Merise - March/April 2016

En este asunto

Long ago … was it in the Seventies or Eighties? … South Africans jokingly referred to the PFP crowd. Not the South African political party at the time, but the ‘Packing for Perth’ crowd. And here in Australia, we are told, they were nicknamed the ‘new boat people’, because many arrived in Australia with brand new boats. The rumour goes that these boats were sold once they were safely in Australia, as it was an effective way of bypassing stringent foreign exchange regulations.

Unfortunately South Africans who migrate to Australia today are seldom abundantly wealthy. They are ordinary, hardworking people, wishing to improve their lives and the future of their children. They are often also concerned for their safety.

I think that South Africans make great Australians! South African born Australians are committed work hard and build successful careers. Like most other migrants, they are grateful for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country and they desperately want only the best for Australia and its citizens. They realise that the welfare of beloved friends and family back home is not the responsibility of the Australian people.

However, as a South African born Australian, I want to express my sincere wish that the reported downward trend on visas granted to South Africans is to be reversed as soon as possible - in the interest of both our loved ones and our new country, Australia.

Merise Magazine Description:

Merise is a digital family magazine initiated in 2011 to encourage and assist others, as well as to offer advice in facing the challenges of settling and integrating into our new community together. We talk openly about the different aspects of our lives that are under strain through the migration process – from helping our kids adjust to their new school environments, to leaving our parents behind and to changes in the dynamics of our personal relationships.

We provide valuable information about financial and visa requirements, encouraging specialists in various fields to submit articles on topics which we feel may be beneficial to our readers. Merise captures the beauty of our new countries by featuring different geographical areas in Australia and New Zealand, thereby giving would-be migrants or readers who are planning holidays or an interstate move, a better understanding of what to expect in their new domain.

Merise will become a friend to you and your family.

The ascending aircraft in the Logo is symbolic of our desire to reach for the stars. Even the name itself has meaning. By dividing the word ‘Merise e’ in two, it becomes ‘Me rise ’, accentuating our aspiration for life improvement. Merise embodies support and friendship and is such an essence in our lives that we feel inclined to personify the magazine. Merise is who we are.

It is important for Merise to support ‘her’ friends, not merely those who have recently arrived, but all expats in Australia and New Zealand who have left their home countries to find new direction ‘Down Under’.

Merise lends a hand in almost every way. Like anyone who has been through the immigration process and experienced it first hand, Merise is thoroughly aware of difficulties that may arise for both newcomers as well as experienced expats and knows how to help overcome, or should we say “survive”, these difficulties.

Merise explores different avenues and is vivacious and enthusiastic, living life to the full and is always on the lookout for new challenges and encounters. Merise's experiences and pleasures are shared with her friends, always encouraging and inspiring them.

Merise is fully bilingual and has English- as well as Afrikaans-speaking readers with whom time and information is equally shared.

It’s not that easy to find a friend as special as Merise . . .

Both versions of the English and Afrikaans editions of Merise are available on www.merisemag.com.