Frans Cronje’s advice to people who want to leave South Africa

Dr Frans Cronjé said that while many people choose to leave South Africa, the decision is not as simple as it is often portrayed.

Cronjé is one of South Africa’s foremost political and economic analysts and is also the founder of Frans Cronjé Private Clients and The Common Sense.

Speaking to The Truth Report, he said he does not begrudge those who have left and are happy in countries like Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

He acknowledged that for some, a life with guaranteed safety, stable employment, and a predictable pension is attractive. For them, leaving is the right decision.

Living in South Africa, in comparison, is an adventure. “The country is a good place for people who have an appetite for adventure,” he said.

Cronjé added that there are other benefits to living in South Africa, including a high standard of living.

He explained that the cost of living in South Africa is significantly lower than in First World countries.

South Africa’s upper-middle class enjoys a quality of life 10 times better than in major global cities like New York or London.

“How South Africa’s upper-middle class lives are extraordinary. To swap that for a little apartment in London is crazy. You trade down when you leave South Africa,” he said.

He cited a recent visit by German friends to Cape Town, who were amazed at the quality of life people enjoy. “They said it was unbelievable how we live,” he said.

Another benefit of staying in South Africa is the significant skills crisis, as so many qualified people have left.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, this creates unique opportunities for those who choose to stay and make things happen.

He also dismissed the notion that South Africa was on a straight downhill path, explaining that there were significant potential upsides.

Cronjé said people should weigh the country’s positives, like its strong democracy and excellent opportunities, before deciding to leave.

Paul Harris’ message to people who want to leave South Africa

Cronjé’s views align with those of renowned businessman Paul Harris, who said people who think there is no future in South Africa should think again.

Harris is a prominent entrepreneur and banker, best known as one of the ‘Three Musketeers’ who founded the FirstRand Group.

He is well-positioned to discuss leaving the country, as he left South Africa, later returned, and made it his home.

“I emigrated. Whatever way you look at it, it takes five years out of your life. Before you go, it is all you think and talk about,” he said.

“When you arrive in the new country, it is a struggle to find where you should live, who you are going to make friends with, and what home you can buy.”

People who emigrate typically maintain strong connections with those at home, and they continue to visit South Africa on holidays.

He advised people to avoid obsessing about emigrating and instead make the most of their lives in South Africa.

“Going out and getting a more worldly view is important and fantastic. You people who want to work overseas, go for it,” he said.

“However, if you are leaving South Africa for good because you do not think there is a future here, you should think again.”

Harris said that despite the country’s serious problems, it is one of the best places to live, offering immense opportunities.

He said many South Africans sit around and complain about the country and its problems. “Forget about that. Get on with it and go and do something,” he said.

“I am not saying for one moment that there are not massive frustrations. However, that is part of the path to achieving something.”