Migration and its impact on xenophobia in South Africa (2008-2022)

Abstract

Since the arrival of democracy in South Africa in 1994, the country has experienced an increased influx of international migration, making the country one of the top hosts of migrants from Africa and the rest of the world. South Africa remains a preferred destination for migrants due to its economic status in Africa, as the country is one of the continent's leading economies and relatively stable democracies compared to other African countries. Conversely, more than 30 years into democracy, the country still contends with various social ills, including poor service delivery, unemployment, a high crime rate, poverty, and inequality. Due to its status of being one of the top destinations for immigrants, this has increased xenophobia in South Africa, which manifests through three identified forms, namely, violent xenophobia, institutionalized xenophobia, and digital xenophobia. In South Africa, immigrants are often blamed, scapegoated, securitized or criminalized for the social woes being experienced in the country. The occurrence of xenophobia in South Africa is in contrast to international, continental and regional frameworks on the protection of migrants and the free movement of persons. Moreover, xenophobia violates the basic human rights, as enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Republic of South Africa's Constitution (1996). Studies have shown that due to migration to South Africa, the prevalence of immigrants in the country are believed to contribute to or are responsible for the high unemployment and crime rates, that the majority of immigrants live in the country illegally, and that their presence strains the country's social welfare and social security services. Through the use of empirical data sourced from various literature, this study sought to interpret the accusations, myths and stereotypes that immigrants pose a threat to South Africa's security. For instance, in 2020, the migrant population stood at 2 860 495, in comparison to the South African population of almost 60 million people. Thus, the migrant population in South Africa made up 4.82 percent of the population. Given this reality, one should consider the claim that migrants are flooding the country, and that they strain the social welfare and public services and also increase the unemployment and the crime rates. From the study's findings, a multi-level approach to curb xenophobia is recommended in order to preserve the human security of every person living in South Africa, including migrant communities.