"Fortunate to Have the Choice": Australian Woman Explains Why She Chose SA to Raise Her Children

• Louisa MacQueen, an Australian woman with a German passport, shared why she chose South Africa over Australia to raise her children
• MacQueen listed domestic help, faith-based schooling and a culture of respect for elders as key reasons for staying in SA
• South Africans and expats flooded her Instagram post with reactions, many saying they could relate to her reasoning

An Australian woman is turning the usual emigration conversation on its head. Louisa MacQueen, who holds both Australian citizenship and a German passport, posted on Instagram on 22 September 2026 explaining why South Africa remains her family's chosen home.

MacQueen said the question she gets asked most often is why she does not simply move back to Australia. Her answer is nuanced. She acknowledged that South Africa is far from perfect and that she misses aspects of life in Australia, but said choosing a country to raise children involves more than comparing rankings on paper.

Read also

Rachel Kolisi's dancing video goes viral, Mzansi says she is "glowing" post-divorce

Explain why she chose SA for her family

Having domestic help at home is one of the biggest factors. MacQueen said it frees up both parents from the full burden of cooking, cleaning and household chores, giving them something she considers invaluable: time. That time translates into being present at school events, sports days and dance recitals rather than being stretched thin.

Her faith also plays a central role. She values that her children are growing up within a Christian school and community where belief is woven into everyday life. Then there is the question of manners. MacQueen wrote that her experiences in Australia made her appreciate how South African children are expected to greet adults with "Ma'am", "Sir", "Auntie" and "Uncle", and that this culture of respect is something her family holds dearly.

Beyond values, there is the life the family has built. Her husband runs a business he loves, the children are settled in school with friends, and the family has community roots. She noted that relocating to a wealthier country does not automatically translate into a better quality of life.

Read also

Cassper Nyovest joins forces with Universal Music SA for Million Voices initiative

View the Instagram video below:

See how Mzansi and expats reacted

The post on her page struck a chord with South Africans and expats alike:

@riandileroux:

"I would love to also hear what you especially miss about Aus"

@rootedabroadcollective:

"So love this post!!"

@louisamacqueen:

"So fortunate to have the choice 🇦🇺🇿🇦❤️"

@bernellevisser:

"As a South African living in Australia, I agree."

@charlieengelbrecht21:

"I'm a Brit living in SA and would choose SA all the time! Life is just better here 🥰✨️"

More Briefly News stories on expats

Source: Briefly News