Davon du Bruyn

Davon arrived in the Netherlands in April 2025, together with Kelly. Read more about the experiences of Davon.

Davon, why did you emigrate to the Netherlands?
I emigrated to the Netherlands to grow both personally and professionally. I was drawn to the country’s strong family values, work-life balance, sense of belonging, advanced tech landscape, and the opportunity to collaborate within diverse, international teams. It was also important for me to live in a place that values innovation and has a high standard of living.

Can you tell us something how you do like the Netherlands?
I really enjoy the Netherlands—there’s a strong sense of community, order and efficiency here, and being able to use public transport, cycle or walk to get anywhere in the country has been a refreshing change! One of the biggest differences compared to South Africa is the public infrastructure, everything from public transport to digital services is incredibly well-organized and thought out.

Please tell us something about the projects you are currently working on.
I’m currently involved in developing a knowledge management SAAS service. I was lucky to find an almost near perfect fit for my currently skill set. The team has been amazing, they have welcomed me and made my transition into Dutch work culture extremely smooth.

Did the process of emigration go smoothly?
The emigration process was detailed and required careful planning, from securing the right visa to arranging housing and navigating the Dutch bureaucracy. That said, I found it manageable with the right guidance and support from summit developers, and breaking it into phases helped make the transition smoother.

Can you explain to the South Africans who are considering to go overseas how you did experience the support from us?
The support I received was invaluable. From answering questions about various processes to helping me feel settled once I arrived, summits assistance made a huge difference. Having a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact removed a lot of uncertainty and stress. For anyone in South Africa considering a move, I can honestly say that having the right support structure in place is what turns a daunting journey into a successful and exciting new chapter.