Yudeshtra Naidoo, South African Chamber of Commerce for Ireland

“I had always heard good things about Ireland, and then about two-and-a-half years ago, I was introduced to a partner at KPMG, and we had an interview to offer me a job. I was looking for a change — to experience a new culture, a new city — and it was a bit daunting at first, but Irish people are very friendly, and I found the work environment was quite similar.

South Africans integrate quite well into Ireland. There’s quite a few other South Africans here as well, so that also helped make the transition easier.

We all have a common love of rugby, and in terms of the Commonwealth and being former colonies, we have some of the same structures, like the metric system and the rule of law. We drive on the same side of the road! There’s a much larger middle class here in Europe and in Ireland specifically, so everyone is pretty much the same. In South Africa, that economic distinction is a lot more evident. Security is quite a big thing — this feeling of safety that I have. That’s quite good.

One challenge is accessible, direct flights. I still have family back in South Africa — my son is there, my dad is there. The other downside is the recent visa requirement. When you come here, it’s almost like starting from scratch. Coming across, we have a long history back in South Africa — owning a home, having insurance — those things are not transferred.

I’m on the South African Chamber of Commerce for Ireland. We try to create trade opportunities for South African businesses in Ireland, or Irish businesses wanting to look at South Africa. That’s something that I’m quite active in, because I do see opportunities for both sides. In South Africa, we always have late-night shops. That’s not as big here, but it would be quite convenient.

In Ireland, there’s a big focus on tertiary education. South Africa could learn from that. I think that’s one way to get out of the current situation we’re in, and boost the economy. There was recently the Irish Tech Challenge for South Africans, and I was blown away by the level of talent in South Africa. There’s a lot of initiatives in Ireland, government-driven or privately-funded, to get the most out of people, to give them the tools they need to succeed.”