South African Expats Urged to Represent Home Country with Respect and Honesty
Johnny Sexwale, the South African High Commissioner to New Zealand, recently addressed concerns regarding South African migrants misrepresenting their home country upon arrival in New Zealand. With approximately 100,000 South Africans residing in New Zealand, making them the third-highest number of new overseas-born citizens, Sexwale emphasized the importance of accurately portraying conditions in South Africa.
Upon his arrival in Apia on October 24, 2024, Sexwale shared his perspective on the migration patterns of South Africans, highlighting that while many leave their homeland for various reasons, it is crucial that they refrain from disparaging South Africa once they settle in a new country. He expressed disappointment in individuals who fabricate stories about political instability and crime as the sole motivations for their migration, pointing out that South Africa has been a democratic nation since the end of apartheid, and many families, including white South Africans, continue to thrive there.
Demographer Professor Paul Spoonley shed light on migration trends from South Africa to New Zealand, attributing the move to factors such as political climate and safety concerns. However, Sexwale emphasized that such reasons for leaving South Africa are not unique to this nationality, as people from various backgrounds often seek new opportunities and experiences abroad.
While acknowledging the push and pull factors influencing migration decisions, Sexwale urged South Africans to refrain from spreading falsehoods about their homeland. He noted instances where individuals falsely claimed to have fled South Africa due to targeted violence based on race, emphasizing that such narratives are misleading and damaging to the country’s reputation.
Despite the significant number of South Africans residing in New Zealand, Sexwale assured that the majority of people who leave South Africa eventually return or maintain strong ties to their homeland. He cited a growing trend of South Africans reconsidering their decision to leave, as they realize the unique aspects of life in South Africa that they miss while living abroad.
Furthermore, Spoonley highlighted research indicating that many South Africans would consider returning to their home country if conditions, particularly related to crime, were to improve. This insight reinforces the notion that migration decisions are often influenced by a complex interplay of personal, social, and economic factors.
In an effort to enhance support for South Africans living in New Zealand, the High Commission in Wellington is seeking an honorary consul in Auckland to cater to the larger expat community. Sexwale emphasized the need for a reputable individual, whether New Zealander or South African, to serve as an honorary consul, facilitating smoother processes for passport renewals and other essential services. This initiative aims to prevent expats from resorting to unauthorized services due to delays or bureaucratic challenges.
As the High Commission expands its outreach and services for South African expats in New Zealand, the goal is to foster a sense of community and provide necessary support for individuals navigating life in a new country. By promoting transparency, respect, and accurate representation of South Africa, both at home and abroad, Sexwale hopes to cultivate a positive narrative surrounding the experiences of South African migrants in New Zealand.
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