A Dialogue on Migration: Residents and Foreign Nationals in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

This article reflects on the dialogues steeped in a qualitative study which used focus group discussions as well multiple case studies to unpack the experiences of local residents and foreign nationals residing in Mankweng Community in Limpopo, South Africa. The article postulates a migration model of ‘positive influences’ which states that collaboration; cooperation; technology exchange; skills exchange; capital movement; ubuntu, capacity building; and increased trade between local residents and foreign nationals are key ingredients for co-existence and benefit of all the inhabitants of the Mankweng Community. The model attempts to harness the positive elements which migration provides as the necessary conditions for forging viable migration processes and programmes. This model and the re-framing of migration laws are the major contributions of this article. The new laws that we posit state that for migrants, distance does not matter; migrants seek opportunity irrespective of whether it is in an urban or rural area; migration can be rural to urban, urban to urban; urban to rural and rural to rural; migration flows can be one-way; and contemporary migration both local and international, has become gender-blind (involving males and females) and age-blind involving young children. The article also unpacks the nuances of migration within the context of the Mankweng community by reflecting on the views of both local residents and foreign nationals.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p573