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Group Tensions and Informalisation of Community Leadership: Factors Affecting Social Cohesion and Collective Violence in Makhanda, Eastern Cape
This report presents the findings of research conducted by the African Centre for Migration and Society (ACMS) in Makhanda (Eastern Cape Province) in August 2022 and January 2023. Conducted as part of the Kagisano programme, this research builds on -and updates- an original study conducted in the same area in 2017. The 2017 study resulted…
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Research Brief 3: Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa
Despite Constitutional guarantees of equality and rights, the legacies of apartheid – such as unequal access to housing, education, and health care – have not been adequately redressed in South Africa (SA). Instead, decades of mismanagement, corruption, and anti-poor governance1 have led to a worsening socio-economic crisis marked by high youth unemployment, violent crime, and…
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Research Brief 2: Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa
Research Brief I synthesised findings on the characteristics, footprint, and advocacy of migrant organisations in South Africa (SA). Research Brief II examines the evolving socio-political landscape for the migrant rights sector, offering new interpretations of the tensions identified in Research Brief I and clarifying key terms used in the project. Drawing on data from Deliberation…
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Xenophobic Discrimination in South Africa: An Overview of Trends, Effects, and Responses (2022–2024)
This comprehensive analysis tracks incidents of xenophobic discrimination, displacement, and responses nationwide between the period of 2022 -2024. Drawing on verified data, the report highlights key trends, the impact on affected communities, and the urgent need for stronger, coordinated action. Read the full report here.
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Strengthening Strategic Engagement and Movement Building for Migrant Rights in South & Southern Africa
This second research brief by the African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) critically explores the evolving political, legal, and socioeconomic terrain facing migrant rights organisations in South and Southern Africa. Drawing from workshops, interviews, and policy analysis, it outlines heightened securitisation of migration, discriminatory economic regulations, and the marginalisation of NGOs through state rhetoric…
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From Deprivation to Mobilization: Towards a Multideterminant Model of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
Drawing on extensive and comparative qualitative data from a nearly two-decade long and ongoing research, this article responds to inadequacies and limitations of current causal explanations for xenophobic violence in South Africa. The article argues that existing explanations are inadequate as many lack empirical backing and others are incomplete due to their reductionist approach. To…
