Emigration among Afrikaners today

Abstract

In contrast to the optimistic belief that a new dispensation would lead to reconciliation and harmony in the heterogeneous South African population, the post-1994 period has been characterised by an exodus of highly skilled South Africans B mostly Afrikaners. This article focuses on theorising about and research on current emigration trends among Afrikaners. A questionnaire survey among a random countrywide sample of 2 530 respondents in October/November 2001 is discussed. The results confirm that the intention to emigrate was highest among Afrikaans-speaking whites. Factors rated as most important in intentions to emigrate were personal and family security, the security of belongings, career opportunities and maintaining language and culture. Afrikaans-speaking whites rated their racial and ethnic groups as their most important social identities. It further appears that emigration may be fostered by an attachment to Western culture, and could be counteracted by strong ethnic identification.