Politics.za: Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites

Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites

Farrel — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 11:36:00 -0500

Western Cape Transport and Public Works MEC Marius Fransman has proposed a moratorium on employment equity in order to lure back skilled white expats to the Western Cape. While I’m sure many will applaud this proposal the fact is that it’s not going to work.

Most skilled South Africans who leave don’t do it because of employment equity, they do so either to earn more money, for better employment opportunities in their field or for travel. The growing number of black South Africans seeking work opportunities out of the country is a testament to the lure of working overseas. Other countries, especially Commonwealth countries, face the same difficulty of losing skilled workers to London and Europe. There are probably as many Australians as South Africans in the UK but I don’t think they left Australia due to employment equity back home.

Update: Manual stands firm in equity debate

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on Thursday poured cold water on calls for a change to affirmative action and the country’s employment equity law.

However he does admit that current law is not being implemented correctly

It is there. In its practice it frequently is very poorly used. It is sadly abused, but it is there and the intent of the Act is abundantly clear.

"Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites" by hex

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:08:18 -0500

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard that Cape Town City has been quite successful in luring back retired engineers. One takes that to mean that things have been ‘relaxed’ somewhat.

"Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites" by Farrel

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 06:02:42 -0500

Dave with four years project management work experience in the UK I don’t think AA will be a hindrance in you getting a job. You might try an experiment by sending your CV to recruitment agencies that specialise in your field and seeing what is available.

"Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites" by Dave

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 05:03:29 -0500

Farrel, I also disagree with you. I am a 29 yr old Civil Engineer currently working as a project manager in the UK. I have lost touch with the industry back home after 4 years away, I left because I wanted to travel the world, which I have done, not because of AA and crime, BUT, in contemplating returning, the biggest factor preventing me coming back IS AA and Crime.

I would welcome a government sponsored seminar in London about employment opportunities etc in SA. Not saying I’d return on the back of it but it is always healthy for the industry and the individual to keep strong ties. Knowing that AA will be relaxed in my field makes my decision to return home easier.

"Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites" by Farrel

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:20:30 -0500

I guess it matters who you talk to. My friends in London are all over their for work experience and to earn some pounds. But I need to emphasise the ‘skilled’ in skilled worker.

If you’re a fresh engineering/science/business varsity graduate you’re not going to look for a job for very long no matter what your colour is. It might not be as glamorous a job as one in the UK but then they don’t have our weather :) . If you’re entering the job market with nothing but a matric in your hand, then you’ll have a bit of a worse time and London might look like a better option for you.

"Flawed Plan Proposed To Lure Back Skilled Whites" by http://www.durbanscouts.za.net

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:02:28 -0500

I disagree. From my experience of living with SA expats in London, I can categorically state that most people cite AA and crime as the two major factors for leaving our beloved country.