Once a word that filled many of us with dread is now losing its power over South Africans. Why? It’s simple: we know with certainty that the grass isn’t always greener, and, South Africa is on the rise.
Our White Paper explored just that, taking our characteristic glass half-full approach and expanding our research to bring you findings that justify staying in South Africa, rather than jumping ship. We have opted to focus on the facts: gathering evidence that proves that South Africa (and our continent at large) has all the potential, and is quickly becoming a hub for innovation, exploration and development. Without further ado, here are some of takeaways from our White Paper on emigration to bring with you into a brand new year.
Living overseas is no longer something that young South Africans do on a permanent basis. In fact, many South Africans are working abroad and then returning and injecting their newfound knowledge and skills into the South African economy. Young professionals are turning to digital nomadism, bouncing between here and other countries while keeping a firm foot back home, and then there’s the fact that businesses are starting to harness the power of flexible working conditions that allow for travels out of South Africa, with enticing incentives to draw back their employees and consultants.
Skill development has seen a public investment of R2.3 billion. In addition to no-return grant schemes, our country is ensuring that our professionals see opportunities in South Africa, encouraging them to take advantage of our lifestyle benefits and the many aspects of South African life that make staying home so appealing.
Education and employment have improved, with more and more youth receiving the knowledge that they need to take the professional world by storm. As a result, we’re also seeing higher employment levels among new graduates, and so the assertion of the ‘lost’ professional is quickly becoming a myth.
Companies such as Profmed are making it possible for South Africans to explore the international world while having a home base. For instance, we offer our members 150 days’ grace, which helps to facilitate this sense of being grounded at home while still being free to explore the international world.
This sense of ‘permission’ being granted to young professionals in our country has meant that there is an increasing rejection of the binary presented to youth which is: go or stay. Rather, South African professionals are seeing that they can have the best of both worlds, and continue to return home in droves with so much to offer our economy.
Craig Comrie had this to say: “This study isn’t just about charts and data. It’s a love letter to South African professionals, the real game-changers in our nation’s destiny. Despite challenges, it’s our local talent that’s steering our ship towards sunnier shores.”
Download our White Paper here.
Click here to see if you qualify, watch our Why Profmed video, and then fill in your details to get in touch with one of our consultants today!
