Immigration and security : an examination of post-apartheid South African government measures to combat perpetual security threats against African immigrants

Abstract

Immigration policies during the era of apartheid were meticulous and to a larger extent favoured foreign labour immigration within the country. The post-apartheid era, saw a shift in immigration discourse triggered by the imperative of social reconstruction and universalism in service provision, making it clearly exclusive and selective, since the country had to be accountable simultaneously with increase in migratory flows (refugees, regular and irregular) and skills shortages. The security context presented by these migratory flows has had social repercussions associated with xenophobia and the general negative immigration perceptions, particularly the African origin one. This study explores the gaps in South Africa’s immigration and security policy, and to examine the inconsistency of measures that the government has put in place to combat the perpetual security threats against African immigrants. It will investigate topics of inconsistencies in relation to South Africa’s National Security agenda, effectiveness of the existing policies of refugees and asylum seekers. The desk study research method was used, which collected data and information from secondary sources such as academic journals, books and the internet. The study shall use the qualitative content analysis strategy as a primary method by using existing sources which will help build the research. The study findings show that the government is not adequately protecting immigrants due to denialism and anti-immigration sentiments are not just a reaction to rising immigration, but rather reflect governments’ nationalistic and anti-immigrant stances. The study recommends education and awareness to the citizens and politicians as well as capacitation of departments responsible for protecting migrants.