Emigration trends
The number of people choosing to live in South Africa, is balanced, in some respects, by the numbers choosing to emigrate from South Africa. Emigration data from 1970 to 2002 show three major peaks: in 1977, 1986 and 1994.
During these peak years, the leading destination country for self-declared emigrants was the UK. In the post-1994 period, the trend in self-declared emigration from South Africa to other countries has been gradual. In 2002 the number of emigrants turned out to be 11.2% lower than that of 2001, decreasing from 12 260 in 2001 to 10 890 in 2002.
While reasons for emigration are varied, and unique to individuals, many choose to settle in more developed countries in Europe or North America, where the earning potential for skilled labour tends to be higher.
The exodus of skills from the country – described as a 'brain drain' - has caused concern for some. Emigrants include IT professionals, doctors and dentists, scientists, nurses and teachers. For example, almost 17 000 science and technology professions (about 1% of the total science and technology workforce), left the country between 1994 and 2001.
Many poorly paid teachers and nurses, as well as emergency staff, such as firemen, have sought more lucrative positions in their professions overseas.
The downfall of the 'brain drain' is a shortage of skilled labour at home. A recent report suggests that the country does not have enough engineers to fulfil its infrastructure development ambitions over the coming years.
Yet the skills shortfalls are opportunities for some – providing business and work opportunities for a fresh wave of immigrants, and focusing skills development initiatives, as well as guiding tertiary education decisions at home
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