The vulnerabilities and survival mechanisms of undocumented female migrants : A case study of Zimbabwean female migrants in Jeffsville, Pretoria

Abstract

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.