Operation Vala Umgodi shows the ties between irregular migration and irregular mining, but should migrants be criminalized?
Operation Vala Umgodi exposes the connections between irregular migration and the coercion of migrants in South African mines. Launched earlier this year, it has led to the arrest of hundreds for the illegal extraction of minerals. Though initially aimed at curbing illegal mining, the operation has revealed deep ties between the extractive sector — especially the informal one — and the trafficking of migrants into South Africa. While effective in combating illegal mining, the treatment of...
Identity vs. Perception: the case of Chidimma Adetshina and South African opinion on migrants
The case of Chidimma Adetshina, who came under national scrutiny between August and September, sheds light on the levels of xenophobia and anti-immigration sentiment in South Africa. The 23-year-old model—born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and South African mother—was forced to withdraw from the "Miss South Africa" competition due to online abuse and the wave of hatred that followed her entry into the...
Migrants in South Africa are celebrating Heritage Day, but full integration is still far away
Heritage Day is the national holiday that acknowledges and values cultural differences in South Africa. The choice of date for the celebration is not coincidental: September 24th is recognized as the date of death of King Shaka Zulu, the unifier of the Zulu nation, in 1828. The decision to establish Heritage Day as a national holiday dates back to 1996, when the...
The new issue of the African Human Mobility Review (AHMR Vol. 10, No. 2) is now available!
We are delighted to announce the release of the second issue of 2024 of the African Human Mobility Review (AHMR). This issue features current, high-quality, and original research, including a book review and articles focusing on various aspects of human mobility in Africa. AHMR benefits from the expertise of a skilled editorial board, a global network of scholars, and an interdisciplinary approach,...
The role of Non-governmental organisations in supporting people on the move
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important part in the protection and promotion of well-being of people in communities especially vulnerable individuals and families. Their work depending on the vision and mission of each organisation range from ensuring child protection, food security, promoting health and well-being, empowerment of individuals, families and communities, advocating for rights, information provision, influencing the development or amendment of laws and promoting equality to mention...
Gender and Migration: Films from the Generation Africa Collection
Gender is an important aspect of migration as both men and women are increasingly migrating in search for better livelihoods. Over the past two decades, the migration of women as sole breadwinners has been on the increase. Although this is true, women migration is often filled with misconceptions and dearth in information and narratives on their migration and experiences. Therefore, to understand their experiences, it is important to share the narratives on their migration...
