Emigrasie onder Afrikaners vandag

Abstract

Emigration among Afrikaans-speaking whites today 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 a major exodus of highly skilled South Africans B mostly Afrikaans-speaking whites. This article focuses on theorising about and research on current emigration trends from South Africa B particularly among Afrikaans-speaking whites. The results of a questionnaire completed by a random countrywide sample of 2 530 respondents conducted in October/November 2001 are 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 sources of social identity. It further appears that emigration may be fostered by an attachment to Western culture, and could be counteracted by strong ethnic identification.