The desire of a significant percentage of university students in South Africa to seek employment opportunities abroad can be attributed to various factors:
- Crime and Corruption: South Africa has struggled with high levels of crime and corruption for many years. Safety concerns, both personal and for their future businesses, can make students and their families consider leaving the country for a safer environment.
- Lack of Job Opportunities: The South African job market can be highly competitive, and the country faces high youth unemployment rates. Graduates may find it challenging to secure well-paying jobs that match their qualifications and career aspirations.
- Failing Infrastructure: Infrastructure challenges, including inconsistent access to basic services like electricity and water, can make daily life difficult. It can also hinder business growth and job creation, prompting students to look for more stable environments.
- Rising Cost of Living: The cost of living in South Africa, including housing, education, healthcare, and transportation, has been steadily increasing. This financial pressure may drive students to seek opportunities in countries with a lower cost of living or higher earning potential.
- Quality of Life: Students may desire a better quality of life, including access to quality healthcare, education, and public services, which they believe they can find abroad.
- Political and Economical Uncertainty: South Africa has faced political and economic uncertainties in the past, which can make individuals, especially those seeking stability for their careers and families, consider leaving for more predictable environments.
- Global Perspective and Mobility: Many students aspire to gain international exposure, build a global network, and experience different cultures. Working abroad can provide them with these opportunities.
This is according to the 2022/23 Student Confidence Index conducted by the Professional Provident Society (PPS) for Professionals, which focused on the major concerns of university students about life after graduation and what that would mean for their career prospects.
More than 2400 undergraduates and postgraduates participated in the survey, including undergraduates and postgraduates studying engineering (civil, chemical, securing and network), medicine, law, accounting, business management and psychology at public and private universities.
78% of respondents rated crime and corruption as the most worrying aspect of living in South Africa, followed by unemployment at 65%, infrastructure failure at 66%, and cost of living/poverty at 52%.
This led to 90% of students, especially among younger black students, wanting to live and work overseas โ compared with 39% recorded last year, noted the report.
The desire of university students in South Africa to seek employment opportunities abroad due to a lack of local opportunities and the hope of gaining professional experience in the overseas market is a common sentiment among young professionals in many countries. Hereโs a look at these factors:
- Lack of Local Opportunities: As mentioned earlier, South Africa has faced challenges with high youth unemployment rates and a competitive job market. Many recent graduates may find it difficult to secure job opportunities that align with their education and career goals in their home country. This lack of local opportunities can be a significant driving force behind their desire to explore international options.
- Professional Experience Abroad: Working abroad can provide valuable professional experience, exposure to different work cultures, and the opportunity to acquire skills that may not be readily available in South Africa. Many students and young professionals see international experience as a way to enhance their resumes and advance their careers in the long term.
- Global Perspective: Gaining experience abroad can also broaden one’s perspective and understanding of global markets and trends. Exposure to different business practices and industries can be beneficial for personal and professional growth.
- Networking and Contacts: Working abroad allows individuals to build international networks and establish contacts in their respective fields. These connections can open up future career opportunities, whether they choose to stay abroad or return to South Africa.
- Personal Growth: Living and working in a foreign country can be a transformative experience, leading to personal growth and increased adaptability. It can help individuals become more independent, culturally aware, and resourceful.
While pursuing opportunities abroad can offer many benefits, it’s important for students and young professionals to carefully consider their options, plan for their financial and legal requirements (such as visas), and weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of such a move. Additionally, governments and institutions in South Africa may seek to address the issue of “brain drain” by implementing policies that encourage the retention of skilled individuals in the country while also promoting opportunities for international collaboration and growth.
Source: BusinessTech, 2023
