Revealing “Threats” and “Enhancers” to Social Cohesion between African Immigrants and South Africans

Abstract

In South Africa and elsewhere in the world, there is a dominant narrative that contact between immigrants and host nations induces conflict. However, most scholars often shy away from interrogating factors that stimulate peaceful coexistence between African immigrants (from various African states) and South African nationals. In this regard, there is a need to systematically analyse threats to and enhancers of social cohesion between immigrants and nationals, specifically in the context of South Africa. This paper relied on qualitative research methods and document analysis as techniques to source data. The main aim of this article is to provide revelations of threats to and enhancers of social cohesion between South African nationals and immigrants from other African states. The paper reveals the existence of various forms of xenophobia and harassment by public officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as well as identity differences that serve as threats to social cohesion. In contrast, service provider-client and professional relations, sharing community and neighbourhood as well positive contact serve as “enhancers” of social cohesion between South Africans and immigrants of African descent.