With the 2024 General Elections looming, here’s a list of the jobs skilled South African expats are taking up overseas. Many are expecting the Democratic Alliance (DA) to run the African National Congress (ANC) closer than ever in the most-important election in 30 years of democracy.
However, should the ANC hold onto their majority for yet another term, experts are predicting a massive exodus of skilled workers. Should the latter be the case, these are the jobs skilled South African expats are getting overseas. And you can up-skill yourself for them …
JOBS SKILLED SOUTH AFRICAN EXPATS TAKE
According to Stats SA’s Migration Profile Report for South Africa, the number of South Africans leaving the country has increased by 82% over the past 20 years. Thats 501 600 in 2004, compared to 914 901 in 2024. Moreover, the jobs skilled South African expats take once they’ve is fascinating. An Australian census of the 189 207 South African expats living down under found the following, reports Business Tech:
One third of the jobs skilled South African expats take are as professionals. That’s to say bachelor-degreed – or often higher – doctors, teachers, accountants, lawyers, etc … While 14% hold management roles, and The South African has already covered how many management jobs businesses can’t seem to fill locally.
OTHER JOBS YOU CAN GET OVERSEAS
That leaves the other roughly 50% of South Africans filling jobs like:
- Clerical and administration.
- Tradespeople.
- Technicians.
- Community and personal services.
- Sales.
- Labourers.
- Machinery operators.
MORE EXPATS STATS
Also interesting is to note where exactly skilled South African expats are ending up when they leave Mzansi:
- Most expats move to the United Kingdom (UK).
- Next is Australia ranked second.
- Then the United States, which is the third most popular destination for South African expats.
- 7 out of 10 South Africans live in Europe or Oceania.
- South Africans moving to Australia has increased 150% in 20 years.
- Expats moving to New Zealand has increased by 190% in the same period.
- Many of the 205 000 South Africans living in England and Wales classify as highly qualified.
- 54% of adult South Africa expats hold a higher-education degree.
WHY SOUTH AFRICANS LEAVE
People surveyed say they’re leaving because of a lack of job opportunities. And skilled South Africans between 18-24 years of age are the most likely to do so, with 25% considering it. Meanwhile, 10% cited the hope of a better life and higher standard of living as their reasons to consider leaveing.
We wait for 29 May’s General Elections, to see if those assertions are indeed well founded or not, as Mzansi’s heads into the next phase of its democracy …
NEXT READ: HOW millions of SASSA social grant recipients are tripling their income
What do you think of the jobs skilled South African expats are getting overseas? And are you considering leaving the country and taking your skills with you? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
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