Sam’s View

According to the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa the “Brain Drain” started during the apartheid era as a result of political upheavals. An article available on its website states that “more recently, however, research shows that the highly-skilled are leaving because of crime, perceptions of a high cost of living and levels of taxation, and the perceived decline in the standard of public services, notably health and education delivery. At the same time, professionals in South Africa are eager to take advantage of the attractive salary packages and career opportunities in the advanced industrialised countries of the world.

The following article really hit a nerve with me and I thought it was high time I hopped on my soap-box again. Whilst being primarily about a shortage of skilled workers in South Africa, there is also a brief mention of AIDS amongst white South Africans. Read more »

We have all been waiting with bated breath for the Jacob Zuma trial verdict. For those of you that missed the first instalment of the debacle, you can read it here. Read more »

Never tempt Fate. I should know that by now – no sooner had I posted the article on the need for immigrants to sit a language proficiency exam when I received an urgent phone call from my immigration lawyer telling me that I need to prove my ability to speak English should I want my Permanent Residence to be granted.

Whilst still reeling from this insult, I made my way to the Department of Immigration website to ascertain whether this unbelievable request was, in fact, legitimate. Read more »