A new global study by Remitly has identified South Africans as the second-most homesick population in the world, with 96.1% of those living abroad admitting to a deep longing for home, second only to the Philippines. Surveying 3,100 adults across 21 countries, the research highlights how deeply migrants feel the emotional pull of home. For many South Africans, it’s not just about missing family and friends, but also the country’s strong sense of community, outdoor lifestyle, and familiar traditions. Homesickness often intensifies during milestones or difficult moments, when distance feels most real. To cope, nearly 70% of South African expats rely on frequent digital connections with loved ones, while others seek out familiar flavors like biltong or host braais to bridge the distance from home.
IOL
