The World Is Your Oyster

Emigration is no longer the reserve of the privileged. Anyone with the patience to deal with plenty of paperwork, long emigration office queues, red tape and the courage to start afresh in a completely different environment can do it

Ever wondered, in envy, how others get to craft new lives abroad? Whether it’s greener pastures you’re after, a change of scenery or chasing love, emigrating is doable — although the thought could be daunting at first. South Africans considering emigration usually opt for Europe, North America and other non-African destinations, according to a 2019 Afrobarometer Report based on 34 African countries. The report added that the top five emigration reasons provided by South Africans were finding better work opportunities (40%), escaping hardship (17%), finding peace and security (8%), traveland tourism (7%) and entrepreneurial prospects (6%).

WHERE TO?

There exists a myth that it’s mostly White South Africans who go in search of greener pastures abroad. However, in an interview with Traveller24, Induku Consulting Group director Trevor Thomas shared that: “Black professional emigrants exceed the tally of white South Africans leaving the country.”

According to Zanele Chakela, founder of boutique travel agency Baki Travel, there is no much difference between the chosen emigration destinations for black South Africans and other races. “The push factors are usually economicallyrelated — with most people being motivated to seek safety, quality education and high-income potential,” says Chakela.

“The large expat community in these countries is a huge drawcard — one that allows South Africans ease of transition and adjustment after emigrating.”

Generic trends tend to suggest that black South Africans prefer the United Kingdom, USA, parts of Asia and the Middle East. “Some of these are English-medium countries, which saves South Africans from having to make language adjustments,” explains Chakela. On the other hand, Asia and the Middle East generally have a high English proficiency! Even though efforts to brand our continent as progressive have been in place for some time, South Africans seeking to

relocate abroad seldom consider another African country. “South Africans would rather emigrate to countries with stronger and stable economies, that offer better financial prospects and opportunities for their children,” she says.

WHOSE EMIGRATION IS IT ANYWAY?

Durban-born Nonhle Makhanya, commonly known as @nonhleberyl on social media, knew she wanted to live abroad after visiting New York, while en route to represent South Africa at the International Student’s Convention in Arizona, USA. “I was 14 at the time and that experience made the world ‘bigger’ for me,” she shares.

Post university — around 2007 — Makhanya auditioned for The Lion King musical and earned a role in the German production. At 24, and moving to a foreign country that she’d never visited before, safety was a priority. “There were fears of human-trafficking even back then — although not as rife as they are today. Before signing the contract, my dad helped me with background research on the production company and life in Germany. Everything seemed legit,” Makhanya enthuses, adding that she relocated to Hamburg, rated as one of the world’s best cities to live in.

HOME SICK?

Though emigrating isn’t without its fair share of homesickness, food blogger Tanya Junghans says social media and using various technological platforms to communicate helped her cope with her move to Switzerland. Upon weighing their options, Junghans and her Swiss partner decided it would be more beneficial for her to emigrate to Switzerland. “I don’t know how people did it before, but social media literally saved my life. Being able to talk to people from home, in my language and in real-time healed me, and made leaving South Africa less lonely,” shares Junghans. English is hardly spoken in Switzerland, and the Swiss are notorious for being unfriendly, she says. “Naturally, I worried about where I would work and if I would be able to make friends. Learning German topped my priority list when I moved here,” shares Junghans.

She lists Switzerland’s political stability, safety and the world-class infrastructure as some of the benefits of living in the world’s tenth richest country. “Switzerland is also pristine, and that level of cleanliness definitely has a positive psychological impact on people,” she adds. One of the downsides, however, was her first medical racism encounter where a doctor asked her for an HIV test “because she’s from South Africa”. The cost of living, she says, is extremely high in Switzerland.

A BALANCING ACT

Though the challenges can be overwhelming, rewards such as work-life balance and general wellness being encouraged are worth it. For Makhanya, who’s made a name for herself as an actor, singer and songwriter in Germany, the silver lining has been the freedom emigrating affords one. “You’re in a country where you know no one, and vice versa. Therefore, no one expects you to be a certain way. You can be your true self without fear of judgement,” she explains. ■