OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Schalk and Lana Esterhuyse, together with their young children, Milah and Livia, have been living in Dubai for just over four years. The family, part of a large South African expatriate community in the region, recently experienced firsthand how quickly everyday life can change when regional conflict escalates.
Schalk, a pilot for Flydubai who previously worked in Oudtshoorn as an instructor at AIFA for two years, was at home when news of the attacks first reached residents. At the time, Lana and their two children were in Dubai’s city centre, playing with friends at a children’s play centre.
The family lives near a military base and soon heard the country’s defence systems activating.
“It sounds like explosions close to you, but it is actually the defence systems firing,” Schalk explained. “It is always a shock when something becomes reality, but we knew the country was very advanced and would do everything possible to keep people safe.”
The initial uncertainty was unsettling, particularly with small children involved.
“We were quite scared at first, but once we realised how well the country is defended, it reassured us a lot. Sometimes the sounds still startle you, but under the circumstances, we feel safe.”
In response to the situation, the family temporarily moved in with friends further away from the areas where most of the noise could be heard.
“It almost feels like we are on a summer holiday with all the people staying together in one house,” he added.
Daily routines have adjusted rather than stopped entirely. The Esterhuyse children are currently participating in home learning, joining their teachers and classmates online each morning before completing activities at home. While Schalk’s work has temporarily paused pending further updates, most businesses and shops continue operating normally, and groceries remain easily accessible through online delivery services.
The family says there has been no noticeable panic buying or hoarding in their area, and everyday policing and security visibility remain unchanged in what they describe as an already highly secure environment.
Support within the expatriate community has played an important role during the uncertain period.
“Expats are constantly checking in on each other and helping where needed. It feels like home because most of our friends are here too. We are part of a large South African community, so it really feels like a second home.”
Communication from authorities has been frequent and structured, with residents receiving direct government alerts on their cellphones when specific areas may be at risk. Official government websites, social media platforms, and radio broadcasts also provide regular verified updates.
Despite the heightened tensions, Schalk believes many people outside the Middle East may misunderstand the reality on the ground.
“We still feel safer here than in certain parts of South Africa,” he said. “We have become very comfortable with the level of safety here and hope things can return to normal soon.”
For now, the Esterhuyse family, like many expatriates, continues to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining as much normality as possible, balancing work, family life, and reassurance for their children while watching developments unfold around them.
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