Many young people from South Africa have chosen to move to other countries in recent years – we all know someone who travels regularly to England, Australia, Israel, etc. to visit their children. And the declining numbers of young people in our community has been identified as an issue of concern, as reflected in a recent column written by the Chair of the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Simone Sulcas.
In her column, she made the point that, “…demographic decline almost always begins with young adults. They leave to study, to work, or to feel safer and more secure.” She went on to comment that, “The future of South African Jewry…will be shaped by everyday decisions: where young people choose to study, where they choose to work, and where they choose to build their lives.”
With June being Youth Month in South Africa, The Cape Jewish Chronicle spoke to some young people – all in their 20s – to get some idea about what is driving decisions about where they see themselves in the future.
Aaron, aged 25
South Africa is my home, and that of generations before me who strongly shape my identity and value system. I believe that South Africans and all who reside here are some of the most generous, friendly and deeply and richly cultured on the entire planet – flaws and all. The spirit of Ubuntu is omnipotent for all those who choose to look around, and I believe there is a prosperous future for every single individual in this country – despite the failings of a select few, and our horrific history that has affected so many.
Opportunities for young people like me (those that are lucky enough to be Jewish, broadly middle class and educated) are abundant if you have the chutzpah and drive to take them with both hands. It should be our collective responsibility to work to ensure that those not so lucky have equal access to opportunity.
I believe our community- though at times fractured- has a unique heritage, and lots of fascinating influences and intersections with different corners of South African society and history at large. I feel motivated to stay active and involved in my community, support initiatives and political philosophies I find relevant and practise my faith however I choose- something that is inalienable to me through our constitution- which unfortunately is not a blessing that every person has worldwide, in Jewish communities or otherwise.
Jeff Gutman, aged 26
On the 18th of May 2024, whilst travelling New York with a couple of friends, I felt a wave of patriotism crash into me. It was the National Elections, and we made it a priority to stop at the Consulate General of South Africa, to exercise our democratic right. Immediately upon entering the building, a chain of events transpired that made me internalise my love for this country.
First, I accidentally bumped into someone whilst trying to exit the lift and we both apologised to one another! It may seem dull, but that South African nicety was so foreign to me at this point that I couldn’t help but feel a kinship to this fellow South Africa. Then, standing in the little room assigned to the voters, all my senses started to burst. The warm smiles of my people, the sound of the SABC reporter and, most strong, the opened box of Freshpak Rooibos tea on the desk. Strongest of all though, it smelled like South Africa. To this day, I can’t describe that smell but, to borrow a cliche, it just smelled like home. That day will stick with me my whole life as above all, it showed me how lucky I am to call myself a South African.
Now, will I stay in South Africa? It’s an impossible question to answer. No doubt, it’s easy to be cynical about the country. I have a university degree and years of work experience, yet finding a job in South Africa may be comparable to the Twelve Labours of Hercules. So, despite my wants, I may need to leave South Africa.
However, despite where I land up, I am certain that my desire will always be to live and contribute to this country. We’re easy people, with no problem big enough to forgo laughter and kindness – that’s the country I want to live in.
Therefore, in short: Will I leave South Africa? Maybe. Do I want to leave South Africa? A resounding no.
Jamie Aronson, aged 27
I live in London now, having been here for two years. I came to London from Israel, where I lived for three years after I finished my studies at UCT. I studied Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation Engineering.
I hadn’t planned to leave South Africa but, when I finished my studies, I was offered an attractive position with a robotics company in Israel which operated in the agricultural sector. Life in Israel was good and, although I didn’t have any close family there, my move there was made easier because I had a close friend from school who was also living there. We shared an apartment in Tel Aviv.
My move to the UK was prompted by a desire to live in an English-speaking environment and in a quieter environment. Also, my sister lives here, too, and I have an Irish passport so all of that helped me make the decision.
In London, I work in the AI field.
I travel a great deal, and that makes living where I am now appealing because things are generally much closer than if I were living in South Africa. I visit Cape Town regularly to see my family and friends, and really enjoy being there during the English winter months.
I really like Cape Town but I’m not sure I’d want to live there again. The geographic isolation is definitely a factor.
As for work opportunities, I don’t know enough about this in terms of South Africa since I started my work life outside the country. But I think that things are getting better as regards work opportunities.
Max Moss, aged 28
Max left Cape Town in search of better job opportunities. He had aimed to move to London but first went to Israel, where he studied at IDC (now known as Reichman University).
A further factor driving him to move beyond our borders was the opportunity to experience life in a different country.
While in Israel, Max met his wife-to-be, an Australian. Together, they then moved to Australia, once Max had secured a work visa. He is happy living there – he finds it quite similar to South Africa, in particular since it has a similar feel to life in Cape Town and because there are so many former South Africans there. “I feel very at home in Australia,” he says, commenting that the Jewish community there is similar to the community in Cape Town.
“I truly love Cape Town, but things have worked out for me since I left a number of years ago,” he concludes.
- For the current edition of the Cape Jewish Chronicle, click here.
- Subscribe to the Cape Jewish Chronicle: R450/year, or R38/month via debit order. Simply email us at subscriptions@ctjc.co.za and click here for payment info.
- The Cape Jewish Chronicle reaches over 6 000 readers monthly across print and digital platforms.
- To book advertising space or discuss a custom package contact Adéle Gradner Mobile: 083 321 5222 | Office: 021 464 6736 | Email advertising@ctjc.co.za
