A HEAVY matter – what one should take along and what should be left behind

When travelling or migrating, one of the most difficult questions is what one should take along and what should be left behind. Sometimes emotions prevail and what you decide on, will be of little use when you eventually arrive at your destination.

Windows and beds, for example, are not the same standard size all over the world. Therefore rather make sure that the curtains and bedding will fit before you start packing. Familiarize yourself with the customs requirements in the destination country. Some countries do not allow open fires, which might mean that the Weber will have to be left behind.

All countries also do not use the same electrical current and thus your electrical equipment might to be useless abroad, or require expensive conversion. A few questions before the bags are zipped closed or the shipping container is sealed, will prevent expensive mistakes.

Please send your stories about such mistakes or tips or questions to Worldwide – we would love

We’re running out of whites – Half a million white South Africans have left the country

About half a million white South Africans have left the country in the past three decades, and Stats SA estimates that a further 112 740 will emigrate in the next five years.

The white population is also ageing as younger people are mostly the ones who go, leaving their parents behind.

Population growth estimates show that the white population declined by 22 250 people, from 4.52 million in 2016 to 4.49 million in 2017. Over the same period, the total population increased by 900 000 to 56.62 million.

Frans Cronjé of the Institute of Race Relations said the white population structure resembled an hourglass after 1994, when many between the ages of 20 and 40 emigrated. Since then, the bottom and top parts of the hourglass have shrunk, because the white people who remained had fewer children.

Though Stats SA couldn’t say why whites were leaving, emigration agencies believe political instability, crime and uncertainty are reasons cited for leaving. Emma Wald