The Assimilation of Zimbabwean Immigrants in South Africa YEUKAI LORRETA GUMBU (original) (raw)
2021, European Academic Research
The aim of this study is to assess the causes, and factors that facilitates on the assimilation of Zimbabweans immigration in South Africa. This study is prompted by the necessity to establish the challenges faced by the Zimbabwean in the assimilation process into the mainstream of South Africa. In this case, the study will adopt the neo-classical realism theory of international relations. The theory helps to explain the antagonistic relations which is sometimes witnessed between Zimbabwean immigrants and South African natives. Furthermore, the study adopts a qualitative design wherein documentary analysis is used. Documentary analysis entails the critical analysis of the existing literature. It provides insights on the level of assimilation of Zimbabweans in South Africa and the data is analyzed thematically. Basing on the analysis and interpretation of data, the article realized that fear of persecution, proximity, search for employment, food insecurity, among others are some of the causes of Zimbabwean migration. Notwithstanding a myriad of challenges faced by immigrant in the assimilation process such as xenophobia. It also realized certain factors that determine the assimilation process in South Africa that ranges from education levels, recourses, documents, skill, and experience possessed by the migrant. The study concluded that although Zimbabwean were once welcomed in South Africa, the continued increased influx has led to a negative response. The study recommends that South Africa should come up with long-term sustainable and effective way to deal with the ever-increasing numbers of Zimbabwean immigrants.