“As the African continent we need to move beyond retaining talent, towards being part of the global knowledge community,” said Prof Albert van Jaarsveld, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). ​

He was speaking as part of the “Brain-Drain: Retaining Africa’s Talent” panel discussion during the second day of the Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Universities Summit, co-founded by UJ.

Prof van Jaarsveld went on to say that Universities need to create viable, vibrant environments that will allow for talent to come back, and not be detracted from their advancing career paths.

The distinguished panel explored the flow of academic talent. The panel was chaired by Dr Elisabeth Dixon, Chief Executive at Common Purpose South Africa, who was joined by Prof Pius Adesanmi, a Professor of English Literature and African Studies at the Carleton University; and Angel Jones, Chief Executive and Founder of Homecoming Revolution; and Prof Faith Osier, from the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme.

Prof Osier strongly suggested that Africa needs to shun mediocrity and foster a community of being the best of the best. “Academics need to surround themselves with role models and people achieving things. You can’t succeed on your own.”

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