Perceived Socio-economic Contribution of Immigrants by South Africans in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

The paper explored perceptions of the Durban community towards immigrants’ contribution to the economy. Using purposive and snowball sampling, the study applied a cross-sectional research design in which it made use of the qualitative methodology. A sample of 20 South Africans who had been working with Zimbabweans in the Durban CBD for a minimum of five years, aged between 20–60 years, were considered for this study. The study made use of in-depth interviews as a research technique. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and form categories of responses. Mixed feelings were shown towards immigrants’ contribution to the development of Durban, as all participants reported that immigrants in Durban are too many and there is no need for the government to allow more immigrants to come. Competition for jobs and service delivery are the main sources of conflict between immigrants and locals. The findings of this study show that immigrants are not the main contributors to crime in Durban, but they are involved in some criminal activities. As such, locals perceive the immigration laws of South Africa as not fully helping in controlling the influx of immigrants. This study recommends government, society leaders and politicians to value diversity, thus influencing community members to accept and work with immigrants peacefully. In addition, this study also recommends the need for the Department of Home Affairs to control the influx of undocumented immigrants, thereby reducing the number of immigrants on the streets.