South African companies have a window of opportunity to attract the skilled individuals they will be needing when the economy recovers, but they must act quickly.

So says Martine Schaffer, managing director of the Homecoming Revolution, a non-profit organisation sponsored by FNB that provides employers with an opportunity to attract and recruit skills back to South Africa and to showcase their organisation to the international market.

"The skills shortage in South Africa is one of the major stumbling blocks to the development of a sustainable economy, and many HR practitioners consider the poor availability of talent to be constraining the execution of business strategy," says Schaffer.

The good news is that in the South African expatriate community around the world, there is an abundance of skills, experience and valuable contacts.

"There has never been a better time for South African companies to take advantage of this," she says.

"Research has shown that, more than ever, many of them would come back home if the right opportunity came along."

According to Schaffer, the economic downturn has led to global citizens re-evaluating their positions.

"Often, we find that all they need is a nudge in terms of a local organisation making contact with them and making the necessary arrangements," says Schaffer.

The Homecoming Revolution, now in its fourth year, holds annual events around the world at which South African companies advertise vacancies and meet prospective candidates.

The next one is on March 20 and 21 at the Kensington Olympia in London. It will offer exhibitors a platform for networking, employer branding and the recruitment of highly skilled South Africans wanting to return home.

Schaffer urges companies to move quickly.

"Remember, these people have shown that they are prepared to ply their trades abroad and they could be lured by other countries when the economy starts to turn," she says.

For more information, contact Brigette Lightfoot on 011 3267 3668 or brigette@homecomingrevolution.co.za