An investigation into the views of immigrants on their socio-economic contribution in South Africa : the case of Mafikeng local municipality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic implications of international immigration in South Africa. A quantitative study was conducted in Mafikeng local municipality and a total of 219 African immigrants aged between 17 and 65 years were interviewed. Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS} version 22 was used to analyse the data collected. This study is worth being looked at because for the past three decades there has been a radical change in the ways in which foreign migrants are being inserted and contributing to the South African economy. This is one aspect that cannot be ignored. The study showed that 50.2% of the respondents immigrated to South Africa for employment reasons whereas 18.3% immigrated for educational reasons. In addition, the study showed that competition for employment (52.1%} as well as clashes in culture (31.5%} were major reasons that contributed to conflict between immigrants and nationals. Two third of the respondents are engaged in economic activities. The study reported that 26% of the respondents had some experience of xenophobia. The study revealed that when xenophobic experience was tested against demographic variables, only age was statistically significant. Qualitatively, most respondents reported that migration does have an impact in the country. The main impact reported was the skilled and cheap labour as we as overpopulation and labour force competition. Quantitatively, the binary logistic model shows that people who are unemployed were more likely to feel that migration has an impact in South Africa as compared to those who are employed. Further, this model revealed that people who were not earning a living (unemployed} were more likely to feel that they have contributed to South Africa's socioeconomic status than those who were earning an income. The study recommends that more studies of this nature be conducted. This will help all parties involved to understand migration better and understand its merits. Furthermore, nationals should be involved in various projects and decision making. This will enable a transparent interaction and development in the society.