Geordin Hill-Lewis’s message to people who want to leave South Africa

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said that he will never advise young South Africans not to go abroad, but added that his mission is to attract them back in the future.

He shared his views on young South Africans leaving the country during a discussion at the 2026 Biznews Conference at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg.

“I don’t begrudge young people going overseas. I feel I have to be honest because I am also the father of a young daughter,” he said.

“My wife and I often talk about whether she will go overseas after school or university. I cannot give advice to other people that I would not follow myself.”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and I would never advise young South Africans not to go abroad to experience what is out there.”

He added that there are many great opportunities and careers available outside of South Africa.

“However, my mission is to be here to try and make this a place where other young people from around the world are attracted to come,” he said.

He emphasised that he was referring not only to people returning home but also to talented young people from other countries coming to South Africa.

Part of this mission is getting rid of race-based laws, like black economic empowerment (BEE), which makes it challenging for white South Africans.

He said the DA campaigns against race quotas and legal definitions to create an environment that attracts talent back from overseas.

“I really believe that you can generate significant optimism through small turnarounds, improvements in integrity, and visible accountability,” he said.

“These changes will completely change the conversation about South Africa’s future and result in many people rushing home to be a part of that change.”

He said that although rebuilding some of the institutions will take time, it is an exciting project for people with integrity, ethics, and a service orientation.

“I find that prospect very exciting, not disheartening, and I would certainly encourage younger people to get involved in that project,” he said.