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The vulnerabilities and survival mechanisms of undocumented female migrants : A case study of Zimbabwean female migrants in Jeffsville, Pretoria
This study explored the vulnerabilities and survival mechanisms of undocumented
Zimbabwean female migrants living and working in Jeffsville informal settlements in SA. It
was motivated by the fact that existing studies on migration from Zimbabwe and immigration
policies have neglected the unique vulnerabilities of undocumented female migrants. This
study therefore used an intersectional lens and migration conceptions such as transnationalism
and agency to examine these unique vulnerabilities and the survival strategies of Zimbabwean
undocumented migrants in Jeffsville. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology
and case study design and the data for this project was collected through personal interviews
and focus group discussions. The data was categorised according to pre-determined themes
generated for the objectives and a thematic analytical approach was used to make meaning
from the data. The findings illuminated that economic factors are the key push factors followed
by social factors and influence from the transnational networks. Additionally, empirical data
collected revealed that gender, class, education, illegal status, social interaction, and education
have exposed this category of migrants for different forms of exclusions, discrimination, and
exploitation in SA. The findings of this study therefore show that women’s experiences at
home, and throughout the flight to exile and in exile are influenced by several domains of
power that render undocumented female migrants to different vulnerabilities. The findings also
revealed that undocumented female migrants cope and adapt during these challenges by
exercising their resilience and agency when confronted with these vulnerabilities. These
survival mechanisms were linked to the concept of transnational networks such as transnational
communities and transnational kinship ties, which were crucial for the participants’ wellbeing
and support structure. Another finding was that malayitsha’s were part of the transnational
kinship ties that assisted participants and families in Zimbabwe through transportation of
goods, remittances, and undocumented migrants’ family members. This study also identified
that the South African migration policy is exclusionary towards low-skilled, low-income
migrants. Based on these findings, this study recommends that South African migration policy
ought to pay more attention to the challenges of female migrants, particularly those that are
undocumented. This policy should enhance the protection of the rights and wellbeing of all
female migrants who enter South African regardless of their lack of the relevant documents to
stay and work in the country. Finally, the South African government ought to devise strategies
to effectively implement this policy.
Description:
Mini Dissertation (MSS (Development Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2021.