This theory is applicable in a South African context due to the previous reliance on foreign labour during the apartheid regime; as a result ‘cross generational migration’ has occurred. (Fussell et al, , 2004). Furthermore, the world system theory applies in South Africa due to the cultural similarities between the countries of origin and South Africa (Fussel et al,, 2004). This form of migration is common in African countries and involves the previous migration of individuals to a region, this is then followed by subsequent generations (Mcdonald et al, 1999).Cross generational migration/historical migration is a theory that holds weight in a South African context due to the nature of the apartheid era. During apartheid, a foreign national
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Xenophobia in South Africa
Xenophobia is defined as an extreme dislike and prejudice towards individuals from foreign countries (Cambridge Dictionary). In South Africa particularly, xenophobia has been rife for many years; culminating in severe attacks in 1997, 2008 and 2010 respectively (Crush and Ramcharan, 2014). It must be noted that numerous other instances have occurred prior and post the intervals listed above.
The groups predominantly targeted by xenophobic attacks appear to be nationals originating from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, while acts against Lesotho and Swaziland migrants are few and far between (Crush, 2014). This may be attributed to the notion of ‘historical migration’, mentioned earlier in the paper. As a result of this, South Africans are accustomed to the presence of individuals from SADC countries. Migrants from non-SADC countries such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria have become the target of such attacks in recent years. This may be as a result of the growing entrepreneurship that the above mentioned groups have exhibited in South Africa, a notion that 25% of South Africans said they would prevent if possible (Crush, Ramacharan 2014). There has also been a substantial growth in the dislike towards foreigners; a 59% to 63% increase in negative attitudes between 1999 to 2010 was reported (World Values Survey, 2011). Furthermore, this increase in animosity towards foreign migrants has resulted in a sharp growth in xenophobic attacks since 2008, primarily between 2010 to 2014. Between 1994 to 2014, 250 documented episodes of xenophobia were reported, with the Western Cape and Gauteng being the worst affected areas (Statistics South Africa, 2011). It would stand to be expected that these regions would be the worst effected due to the high foreign national population, as mentioned
Xenophobia in South Africa
Xenophobia is defined as an extreme dislike and prejudice towards individuals from foreign countries (Cambridge Dictionary). In South Africa particularly, xenophobia has been rife for many years; culminating in severe attacks in 1997, 2008 and 2010 respectively (Crush and Ramcharan, 2014). It must be noted that numerous other instances have occurred prior and post the intervals listed above.
The groups predominantly targeted by xenophobic attacks appear to be nationals originating from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, while acts against Lesotho and Swaziland migrants are few and far between (Crush, 2014). This may be attributed to the notion of ‘historical migration’, mentioned earlier in the paper. As a result of this, South Africans are accustomed to the presence of individuals from SADC countries. Migrants from non-SADC countries such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria have become the target of such attacks in recent years. This may be as a result of the growing entrepreneurship that the above mentioned groups have exhibited in South Africa, a notion that 25% of South Africans said they would prevent if possible (Crush, Ramacharan 2014). There has also been a substantial growth in the dislike towards foreigners; a 59% to 63% increase in negative attitudes between 1999 to 2010 was reported (World Values Survey, 2011). Furthermore, this increase in animosity towards foreign migrants has resulted in a sharp growth in xenophobic attacks since 2008, primarily between 2010 to 2014. Between 1994 to 2014, 250 documented episodes of xenophobia were reported, with the Western Cape and Gauteng being the worst affected areas (Statistics South Africa, 2011). It would stand to be expected that these regions would be the worst effected due to the high foreign national population, as mentioned