South Africa bleeding the next generation of skills
The high youth unemployment rate is causing as many as one in two young South Africans to think they would be better off living and working in other countries, and there are signs they’re not bluffing anymore.
The BrandMapp footprint is centred around approximately 13 million South African adults aged 18 and above, residing in households with a minimum monthly income of R10,000.
It estimates that around five million individuals fall between the ages of 18 and 35.
Unlike many of their peers in lower-income groups, BrandMapp’s Director of Storytelling Brandon de Kock said they have choices when it comes to the lives they want to lead and the fulfilment of their aspirations.
However, despite these aspirations, de Kock noted that the downer came in response to the question of how likely it was that they would emigrate from South Africa in the next five years, that is, move and live in another country.
Concerningly, 50% of our well-educated, mid-to-top-income young people said that emigration is ‘Very likely’ or ‘Likely’ for them.
De Kock says, “Even if this is mostly aspirational and doesn’t turn out to be practical, it’s obviously a massive concern.
He added that they clearly believe they would be better off living and working in other countries with stronger currencies and economies.
“What this data says to me is that 50% are thinking that the grass is a whole lot greener overseas, and that’s a radical indictment of our country,” he said.
A primary reason for this mindset is South Africa’s unemployment rate, which is one of, if not the highest, in the world.
De Kock added that not only do we have one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, as reported by StatsSA in Q1 of 2024 at 45.5% among people aged between 15 and 34, but this intolerable rate is perpetually trending upwards.
They’re already making good on their word
Despite de Kock noting the survey results are mostly aspirational, there is evidence they’re practical, too.
Canadian immigration consultant Nicholas Avramis told BusinessTech that Beaver Immigration had seen a 50% spike in interest from doctors and nurses who want to immigrate to Canada.
Concerningly, he noted this has mostly come from newly graduated doctors who had just completed their community service, and the National Healthcare Insurance (NHI) Bill is to blame.
Avramis mentioned that since July 2023, Canada and its provinces have chosen 10,000 healthcare workers and doctors for immediate permanent residency through the Express Entry system.
There is a competition to recruit healthcare professionals in the Global North (Canada, France, UK, UAE, Qatar, etc.).
475 South Africans have become permanent residents in Canada in 2024 so far.
“They don’t envision a future here. South Africa will lose its upcoming generation of doctors as they are in demand worldwide,” he said.
Unfortunately, Avramis said this trend of South Africans exiting the country is expected to continue amid high unemployment and poor economic growth.
Parents are also starting to pay attention.
There is a notable trend of South African parents looking to save for overseas universities because they’re concerned about the country’s future.
Marnus Mostert, a franchise principal and financial adviser, noted that he has noticed a trend where people are asking about funding solutions for offshore universities.
This is because parents want to ensure quality education and a prosperous future for their children.
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