In this monologue, Colin explains that his decision to emigrate from South Africa to Canada was driven not by concerns about violence or crime, but by a deep desire to be close to his future grandchildren and to ensure a family‑centered life. He recounts his sister’s earlier move, the emotional impact on their parents when grandchildren were taken to Canada, and his own marriage. Colin emphasizes that he envisions growing old with his grandchildren, fearing that his children would likely leave South Africa themselves. He highlights his strong relationship with his wife and two daughters, stating that family is the core purpose of his life and that even without wealth, he would be content as long as he has his family. The narrative contrasts common assumptions about South African emigration with his personal, family‑oriented motivations.
Chapters
The reason why I left South Africa is very different to what you'll think it is. Most people say, Colin, you probably left because of the violence, you probably left because of the crime. You know what, I'm a visionary. And my sister left before me, about a couple of years before me. I've been in Canada now about 29 years or so. And my sister left and she had the only grandchildren. And when she left and took those grandchildren from my parents, my parents were devastated. I didn't grow up in an uber wealthy family. My mom and dad couldn't travel to Canada all the time to come and see their grandchildren. And I watched how much that devastated them. So when I decided to leave 2 years later, after just getting married to my wife, I looked at what had gone down and I was like, you know what, I'm leaving because I want to grow old with my grandkids. And growing old with my grandkids is so important to me because people say to me, Colin, you are such a visionary. You didn't have kids yet, never mind grandkids. You're already envisioning growing old with your grandkids. I said yes, because in South Africa, the high likelihood when I do have kids, my kids will leave me and they'll go somewhere else in the world. And then I'm going to have to travel and everything else. I don't mind that. I'm very blessed financially. So going to be able to travel with people and see them. But you know what? I have such a great relationship with my two daughters now, and we live all together, and life is just abundant. The reason why I'm on this planet is to be with my family. Honestly, if everything around me disappeared tomorrow, I was just left with no money, my wife and my two daughters, I'd be one very happy man. And that's the reason why I left South Africa. A lot of people just don't get it. And I'm like, at the end of the day, my heart is the most important piece to me, and I'm happy for the decisions I made at that time.
