South African Woman Opens Up About Moving to the Netherlands: “There Was Something Much Bigger”

• Liezl Smith, a woman from South Africa, shared with the internet why she left her home country for the Netherlands
• The mother of two noted that while safety played a role in her move, it wasn't the main reason
• Some social media users genuinely expressed how they felt about Liezl leaving the country, while others applauded her decision

A South African woman, Liezl Smith, shared why she packed her bags and moved to the Netherlands. She noted that the reason for her and her family's departure wasn't because of what people would initially think.

On 12 August, 2025, Liesl took to her TikTok account and half-explained her reason, saying that crime in South Africa played a small role in her decision.

"Yes, safety was part of it, but the truth is that there was something much bigger pushing us. We felt we had to make this leap."

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Liezl noted that, for many years, her family had an unusual lifestyle where her husband often worked at sea while she homeschooled their children. They also spent months living on a cruise ship and needed a change in their lives.

"It was magical until it wasn't anymore."

In a separate video, the mother of two explained why she left:

"When you're constantly surrounded by negativity, whether it's crime, politics, or just online comments, it's so easy to get stuck in survival mode. That's not why I left South Africa.

"I left because I wanted more freedom, more peace, and a chance to actually build something new for my family."

Mzansi reacts to woman living in the Netherlands

Several social media users welcomed the woman's move to the Netherlands, stating that the European country was her actual home. Other online community members showed Liezl support and spoke about crime in South Africa.

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@ary_128888 applauded the relocation and stated:

"Brilliant decision. The Netherlands is the best."

@gollivanvog humorously told the online community in the comment section:

"South Africa is like being constipated. Once you leave and experience the release, it's incredible. You feel incredible."

@michaelvw74 shared why they left South Africa:

"I left due to the ANC and EFF, full stop!"

@pappakev3 made assumptions about why Liezl left, writing:

"You don't have to explain your reason for seeking a better life for yourself. If you are more comfortable in a majority white country, it's your right to go back to your roots. Well done!"

@zongameletshikana shared their opinion:

"Crime is on another level in South Africa."

@love_cats_7 pointed out:

"You're rich, hey. It's not cheap there."

Watch Liezl's first TikTok video discussing why she moved below:

3 Other stories about the Netherlands

• In another article, Briefly News reported that a content creator from the Cape Flats bought land in the Netherlands and planned to build seven double-storey apartments.
• A South African woman stuck in the Netherlands made a heartbreaking plea on the internet, asking for help to escape her British ex, who put a travel ban on her.
• Bafana Bafana star Siyabonga Ngezana lived it up in Amsterdam during his pre-season break after a successful campaign in Romania with FCSB. He shared interesting snaps of his holiday abroad.

Source: Briefly News