SA food and SA-owned businesses nearby.
- Bokke Fantasy — the rugby game that gives your group chat something to argue about.
2. Facebook groups
Facebook still hosts a lot of South African expat groups — some for a whole country, some for a single city or suburb, and some for specific interests like parents, jobs or rugby. Search “South Africans in [city]” and “Saffas [city]”. Our own South Africans Living Abroad group is open to Saffas everywhere.
3. Video and social channels
Following South African creators abroad is a gentle way to feel connected and learn from people a few steps ahead of you. Oorsee shares stories from the community on YouTube and our other socials.
Meet in person: events, braais and rugby
Online gets you introduced. In-person is where friendships actually form.
Where South Africans gather
- Springbok screenings — the classic. See our guide to watching the Springboks abroad.
- Braais and picnics organised through community apps and groups.
- South African markets and festivals — search “south african market [city]” or “south african festival [city]”.
- Sports clubs — rugby, cricket and hockey clubs abroad often have South African players and supporters.
- Churches and faith communities, including some with Afrikaans services.
- Comedy and music shows — South African artists tour cities with big Saffa communities.
In the Oorsee app, check events near you every week or two. If nothing is on, create something: a Saturday braai in the park or a coffee meetup takes five minutes to post and is often exactly what other newcomers were waiting for.
Support SA-owned businesses
South African-owned businesses are community hubs in disguise. The biltong shop, the SA bakery, the Saffa plumber, the accountant who understands both tax systems — they know people, and they're usually happy to point you toward local groups and events.
Oorsee's business directory helps you find them, and if you run one yourself, listing it helps Saffas find you. In Australia, you can also book Oorsee to feature your business or event, with before-and-after marketing to 170,000+ people across Oorsee and RecruitZA socials.
If you live somewhere with few Saffas
Not everyone lives in a big hub. If you're in a small town, a new region, or a country with a small South African population, the community is still there — just more spread out.
- Widen the radius. Look at your region or state, not just your town.
- Lean on messaging. A friendship that starts online can become a road trip braai.
- Join a continent group so you're part of the bigger conversation.
- Travel for big events. Major Springbok matches and festivals are worth a trip to the nearest city.
Build the community yourself
Every South African community abroad exists because somebody decided to organise the first braai. If you can't find your community, you might be the person to start it. Host a small event, welcome the next newcomer who posts in your group, and recommend the SA businesses you love. That's how a scattered diaspora becomes a real community.
Browse our community pages by country and city to see where Saffas are gathering, and download Oorsee to find your mense.
Get Oorsee · Free
Find your mense on Oorsee
- Search South Africans by city and country
- Continent groups, a feed and private messaging
- Events, braais and SA-owned businesses near you
Frequently asked questions
How do I find South Africans near me?
Use a South African community app like Oorsee to search the members directory by city and country, join local Facebook groups (search "South Africans in [city]"), and go to Springbok screenings, braais and South African markets.
Is there an app for South Africans abroad?
Yes — Oorsee is a free app for South Africans abroad, with a members directory, continent groups, a feed, events, private messaging, a Homesick shop finder, an SA-owned business directory and Bokke Fantasy rugby.
What is the best Facebook group for South Africans abroad?
There are many, often by country or city. Search "South Africans in [city]" for local groups, and join the South Africans Living Abroad group for Saffas everywhere.
How do I meet South Africans in a small town?
Widen your search to your region, join a continent group, use messaging to connect with Saffas further away, and travel to the nearest city for big events like Springbok matches.
How can I promote my South African business abroad?
List it in the Oorsee business directory so South Africans nearby can find you, and post in local community groups. In Australia, you can book Oorsee for a business feature with before-and-after marketing to 170,000+ people.
How do I start a South African meetup in my city?
Create an event in the Oorsee app — a braai in the park, a coffee morning or a rugby screening — and share it in your local groups. Small, simple and regular works best.
South African communities near you
See what's happening where Saffas live.