South Africans in Malta Come Together to Celebrate Heritage Day

The South African community in Malta recently gathered for a heartwarming celebration of Heritage Day, an event that beautifully blends their rich cultural roots with their new lives on this picturesque island. Arranged by Merle Whale of MaltaLifestyle, the annual gathering offered a warm and inviting platform for South Africans to share their personal journeys of settling in Malta, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of adapting to a new environment.

Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the Maltese people, as well as the island’s idyllic weather and safe surroundings. Merle Whale, affectionately known as Aunty Merle, added a touch of humor to the event, saying, “Relocating is a personal choice, much like choosing between Bovril or Marmite—it’s not for everyone!” This sentiment resonated with many, capturing the essence of the community’s supportive spirit as they navigate their new lives together.

Heritage Day, also fondly referred to as ‘Braai Day,’ holds special significance as a public holiday in South Africa, celebrating the nation’s incredible cultural diversity. “It’s a day that invites all South Africans to honor their varied traditions,” Merle explained. “In Malta, we appreciate how complex the idea of heritage can be, especially in a melting pot of cultures like ours.”

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the day was the recognition that South African Heritage Day and Malta’s Independence Day are celebrated just days apart. “This shared timing strengthens the connection between our communities,” Merle noted. “It’s wonderful to see how our cultures can intertwine and enrich one another.”

Reflecting on Malta’s Independence Day, Merle highlighted the island’s rich history and its journey toward self-governance. “Malta’s Independence Day symbolizes the resilience of its people and the triumph over centuries of foreign domination,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder of unity and strength—values that resonate deeply with us as South Africans.”

In addition to the celebrations, Merle announced an upcoming Information Day scheduled for Saturday, 2 November in Valletta. This initiative aims to provide the South African Family and Friends Abroad (SAFFAS) community with essential information about local legislation and obligations for South African passport holders living abroad. “We want to ensure our community stays informed and connected,” she emphasized.

This vibrant gathering was a beautiful reminder that even when far from home, the spirit of South Africa thrives among its people—united in their journey of building new lives while cherishing their heritage. It was especially heartwarming to see Maltese families joining the festivities, fostering new friendships and connections within the community.

Your Vote, Your Voice!

2024 is a significant year in history with the most ever recorded countries going to Vote! This includes South Africa, Europe, and our very own Malta, are all holding important elections. 🌍🇿🇦🇪🇺🇲🇹

Voting isn’t just a right—it’s our chance to shape the future.

When voting we get to contribute to choosing leaders and making decisions that help everyone. It’s a way to share our opinions and make sure everyone has a say in what happens in our community.

Every vote counts, helping to ensure our voices are heard and our values are represented. Whether it’s for local, national, or international leaders, your vote makes a difference. Let’s cherish our democratic privilege and make informed choices for a brighter tomorrow.

Democracy thrives when we all take part, every single vote matters in shaping our community and our future.

South Africans Abroad – fondly known as SAFFAS (South African Family and Friends Abroad) have been to the polls. Many of them travelling far and wide to get to the polls in the relevant jurisdictions.

📢 South African Election Day is this Wednesday 29th May! Find your polling place at https://www.elections.org.za/pw/

Be sure to gather all the necessary documents.

Malta BUCKS Global Trends with Strong Economic Growth

According to a fresh report by PwC Malta, Malta is bucking global trends with strong economic growth. The report forecasts a GDP growth of 4.4% for fiscal year 2024, slightly down from the previous year’s 5.6%. This growth stands out against major economies like the US, Japan, Italy, and France, which are expected to see declines.

Although Malta’s growth is projected to align more closely with the euro area average soon, domestic consumption remains the primary driver of its GDP, echoing the Central Bank of Malta’s findings. Despite this, when adjusted for inflation and population growth, real consumption per capita hasn’t changed much since 2019.

Inflation continues to be a global concern, and Malta is no exception. Despite a decline, the island’s inflation rate is anticipated to surpass the EU average due to rising prices in food and services. To address this issue, the Maltese Government has implemented the “Stabbiltà fil-Prezzijiet” scheme, aiming to reduce prices on essential goods. If sustained throughout the year, this initiative could potentially alleviate inflation by 0.31 percentage points.

Preliminary data for 2024 suggests a slowdown in economic sentiment and while inflation is moderating, it remains higher than the euro area average, indicating a need for further stabilization.

Find out how you can invest in this resilient economy and contact Merle Whale merle@maltalifestyle.co.za

Critical Thinking for Bold New Horizons

Are you looking for game changing opportunities for your life, be it finance, personal growth, education, quality of life, or safety – Whether you’re mapping out personal goals, family plans, or business strategies, this technique can guide to seizing new opportunities in various aspects of life.

Dive into the “Six Thinking Hats” technique by Dr. Edward de Bono, where each colored hat represents a distinct perspective. Picture yourself metaphorically wearing these hats—diving into facts, emotions, critical thinking, optimism, creativity, and managing the thinking process. This approach allows you to explore situations from different depths, promoting a comprehensive and effective decision-making process in personal, family, or business scenarios.

Imagine you have six different-colored hats, each representing a unique perspective: White for facts and information, Red for emotions and intuition, Black for caution and critical thinking, Yellow for optimism and positive ideas, Green for creativity and new possibilities, and Blue for managing the thinking process. By metaphorically wearing these hats, individuals can explore a situation from various angles, fostering well-rounded and effective decision-making in personal, family, or business contexts.

Believe it or not, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with Dr. De Bono during some business interactions in training and events in South Africa. Little did I know back then that I would eventually find myself living in the beautiful Malta, his birthplace. Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?

Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta beckons expats with its rich history, welcoming community, and a diverse cultural tapestry. The island nation offers investment opportunities in a thriving economy, complemented by picturesque landscapes, a Mediterranean climate, and excellent healthcare and education facilities, creating an ideal haven for expatriates.

I have been living in Malta for 12 years and assisting people and family with relocating, having done it myself a couple of times including living in Gibraltar, Mauritius and partner from the UK and Isle of Man. Utilising the Thinking Caps here are some questions you could ask about relocating.

For information on how Merle can assist you contact merle@maltalifestyle.co.za whether you are looking at prime property investments, relocation options or setting up business and perhaps hosting an event in Malta.

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