Abstract
South Africa plays a crucial role in the development of the African continent, especially in the South African Development Community. Hence, South Africa’s foreign and migration policies shape the perceptions of both its citizens and those of neighbouring states. Since 1994, South Africa has continued to attract the highest number of migrants in the region. The widespread perceptions among South Africans that there are “floods” of illegal immigrants, stealing their jobs and depleting social and economic resources, is a course for concern. Undoubtedly, the South African society is under pressure to effectively respond to the sporadic eruptions of xenophobic attacks on African foreign nationals. This article argues that the missteps of South Africa’s foreign and migration policies partially contribute towards fuelling xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals. The findings of this article suggest that South Africa is not as committed to rooting out xenophobia as it would have us believe.
Highlights
The context of migration to South Africa has changed exponentially since 1994
In the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa receives the highest number of migrant workers from its neighbours
In an attempt to address the scourge of xenophobic attacks on foreigners, the South African government often make pronouncements of its commitment to solve this problem
Summary
The context of migration to South Africa has changed exponentially since 1994. The democratic government has rapidly embraced entry into the global arena, pursuing neo-liberal economic policies aimed at encouraging the free movement of international trade and capital. These perceptions and other related myths, as well as the economic and social struggles of the South Africans often ignite sporadic xenophobic attacks of the foreigners. The first part of this article outlines the path travelled by the South African government on matters of foreign and migration policies, followed by a
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