Impact of Mobile Phones on Integration: Case of Refugees in South Africa

Abstract

This study used a qualitative approach in the form of interviews to investigate the impact of Mobile phones in enhancing the integration of refugees into South Africa. A social integration framework was used with particular attention to its three dimensions, namely the economic, social and cultural, and political participation. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study found that mobile phone usage played an important role in the social integration process of refugees. Mobile phones, contribute to a number of expected outcomes of social and economic participation, but fewer of political participation.