Strong women behind skilled migrants: Annelie’s new life in the Netherlands
At Manschap, we like to look beyond borders and are increasingly helping South African skilled migrants find work. However, behind every skilled migrant, there is often a strong partner supporting them. Today, on International Women’s Day – we shine the spotlight on one of these women. Our international recruiter Samantha, who once made the same journey as the “partner of,” talks to Annelie, who is now working as an Industrial Cleaner through Manschap.
Six months ago, Annelie and her husband Marnus packed their bags to start a new life in the Netherlands. Marnus found a job as a Service Technician through Manschap, but without Annelie, the process would have been much more difficult, says Samantha with a laugh: “When I started recruiting skilled migrants, I immediately realized that I needed to focus on their wives to really get things done. As soon as we were in contact with Marnus, I asked for Annelie’s number right away. Everything went through her. If we had waited for our husbands, we’d probably still be stuck in the process!” Annelie nods in agreement: “Manschap’s email would still be unread in our inbox.”
A new beginning
The decision to leave South Africa came mostly from Marnus, Annelie explains. “When we got the chance to come to the Netherlands, we knew immediately that we had to do it if we wanted a better future. The living conditions here are so much better, and especially safer.” Still, leaving family behind wasn’t easy. “We’re both very close to our families, so it feels strange not to see them for so long. Luckily, we keep in touch a lot by phone.”
Adapting to Dutch culture wasn’t difficult for Annelie. “It helped a lot that we already knew Samantha and Johnny. That made everything easier and more familiar.” The biggest change? The freedom she feels as a woman here. “In South Africa, I always had to look over my shoulder and carefully store my belongings. When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I still did this out of habit, even when I was with Marnus. Here, I had to teach myself that it wasn’t necessary anymore. Now, I feel much safer, and that’s a huge positive change.”
Getting to work in the tech industry
In the first few months in the Netherlands, Annelie spent a lot of time at home, which she found hard. “That was really not for me.” Fortunately, Manschap found a solution, and she could start working as an Industrial Cleaner. “Since I’ve started working, I feel so much better. Things are also better between Marnus and me now. I used to spend entire days alone, and in the evenings, I really wanted to talk, while he came home tired from work. That caused some tension. Now that we have the same routine, we also share the household tasks more, and we understand each other better. We’re both equally tired after work, haha.”
Working in a technical environment is surprisingly enjoyable for Annelie. “I learn something new every day, and all the machines are really interesting. This work is totally new to me, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.” She has already gained quite a bit of technical knowledge. “Marnus talks a lot about his work, so I already know certain processes.” This gives her a solid foundation to build a technical career. She’s excited to grow further: “When I see my female colleagues driving forklifts, I admire how smoothly they do it. You would never see that in South Africa!”
Patience and perseverance
Although Annelie has now fully settled in, it was a process with ups and downs. Her advice for other South African women in a similar situation? “Be patient and stay positive. It’s a long process, but if you and your husband support each other, you will find your way.” Now that she’s found her place, she’s thoroughly enjoying her new life in the Netherlands.