Abstract:
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of immigrants on the development of Mankweng community. The units of analysis are the immigrants in Mankweng township and the residents who are affected by the presence of the immigrants. This was a qualitative case study. The researcher used purposive sampling method to select the participants. Two interview guides were used; one for immigrants (guide A) and the other for the residents (guide B). In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents.
The findings revealed that immigrants left their home countries because of factors such as poor economic conditions and political violence. There is evidence to suggest that good governance and a favorable political climate has made South Africa a high ranking receiving country. According to this study, immigrants are blamed for unemployment and crime in Mankweng township. However, the study also shows that immigrants do not wait for jobs to be created for them. They are self employed and hard-working. Immigrants who own businesses hire local residents. The study further suggests that xenophobic attacks on immigrants can be reduced by educating the residents about the creation of jobs. Recommendations from the study include the formulation of more policies that will regulate migration. Evidently existing policies have loopholes as the immigrants find it easy to get into the country. The study also suggests that there is a dire need for the government to fund the acquisition of rare and critical skills such as in the sciences like computer technicians. The study also recommends that the youth must be encouraged to start their own businesses. Co-development systems with the sending countries must be put in place to attract the most skilled immigrants to come. As such, incentives such as housing allowance or immigrants’ allowance should be given to those who are contributing to the economic development to stay longer. Partnership programs must be formed with sending countries to discourage future immigration movements of unskilled immigrants. Lastly, the study recommends that law enforcement at the border gates must be strict, so that illegal immigrants do not enter the country.
