Franzi Schmidt, a 37-year-old expatriate featured in the VOX documentary series "Goodbye Deutschland! Die Auswanderer," is navigating a tumultuous chapter in her life on the idyllic island of Zanzibar. Having moved from Berlin six months ago with her seven-year-old son, Willi, for love, Franzi now finds herself grappling with the impending arrival of her second child, financial instability, and a complicated relationship with her ex-partner, Saris.
Franzi's journey took a dramatic turn when she discovered messages on Saris's phone indicating he was communicating with other women. "I was furious and kicked him out," she recounted, explaining how the relationship deteriorated after two years of ups and downs. Just before their split, she learned she was pregnant, a revelation that added further complexity to an already strained situation. As she approaches her due date, Franzi's primary concern is the custody of her unborn child.
Under Tanzanian law, fathers automatically have custody rights, a fact that weighs heavily on Franzi's mind. Saris has made it clear he intends to claim their child upon birth, which has prompted Franzi to plan for a delivery in Germany, where she feels her rights as a mother would be better protected. "I want to ensure that the child is safe and that I don’t lose any rights to my child," she stated, highlighting her fears about the cultural differences regarding parental rights.
In a recent episode of the show, Franzi attempted to meet Saris for a discussion about their future co-parenting arrangement. However, the conversation did not go as she had hoped. Saris arrived with friends and was uncommunicative, offering little more than a half-hearted, "I love you." Franzi expressed her frustration, stating, "It drives me crazy. It’s just not possible to have an adult conversation." This interaction only confirmed her decision to give birth in Germany.
Adding to her challenges, Franzi faced unexpected turmoil when her employee, whom she had hired for 120 Euros a month to assist with home and garden work, abruptly left her. He not only abandoned his duties but also took items from her house, which she had invested around 70,000 Euros into. "At the end of the day, you feel a bit cheated," she lamented, reflecting on the chaos left behind.
Despite these setbacks, Franzi remains hopeful. One month after her distressing encounter with Saris, she was visited by the VOX crew in Berlin. During this visit, she shared that she had given birth to her daughter, Malia, on February 13, 2025, a premature delivery that came with its own set of complications. "Now we are complete," she exclaimed, expressing joy despite the circumstances.
Franzi's story has sparked widespread discussion among fans of "Goodbye Deutschland," with many expressing disbelief over her decision to remain in Zanzibar given the challenges she faces. Comments on social media reflect a range of opinions, with some urging her to leave the island for her safety and that of her children. "I don’t understand why she stays there and puts her child at risk. It’s irresponsible," one viewer commented, while others pointed out the cultural differences that complicate her situation.
As the new episode aired on April 25, 2025, viewers were drawn into Franzi's world, filled with both hope and uncertainty. She plans to return to Zanzibar with her two children in a few months, despite the challenges that await her. "I’ve gone through many changes in my life, and I find it exciting. It’s part of the journey. You grow with your tasks," she remarked, embodying a resilient spirit.
Franzi's journey is a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, motherhood, and cultural differences. As she prepares for her return to Zanzibar, she continues to seek a solution that prioritizes the well-being of her children. With her family's support and the encouragement of her fans, she remains optimistic about the future.
