# I’m staying

The I’m Staying Movement which is a platform for South-Africans to share positive experiences about our country, has become extremely popular. It has even contributed to remind many who have planned to emigrate because of fear of the good things that only South-Africa can bring.

So why are so many staying? Possibly because of our unique culture of the kind of love, warmth and humour which are hard to find elsewhere. These are the experiences of numerous returnees. Once Africa (and in particular South Africa) is in your blood, it is hard to call another country “home”. Even though we face challenges such as our crime rate and poor economy daily, it seems that homesickness is the main reason for many South Africans to return.

And then we have our particular lifestyle; the size of an average home, cars and good food which is much more affordable than abroad where a drop in lifestyle standards often becomes the norm. Not to mention the fact that we are spoilt with affordable labour and then suddenly are responsible for our own laundry, cleaning and gardening – often after-hours holding two jobs to make ends meet.

Then there is the beauty of our open spaces, nature reserves, magnificent sunsets and pleasant climate. Besides that, it is much easier to start a new business or entrepreneurship in South-Africa than in most other countries which have strict policies and require a lot of red tape – even for the smallest venture.

Will my kids be allowed to enroll in a university?

Will they get fair employment?

And will they be safe?

These are questions asked before packing up while in fact they should be asking what could happen in 10 years time, whether their children will be studying online and whether it is better to be employed by someone else or to become an entrepreneur. As far as safety is concerned, maybe factors such as vast natural disasters in other countries, should also be considered.