Pandemic spurs flight of top earners from debt-laden South Africa, Johannesburg, Aug 10 (Reuters) – Cape Town restaurateur Adrian Hochman watched over the years as friends packed up and emigrated, but rationalised that power cuts, the threat of crime and an uncertain future were simply part of doing business in South Africa.

That was before a global pandemic took its toll on Africa’s most industrialised economy. Next year he leaves for Canada.