Brain drain (in
the African context) is a matter very close to my heart. When used, it is often
in that context, of Africa losing skills and expertise to other continents. In
this blog post, I wish to focus on the loss incurred by African states to other
African states. This form of brain-drain has rarely been the subject of
discussion as I converse with friends and family. A few days ago, I had one of
these conversations with a very close friend. The conversation had been sparked
by an article on the South African critical skills list that has been released to the public
following the amendment of the state’s immigration act. It seems the government
will be making it more difficult for non-nationals to find employment in South
Africa, and I believe this would be expected for any government that wants
higher employment rates for its citizens.
The article got
me questioning what my position was on the loss of skills and expertise by
African states to one another. Specifically, it got me questioning what my
stance was regarding the loss that Botswana is facing as thousands of its
sponsored graduates fail to come back home. Most importantly I asked whether my
future plans would exacerbate or curb this disturbing phenomenon. Like any
Motswana studying away from home I find myself having to make a choice of
whether I will be staying in my adopted country or going back home. For me, the
initial plan had been to get my first degree and go back home. But I am still
in South Africa, two years after the attainment of that degree, with hopes of
working for some of her leading organizations.
The plan, as
stated, seems like a very solid one. Many of my friends and family have suggested
that I stay here, for better pay and greater opportunities. But, I find myself
painfully torn between serving my home country and attaining some of these
personal aspirations. As plans changed over the years I decided that I would work
here for a few years and eventually go back home. I thought (and still think)
that it makes little sense for me to go back home without any experience from
some of Africa’s biggest organizations. It would possibly serve my country better
were I to first learn from these organizations and impart the knowledge and
skills attained upon returning home. Such a plan seems more sensible for it
ensures service to my country and the realization of my personal aspirations
(whatever these maybe). But, exactly how does one measure ‘a few years’. It
does sound fair for one to propose such but before I know it I might just find
myself driving kids to school, with a growing family and investments, and
without an option of going back home.
I always try to
bear in mind that this is a Choice-point that not only I will reach. Thousands
of other Batswana students studying abroad will also reach this point and,
sadly, many of us are choosing not to go back. These are the very graduates
that the economy so desperately needs for growth and job creation for a
reduction in youth unemployment. These are minds that organizations need for
turnaround strategies. These are hearts needed for initiatives and innovations
required for development. Yes, South Africa and the rest of the world are doing
great, but how will Botswana get to that stage if I am not willing to create
the platform for ‘great’? Who is going to create the opportunities that have
got me wanting to stay in South Africa if I am not willing to go back? And, who
better to create these opportunities if not the person who has been exposed to
them?
I feel like I
should want to stay. I feel like I should want to stay just for a little while.
But, would I be willing to go back after this little while of possibly starting
a family and building a successful career with an income bigger than anything I
could be offered at home? And, what would this decision mean for the development
of my home country?
