People migrate to South Africa for a variety of reasons but are primarily driven by the perceived opportunities the country offers compared to the rest of the continent. This helps explain why they endure the mistreatment and victimisation once they arrive in South Africa, which in turn lays the groundwork for further exploration.
Migrants from Zimbabwe highlight the political turmoil, unemployment, and inadequate service delivery in their country. Robert Mugabe’s prolonged authoritarian rule exacerbated these challenges and led to widespread economic distress, which prompted significant emigration. Despite Mugabe’s resignation in 2017, substantial changes have not been forthcoming, and the political economy of the country remains precarious.
Ghanaians identify poverty, unemployment, and a mismatch between education and job opportunities as primary drivers of migration. Economic instability due to issues in crude oil production and government debt further fuel migration trends from Ghana.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s history of human rights abuses, armed conflict, and resource exploitation underpins many Congolese’s urgent desire to migrate.
By comparison, South Africa appears prosperous and stable. Many people undertake perilous journeys to reach South Africa in search of safety from diverse threats to their survival, which makes them less willing to return even in the face of the extensive xenophobia they suffer on arrival.
