Continents apart, but SA is still home

SHIRA DRUION

South African entrepreneur Warren Moss, 23, CEO of online advertising agency Demographica, says he is very positive about the future and would not immigrate even if he was offered the opportunity.

“I think that the standard of living is still incredible and unrivalled anywhere in the world. From a commercial perspective, South Africa is the land of milk and honey. It offers people a plethora of opportunities, as long as they are willing to go out and make it happen. 

“I work with very intelligent, educated and savvy people who are actively driving change in government and this inspires me with real hope for our future,” he adds. His only disappointment is with the current leadership which is “at the lowest it has been since Apartheid”.

Moss is not alone in his “sunny skies” views, and even young people who have chosen to leave-are still proud to call South Africa home and believe in its future.

Batya Bloch, 25, who made aliyah in 2013 and is now working as a graphic designer in Jerusalem, says: “South Africa is a vibrant and exciting place filled with incredible opportunities especially for young people. I am proud to tell people that is where I come from and am envious of those who are now a part of developing the country.”

For Batya however, Israel offers more in terms of a fulfilling, observant Jewish life. “I do feel that life as a Jew in South Africa is limiting, something which I never realised the extent of until I came to Israel. There are so many avenues and ways to be Jewish here without it being limited by where you can live, what you can eat and what you believe in.”

Zach Fouche, 23, former-head boy of King David Linksfield High, is another South African who believes South Africa has a promising future, even though he left in 2010 to follow his dream of being an actor and is currently auditioning for roles in Los Angeles.

“We think we are the only country in the world with damaging problems. It only takes a nine-hour flight to a “First World” country to comprehend how new we are, how fresh our foundations are,” says Fouche. “I believe that we are building and rebuilding simultaneously and that as a country we will be able to solidify our place in the world as a force to be reckoned with, politically, economically and culturally.

“Having lived in the US for the last four years I have come to realise just how much we do have. I have also realised what it means to live in a country that is comprised of so many languages and struggles and which has an overwhelming sense of common, unified hope.”

Fouche says he has encountered many bitter former South Africans while living in the US. “People who have chosen to leave, and berate the country instead of persevering to bring about change, which is precisely what we so desperately need.”

One young South African who is committed to staying and making a difference, is Talya Michaels. “This country is young and evolving and I love the fact that as South Africans, we have the ability to evoke meaningful change, says 18-year-old former King David Linksfield alumnus. Michaels is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in creative communications at Vega in Cape Town.

“My generation was born into an era of revolutionary social change and growth and it has become our social responsibility to engage with diversity and sustain the rainbow nation through togetherness and community.

“The future of our nation is reliant on the optimism of those who live in it. Our voices are empowered, our country, beautiful.”

Jonti Strimling, 19, former head boy at King David Victory Park High, who is studying for a degree in actuarial science at Wits, sees lots of challenges here but is committed to the country too.

“South Africa is going through a very rough patch at the moment,” he says. “It is difficult to speculate what will happen… The single biggest issue is the lack of education which is depriving our children of the chance to fulfil their dreams.

“I believe the government intentionally keeps its youth uneducated, so that they will not vote rationally and can be easily manipulated. In order to preserve this country we need to provide for and educate the youth and play our part in the preservation of this country.”

And for those who leave, there is always the pull of the place of one’s birth and the pull of a practical need to adjust to new surroundings.

“I miss my family and friends and aspects of the culture such as the warmth of the people,” says Bloch. “But Israel is ‘home’ now and what I have realised is that you can have more than one place you call home.”