I really enjoyed reading your interview, particularly the part about how and why you find yourself in London at the moment. It reads like a career rags-to-riches story - a version of The Pursuit of Happyness without the bad hair or door to door sales. Your interview speaks of a person who is able to seize opportunities even if they come gift-wrapped in adversity. It is precisely for this reason that it pains me to think of South Africa losing yet another well educated, enterprising and innovative individual to the ever alluring Great Beyond.
I'm sure your decision to leave South Africa wasn't an easy one. Career opportunities coupled with an ever-increasing crime rate, political ... err ... intrigues and the fact that Bafana Bafana just can't seem to keep a coach must have been of tremendous help in the decision making process. I understand and respect your reasons for leaving. I can even comprehend the logic in staying abroad. I can't, however, understand why you won't return to South Africa permanently.
Life is South Africa is no picnic - kidnap me to a country where life is! The diverse, innovative and creative culture you speak of - that which distinguishes South Africa from the rest of the world, which has helped to shape the person you are - remains. When people such as yourself, and the growing community of South Africans abroad you mention, leave South Africa, it necessarily deprives the country of future leaders of industry. The brain-drain epidemic that has befallen our country is by no means your fault - but I believe that people such as yourself can contribute toward a solution to this problem.
I believe that there comes a time when we, the educated "elite" of our country, should reinvest that which we have been given, and have taken for at least 16 years. Globalisation and the popularity of online shopping make that a distinct possibility for you. Why not use the knowledge you have gained from working internationally to the amelioration of South Africa?
Your mom used to tell you that your way of thinking transcends the borders of your country - isn't innovation the ability to create the kind of change that will make your country fit you?
I wish you the best of luck with your career - international and otherwise!
Alexis van den Heever
- Read the "Young Expats" interview with Alexis here.