The socio-economic impact of migration in South Africa : a case study of illegal Zimbabweans in Polokwane Municipality in the Limpopo Province

Abstract

The focus of the study was on the socio-economic impact of illegal Zimbabwean migration in South Africa and the measures taken by the South African government to deal with illegal migration. The study was qualitative in nature and concentrated on illegal Zimbabwean immigrants and government officials from the departments of Health and Social Development, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service as subjects. The area of study was Polokwane City under the Capricorn District.

According to the research findings, the majority of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants chose to migrate illegally because they do not have passports to enable them to apply for visas, those who have visas cannot afford to pay the R2000 needed for a visa and also because South African due to the porous nature of South African borders, it is easier to migrate illegally than legally. Illegal immigrants have a serious impact on housing in terms of illegal squatting and the health sector. A positive impact has also been identified through the research findings in terms of cheap labour and on the formal and informal business sectors through the purchasing of goods and commodities for use and resale back in Zimbabwe.