On digging deeper into the claims of the Homecoming Revolution, iWeek finds much about the concerns of expatriates but little indication of its impact. But before we even discuss a reversal in the numbers leaving the country, is it all that easy to just decide to return? TO ATTEMPT TO read the mind of an expatriate in not all that difficult. Much of what they want to see is that things are going well enough back home to consider returning.

And the year looks set to be an interesting one. Most of us will quietly revel in consistently low interest rates, good property values, strong economic growth and, of course, the country`s good weather conditions. Could 2006 be the time to return home?

Are these things enough to reverse the exodus of skills? And is it really is as easy as just coming home?

NEGATIVE

Leigh Wassermann, a telecoms consultant now resident in Ireland, has returned to South Africa twice, and been unable to find employment despite having extensive skills and experience. He doubts that he and his family will try again.

Wassermann refers to himself as a refugee (not an expatriate) because he simply "cannot afford to live and support his family in South Africa". And like many of the expatriates found on SA forums, he is decidedly negative about the country.

"I am one of a growing number of ...refugees living and working in the EU. I remember in the 80`s and 90`s joke that Irishmen where Ireland`s biggest export. Working in Europe, the Middle East and Africa [for] 7 years has shown me that white South Africans are now South Africa`s biggest export," he comments.

FOR THE CHILDREN

Brad and Jen Smith who returned to South Africa in September after 8 years overseas agree that it is not easy to return, especially, says Brad, if you do not have employment lined up.

"There are a tremendous number of jobs available in IT; but most of them [stipulate] affirmative action especially international organisations will [sacrifice] skills rather than renege on equity [obligations]," he explains.

So is it worth it? "Absolutely," enthuses Mrs Smith. "We are absolutely confident that returning home was the best decision for our family. Ironically, we left the country over fears for our children`s future but we have returned to give them a better quality of life. And, of course, the sunshine is divine."

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Martine Schaffer, MD of Homecoming Revolution, a non-profit initiative aimed at helping South Africans living abroad to return home, agrees that it is not always easy to return and admits much needs to be done.

"Unfortunately South Africa has not decisively cemented many of the aspects that influence people returning home or even those immigrating to the country.

However, it is not all bad news she says. "There is an abundance of opportunity in South Africa, especially when you consider the needs for the 2010 Soccer World Cup." Nevertheless, expatriates should not expect international experience to equal a plethora of job opportunities as she also points out that there are many good skills resident in SA.

Furthermore, she noted that BEE and protective labour legislation would come under review this year. "We need to review the unintended consequences of the BEE policy and adjust. There never was an intention that jobs should be given to people who are not qualified - that is indefensible. We also cannot compromise urgent service delivery because of BEE."

In the meantime, Schaffer says the Homecoming Revolution`s strategy for the coming year will be lobbying government to ease and even incentivise the return of expatriates as well as conducting a campaign amongst companies to promote employment opportunities on its career portal.

"It is vitally important that we get our South Africans home. On a social level, every person that returns to our country creates 10 jobs in the formal and informal sectors. Economically, these people have much to offer business and government in terms of international best practices and irreplaceable experience," concludes Schaffer.Figures courtesy of research conducted by Homecoming Revolution

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