Today’s observation looks at how the respondents from our 30/30/30 Project relish the thought of exploring the world for various reasons, but still returning to re-establish their roots in South Africa.
Continue reading to find out why.
What we learnt
67% of our interviewees stated they would leave South Africa, while 23% preferred to stay. These responses connect well with the optimism they expressed about their future. Those who have indicated that they would leave this country would do so for work and life experience, exposure to the world, better quality of life, job opportunities, safety, security and money. Even though most stated that they wanted to or have considered leaving South Africa, they also expressed returning to re-establish their roots – to build on their newly acquired wealth/experience in South Africa.
“ I love Cape Town. I’ve always said, that in order to get a UK or a European job and work remotely from Cape Town, that would be ideal. It’s just that life here is really like, I love my life here. Obviously, the economy and the corruptness and democracy a huge things. But as I said, I believe that can be fixed. Ideally, I would love to get some experience of life in Europe, or somewhere else in the world. And just see how they work there. How life is there? But I always see myself coming back.” – Jaydan (22, White, female)
“The reason would be, for me mostly, security. I’m not so worried about opportunity and I think security financial and physical security is a huge issue here… sometimes I think about my life, could I have a daughter in this country and let her go hang up with her friends without me watching? You know, it freaks me out and so, I would definitely at least by the time I’m married, try to be out of here unless there is something that’s changing, and we are not going to see that happen, see the change happening. So yeah, security would be the reason.” – Bryan (White, male)
“I used to want to, but I don’t know hey, I love it, but it would be nice to leave, make a bunch of money and you know, bring it back. But I think ultimately, I want to end up in South Africa.” – Aviwe (28, Black, male)
The interviewees who want to stay expressed doing so because of their family and friends, the weather, the cultural diversity and the environment however, the lack of employment opportunities is persuading them to consider leaving for greener pastures.
“I love this place I’m very patriotic about South Africa, like I’d be like, I’m very patriotic about this country, like people died for this place.” – Nolwazi (Black, male)
“So yes, I love South Africa for its diversity that we spoke of like, it’s really nice. Yeah, we have a culture of our own. And I really feel like it’s home. You know what I mean? So I will never leave South Africa. Oh, also the weather is quite great. Yeah, we have winter. We have summer, however, we have great weather. We don’t get to struggle with any other issues outside of Durban floods, which is one province that also can always catch strays, but Yeah, yeah. But leave Mzansi? Nah.” – Lerato (27, Black, female)
“I’m happy with everything here. Like I’m happy with my family here. I’m happy with the friends I’ve made. I’m happy with even the environment sometimes. it’s just the opportunity for work that I would say would lead me to live in the country.” – Sizwe (Black, male)
Another point highlighted in this research is how the interviewees depend financially on their parents and partners. This situation could be the underlying reason for their responses about leaving the country. We can not say if this would be different if their situation were to change.
What does the research/experts say:
“Brain Drain” is the term used to describe an educated and highly skilled workforce that leaves their country for greener pastures. According to Mr Ivor Ichikowitz of the South African Ichikowitz Family Foundation, “It’s bigger than a brain drain… This group of people, 18 to 24 year olds in Africa, are saying: ‘We are going to improve our lives, even if it means having to up and leave and go somewhere else…’” This phenomenon is not unique to this country, with almost half of Gen Zs in America wanting to move out of their country to find better prospects and living conditions elsewhere, according to a report by Preply. Reasons US Gen Zs want to leave their country mirror the ones communicated by our Gen Zs. They want better healthcare insurance. They want to avoid gun violence (safety and security), the volatile political climate in the country and the cost of living (inflation). Others want to leave so they can experience a different lifestyle. Like their South African counterparts, US Gen Zs are flocking to English-speaking countries first (United Kingdom, Canada and Australia) to ensure a smooth transition into their new life. In a twist of fate, some South Africans are returning. Tax Consulting South Africa says, “A growing number of expatriates are drawn back by the allure of a vibrant cultural scene, inviting temperate climate, and favourable exchange rates.” Proving that the “brain drain” is a revolving door that will return the youth home once the novelty of living elsewhere has worn off.
What can businesses and policymakers do about this?
Adept policymakers and employers are needed to ensure that Gen Zs see a future full of growth and opportunity in South Africa. The government can create policies that generate an enabling environment for professionals and the economy – this starts with addressing the service delivery issues this country is experiencing so those who have businesses can thrive, innovate and create jobs for their peers. Businesses can also foster relationships with overseas companies from the same field but located in different countries to enable Gen Z employees to experience immigration without losing talent – similar to high school exchange programs, they allow professionals to hone their skills in another location while also allowing them to experience new culture and lifestyle. Alternatively, international companies can compete locally for remote employees, giving Gen Zs the luxury of being part of a global organisation, earning in a foreign (and stronger) currency, but still enjoying being in their home country.
By Flux Trends
The data and quotes mentioned above refer to a project that we are in the midst of, in conjunction with Student Village called “The 30/30/30 Project” whereby we collected insights from 30 South Africans, under the age of 30, 30 years into our new democracy.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Book you and your team a spot at our upcoming salon, From GenZ to Gen Alpha, to get access to the latest insights about Gen Alpha.
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Image credit: Karabo Mdluli
