Emigration warning for South Africa

South Africa is facing a new brain drain wave as many young and educated adults express their intention to emigrate or are actively considering the move.

Those with their passports ready have shifted their purchasing habits so they’re not tied down. They cite a lack of career opportunities and concerns for the country’s future as reasons for wanting to leave. 

This concern was highlighted during Youth Month in June when BrandMapp conducted its annual survey of 30,000 middle-class and affluent adults.

According to the latest data, nearly half (49%) of young South Africans in this group said they are likely or very likely to emigrate in the next five years. By comparison, only 26% of older adults feel the same way.

Many already have passports ready and are adjusting their lifestyles accordingly. Ashleigh Cumming, a youth strategist at WhyFive, said today’s young professionals are moving away from traditional commitments like buying homes and cars. 

“They’re choosing flexible access over fixed ownership. They are renting homes, using e-hailing services, and streaming entertainment,” she explained.

“They value mobility and freedom over permanence, and this mindset aligns with the desire to work remotely, change careers, or move cities or countries.” 

BrandMapp’s research shows that 77% of the youth consumer class are Black South Africans, which indicates slow but evident economic transformation. 

Around 24% already earn R20,000 or more a month. But despite their upward mobility, they are concerned with the country’s prospects.

Only 37% feel optimistic about South Africa’s future, while 41% remain uncertain.

Other studies echo these findings. The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI), in its 2024 survey, found that 79.5% of young South Africans were ready to emigrate, rising to 84% among the youngest respondents. 

The primary drivers include better job prospects (cited by 23.18%), broader career opportunities (9.79%), and an improved standard of living (9.69%). 

One million South Africans have left

A perception of South Africa as a failing state, declining infrastructure, and poor service delivery were also key motivators. The economic strain is especially felt among those with higher education and incomes. 

The ISI found that 10.78% of graduates and 11.45% of high earners were seriously considering emigration in the next year, both showing increases from previous years. 

Younger South Africans are particularly vulnerable regarding employment challenges and their ability to move more freely. 

Among 18 and 24-year-olds, 13.56% said they were actively considering emigration. For 25.48%, high unemployment was a decisive factor, while 19.39% wanted to achieve a better life, and 17.65% hoped for a more secure future.

Concerns over deteriorating infrastructure and service delivery also weigh heavily, with 21.38% of respondents citing it as a key reason for wanting to leave. 

These frustrations are compounded by ongoing governance failures and widespread pessimism about the country’s long-term direction.

The latest migrant stock data from the United Nations shows that over 1 million South Africans have emigrated to other countries, with around 107,000 leaving for other pastures in the last four years alone.

The United States was the biggest receiver of South Africans, with 31,962 expats making the jump to the US. This was followed by New Zealand, which added 19,345 South African migrants over the period.

Australia added 12,453 South Africans to its stock, while the UK added 12,745 and the Netherlands saw 10,693 make the jump.