Come home, Boet

FNB is sponsoring a non-profit organisation, the Homecoming Revolution, to encourage South Africans to return home to overcome the skills shortages in the country. The Homecoming Revolution event is being held on 20-21 March 2010 at Kensington Olympia, London and offers exhibitors a unique platform for networking, employer branding and the recruitment of highly skilled South Africans wanting to return home.

Now in its fourth year, the event takes the form of a two-day exhibition, connecting South African employers with skilled candidates who have lived abroad and are looking for opportunities back home.

Accompanied by some of South Africa's leading companies, including SAB, Nedbank Capital, Investec, Group 5, Foschini and Seeff Properties, it gives local companies the leading edge in attracting the right skills, with global exposure and experience, into their organizations.

One-stop shop for all questions

For attendees the event is a one-stop shop where all their questions are answered with regards to education, property, starting a business, immigration, bank accounts and any other relevant information required to move back to SA.

Martine Schaffer, MD of the Homecoming Revolution said, “The global economic downturn has provided South Africa with an opportunity to attract its talent back home, as global citizens re-evaluate their positions. With 2010 World Cup around the corner, all eyes will be on South Africa. This is a powerful creator of opportunity for all and must be used as a springboard to our future. The London event will play an important role in inspiring and empowering South Africans abroad to realize the enormity of the opportunities, to get excited and play their role in igniting the nation.”

Nadine Chamberlain, a South African woman who lived abroad for 12 years and returned home says, “I am a Homecoming Revolution success story - I went to your event in October 2007 and met with RMB. My husband and I decided to move to SA beginning of 2008 but then the recession hit Ireland quite badly and we couldn't sell our house. We finally sold our house in Feb 2009 and moved to Jhb in June. RMB were fantastic the entire time and we kept in contact. When we had finally sold our house I applied for a job and got it - we love being here in SA.”