SA’s go getters going nowhere else

GILLIAN KLAWANSKY

South African Jewish families share common concerns. Is there a future for my children here? Can I find a job as a white South African? Am I safe from crime? But in the wave of – unquestionably valid – worries that the media, friends, and family often perpetuate, sometimes disproportionately, we forget to appreciate what we do have. Sure it’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Adrian Gore, the founder and Group Chief Executive of Discovery Limited, has always been very positive about South Africa. “As a family, we are committed to South Africa. We love the country,” he says. “We also love the community, which I think is very special. The country offers considerable opportunities in many ways. Often, it’s during times of apparent difficulty and change that opportunities present themselves.”

Gore’s personal experience with starting Discovery is testament to that. “I started Discovery in 1992 – right at the time of the transition from apartheid to democracy. I remember sitting in an office with just a phone, a desk, and a pen, when the Boipatong and Bisho Massacres happened. These were signals of impending civil strife. To an extent, I think the success of Discovery was timing. We got going when people were completely distracted.”

Deciding whether or not to stay in the country is a very personal choice, Gore says. “I’m just a great believer that after difficult times, you can make a difference, build, and take opportunities. Opportunities are, in fact, under-priced in difficult times, so these are things to consider. At the end of the day though, my judgement isn’t just [based on] financial opportunities. I love living here. I love the country, and I’m a deep patriot.

“As a Jew here, I believe that we’ve had a very good time, and I believe that will continue. Ultimately, my sense is that whatever people do, they should always do it positively. You shouldn’t be in [a state of] indecision, or feel like you’re a victim of circumstance. You need to do whatever you do with conviction.”

Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein also believes that difficult times offer the chance to make a real difference. “The challenges we face create spectacular opportunities to do good for and make a difference to our special South African Jewish community, and to the young democracy in our country,” he says.

“We need to live where we can make a difference, do good, and live a life of mitzvot. It’s energising and empowering to get involved and to partner with each other in the spirit of unity and brotherhood and sisterhood, connecting with each other. With G-d’s blessings, we’ll continue to nurture and drive forward our community.”

For married couple Jak Koseff and Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, staying to uplift the country is a calling. “My husband works in provincial government on a large-scale youth programme called Tshepo 1 Million, which offers young people job and learnership opportunities,” says Blankfield-Koseff. “I run a youth empowerment non-profit organisation, the Youth Citizens Action Programme (Y-CAP), that provides project management skills, creating a platform for school students to be active citizens and eventually, social entrepreneurs.

Blankfield-Koseff was recently chosen to join 200 young, active African leaders as the first cohort of the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa Program. One talk strengthened her resolve to stay. “When we convened in Johannesburg in July,” she says, “former United States President Barak Obama said, ‘You can live a comfortable life on another continent, or you can stay in Africa and make a real difference’.”

It’s also the spirit of South Africa that keeps the couple here. “I love the possibility, beautiful landscapes, animals, resilient and friendly people, and the opportunity to be involved in the betterment of society,” says Blankfield-Koseff. “I think it will take a few decades for the legacy of apartheid and the Zuma-Gupta era to be healed, but it’s possible, and we have to work together as citizens, business, and government to make it a reality.”

Blankfield Koseff isn’t blind to the challenges the country faces, but offers a refreshing perspective. “I worry about problems like corruption, crime, economic issues, political extremists, and poverty, but I don’t think the grass is 100% green anywhere. I’d rather be where I know I can be part of the change than be stuck in a boring, bureaucratic country that offers no opportunities for positive change. I’d also hate to be away from our parents, other family members, and friends.”

At the end of the day, the decision to stay or go is a personal one for all of us, but it is important to know that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.