BQ Correspondent 
The programme highlights the importance of international collaboration to build globally recognised capabilities.{Photo/Courtesy}
Fragomen, the world’s leading provider of immigration services, is launching a new talent initiative aimed at helping train young South African legal minds.
Following a rigorous application process, Fragomen chose 13 participants, mostly from top South African and international law firms, for the programme’s first cohort. These top performers will work alongside the internationally recognised Fragomen team in Johannesburg as well as with specific Fragomen international offices to immerse themselves in a structured training programme about immigration and global mobility. This rigorous training will enable them to become highly successful immigration professionals in the field. Those who excel will be eligible to work in Fragomen offices around the world – starting with the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
The programme was conceptualised by Fragomen’s Co-Chair, Lance Kaplan, who was born in South Africa and educated at the University of Witwatersrand. He previously served as the managing partner of Fragomen’s International Practice Group, successfully growing and overseeing the firm’s interests in all non-United States locations over the past 20 years. Despite living in the United States and Australia, Kaplan’s connection to his birthplace prompted the creation of this programme as a way to invest in South Africa’s youth and provide them opportunities to grow.
“Fragomen has a long-term commitment to South Africa and Africa – with the development of its people at the core of this promise,” noted Kaplan. “By upskilling these talented young lawyers, and providing them international work experience, we will forge links between South Africa and the international business community as well as foster a better appreciation for South Africa and what it has to offer,” says Kaplan.
For Fragomen’s Sub-Saharan Africa Practice Leader Lunga Mani, the programme highlights the importance of international collaboration to build globally recognised capabilities.
“The South Africans in our sector are known for their work ethic, ability, and commitment, so we want to help facilitate their growth on an international stage – and to return with even greater skills than before they left. There is tremendous potential across South Africa, and we think this is a great opportunity to nurture these future leaders and give them the chance to shine,” says Mani.
Cherilyn Milner, Operations Director at Fragomen’s Johannesburg office and course coordinator for initiative, says the programme is about showcasing local talent to the world.
“As a South African who has had a similar experience to what this initiative is offering, I believe that our programme can provide participants with valuable training and international exposure so that they can bring back those newly developed skillsets to our country, further enhancing the immigration services landscape,” says Milner.
