Back to My Roots’: Family as a Pull Factor for the Return of Migrant Teachers to South Africa
Back to My Roots’: Family as a Pull Factor for the Return of Migrant Teachers to South Africa

Summary/Abstract: Highly skilled migration in the South African context remains underexplored. In particular, there exists a significant gap in the literature concerning the exit of teachers to destinations abroad and the subsequent return and reintegration of South Africans upon their return. This study is a contribution to filling this scholarly gap by examining the primary motivation for the return of South African teachers, namely family considerations. Drawing on a qualitative case study involving thirty return-migrant teachers, the study is theoretically informed by Cassarino’s (2004) framework on return migration motivations and Wright’s (2012) typology of migrant well-being. Data collection methods included open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Although participants specialised in a range of subjects, STEM (Science and Mathematics) and English emerged as particularly high-demand fields both domestically and internationally, presenting teaching opportunities locally and abroad. The findings highlight transnational linkages and a complex interplay of both anticipated and unexpected return migration drivers. A primary family motivator for return, was the desire to provide a conducive home environment for children. Additionally, unforeseen factors such as the declining health or death of a family member prompted return. The study revealed SA teachers’ international migration for functional well-being however psychosocial well-being was significant in propelling their return migration.

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