‘Semigrating’ to Cape is better than emigrating, says Cape Board

Though the Johannesburg Jewish community faces the perennial question of whether it’s time to “pack for Perth”, the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (Cape Board) is asking people to pause and reflect on “semigrating” to Cape Town as another option.

It has launched a project which will give community members options and support if they choose to “semigrate” to the Cape.

Says Cape Board Chairperson Tzvi Brivik, “It’s not the intention to draw community members from other major centres around South Africa but rather to present Cape Town as a viable alternative.”

“The plan is to keep South African Jewry strong, and after discussing it with our colleagues in Gauteng, we agreed it would be best to encourage Jews in the Gauteng area who are considering emigration to come to Cape Town rather than leave the country,” says Cape Board Executive Director Daniel Bloch.

“Not only will this ensure that the Jewish community in South Africa remains stable and sustainable, it also ensures that the Cape’s community can grow,” says Brivik. “We have an ageing community and need new energy. The project’s success isn’t just based on people moving, but also that they connect with the Cape’s communal organisations.

“Already, many Jewish students are moving to the Cape to study at places like Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town, and we encourage them to be active participants in the community. We have also seen that in some cases, the parents follow their children down.”

Says Bloch, “We take this project extremely seriously, which is why it’s funded by our community and why we’re working with communal organisations to bring it to life. We’ve engaged with key stakeholders within our community, and their commitment was immediate.

“After meeting Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis [City of Cape Town] and Premier Alan Winde [Western Cape provincial government] and receiving their endorsement, we realised that everyone in the Western Cape has their own ‘semigration’ plan, and we need to combine these efforts. We have also met private-sector organisations in finance and property that are committed to this project. We’re hosting our ‘Move Down to Cape Town Expo’ in Johannesburg in October.

“Many South Africans who leave the country are deprived of the economic status they have here. It’s difficult to maintain the same standard of living,” says Bloch.

“Emigration is extremely difficult,” says Brivik. “It can lead to mental health, family, and economic hardships. However, a move to Cape Town is completely different. The quality of life is accessed and enjoyed immediately. The community is familiar, and for most, a support structure exists. If not, we’re here to assist.”

“You still have access to many luxuries in Cape Town compared to Canberra, California, or Kfar Saba,” says Bloch. “The pandemic has also shown that it’s difficult to move far from family members and not be able to reconnect quickly in times of crisis. Cape Town has been voted the eleventh best city in the world, trumping Sydney and London. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

“The City of Cape Town also has better infrastructure,” Bloch says. “Loadshedding is a stage lower, ward councillors are able to contact the city’s maintenance team quickly for efficient service delivery, and there’s less red tape when it comes to opening small and medium-sized businesses in the Western Cape. The familiarity of the people, the community, and economy is a big plus. Global giants are setting up base in Cape Town, and many businesses are looking at ways of transferring their operations. Why move anywhere else when you can relocate to a beautiful city in a country we all love?”

He’s not afraid to admit that “there are still problems that Cape Town faces which are endemic to the whole of South Africa. There’s still inequality and a lack of adequate housing for previously disadvantaged individuals, which has led to a large homelessness issue within the city. There’s crime, but the higher police presence in affluent neighbourhoods is helpful. Another issue is traffic.”

Though the Johannesburg Jewish community is generally more observant than Cape Town’s community, Brivik says, “We have a growing observant community and are seeking to expand it. There are more than 20 shuls in the Western Cape. These aren’t only in the main Jewish-populated areas like the Atlantic Seaboard and Southern Suburbs. There are also active shuls in our country communities like Hermanus, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, and Somerset West.”

“There are a variety of retailers and caterers offering a range of kosher products, and there are several restaurants located around the Cape offering delectable menus,” says Bloch. “There are schools in the city centre, Atlantic Seaboard, and along the West Coast that cater for the more observant members of the community. Those attending our expo will have an opportunity to engage with some of these organisations.”

In terms of property, Bloch says “property prices fluctuate like every other market” and “there will definitely be something to suit most budgets and needs. We have property experts who are ready to assist potential ‘semigrants’ to find their perfect home,” he says.

“All of the Cape Board’s 67 affiliate organisations are involved, and are looking forward to welcoming new members,” he says. “We have organisations involved in education, religion, funding, employment, sport, welfare, and youth. Our community is more than equipped, and ready for an influx of residents.”

“The city and province are also keen to discuss the incentives they have to offer to businesses which relocate,” says Brivik. “These include tax incentives and rebates on services.” They will be at the expo to speak to businesses.

The expo will take place on 23 October in Johannesburg. There’s an advert in this issue of the SA Jewish Report, and the community will receive information via email. There will be a QR code to register.

“We’ll also be hosting workshops where organisations will speak about property, education, business and more,” says Bloch. “You’re welcome to reach out to us via social media or email us at sajbd2@ctjc.co.za.”

Finally, he says, “The Western Cape can provide a wonderful lifestyle, a variety of work options, and a Jewish community which is overflowing with opportunity for both young and old. Let’s keep South African Jewry strong. If you’re considering leaving the country, think again and consider the Western Cape as your next destination. Move down to Cape Town!”