SA Rocks

This is an extremely tricky and sensitive debate to have. I think that there are many heated opinions held by people who still feel strongly about their country of birth (South Africa). This feeling clearly leads them to feel some ownership of SA and the countries ruling party.

But I am not so sure.

I firmly believe that South Africans living abroad temporarily on short term (1-4 year) Visa’s – or whatever the time period is, should be allowed to vote. I firmly disagree with expats who have formally left the country indefinitely who want to vote. If you choose to leave a country and have no intention of contributing to the economy, the social upliftment, the every running of the nation then you unfortunately waver the right to vote.

Come back if you want to vote that badly. But don’t leave and then claim to still love the nation and want to make a difference. If you are on a gap year, if you are on a working visa, if you are on an extended holiday then by all means vote, in fact I think the government owes it to citizens who intend on returning to provide a platform (at SA embassies the world over) for these people to vote.

As far as I am aware there are ± 143 political parties which would make the next elections the biggest since 1994. There is something in the air this year, there is change in the people, the masses are taking back the ownership of their days. It started with Obama and hopefully wont end any time soon. Hopefully that dog, Mugabe will be the next to be ousted.

Popularity: 7% [?]

I read an article at M&G Online this weekend that says that according to Moving companies, real estate agents and nonprofit groups more white South Africans in their late 20s who are abroad are coming back to SA.

Now obviously it would be easy for me to say I can believe this and slot it in to the SA Rocks apparel as proof. But I can’t just do that. Let’s be honest, everyone here seems to be talking about leaving.

So my question is this, what have you heard? Are you noticing more people wanting to leave, talking about leaving or doing it? Me being “The SA Rocks Guy” makes it tough to go out with family, friends, colleagues or aquantances and not talk about leaving SA, am I staying, why and the rest of that discussion. So I hear it alot but are people around you talking about it?

Here’s a snippet from the M&G Online article:

Moving companies, real estate agents and nonprofit groups say more and more white South Africans in their late 20s and beyond are returning to South Africa. Hungry for their own culture, eager to raise children near their own families, and encouraged by their country’s economic potential, these adults are leaving their successful careers abroad for an uncertain future at home.

“We’ve been happy and enjoying ourselves ever since the day we’ve been back,” said Prins, who moved to Johannesburg last October. “I felt like my quality of life improved dramatically.”

Prins and her boyfriend Mark Kirkness, a civil engineer, may not have made the decision to come home if weren’t for the Homecoming Revolution, one of several South African organisations dedicated to persuading expatriates to come back. Kirkness received a job offer after attending a career fair put on by the group, which also provides candid information about the South African economy, security conditions and crime, and hosts networking dinners and other events for those who have returned.

Popularity: 5% [?]

I don’t often punt events on SA Rocks but this little lecture seems well worth the punt. Thanks to Andy for the email.

Is now the time to emigrate?

Staying in South Africa could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Are things really as bad as they seem, or are we blind to the country’s true potential?

Don’t pack your bags just yet. Come and listen to the respected trend analyst, JP Landman, outline his widely read article ‘Is the bad mood justified?‘ He will discuss the current political and economic situation in South Africa and illustrate the paradigm shift that is necessary for us to see the good that is taking place amid all the negativity, and how to capitalise on the opportunities it will bring.

This valuable opportunity is on a first-come, first-served basis. Presentations of this nature would normally cost a few hundred Rand per seat, but because we believe in our country and in spreading the optimism, we are giving you this once-off seminar for only R70 per person. Seats are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Click here to confirm your place. You will be taken to the Online Booking Zone; click on Search for a training event, and select Where is SA heading? to complete your booking. Each delegate will need to complete a separate registration.

Tuesday, 1st July 2008

T1 Lecture Theatre
Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal University Road,
Durban

17h00 for 17h30 – 19h00

Wednesday, 23rd July 2008

Linder Auditorium
Education Campus, University of the Witwatersrand
27 St Andrews Road,
Parktown,
Johannesburg

17h30 for 18h00 – 19h30

Tuesday, 29th July 2008

Rotunda
The Bay Hotel, 69 Victoria Road,
Camps Bay,
Cape Town

17h00 for 17h30 – 19h00

Click here to read a brief biography on JP Landman.

Popularity: 5% [?]