READ: Researchers Warn Anti-Migrant Sentiment Could Hurt South Africa’s Economy and Global Standing
African Centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) researchers are warning that growing anti-migrant sentiment could damage South Africa’s economy, international reputation, and constitutional democracy.
Prof. Jo Vearey: “People aren’t asking: ‘Well, what next? If we get rid of these foreign nationals, what’s actually going to change? Are you going to suddenly be improving service delivery?’ Obviously not.”
Prof. Loren B Landau: “We think in Johannesburg, the informal trade in clothing and goods is probably worth something like a billion dollars a year. If you shut that down, you’re losing that money. And that’s money that goes straight into people’s hands. It’s spent within the economy.”
Dr. Jean-Pierre Misago: Xenophobic mobilisation has become entrenched in South Africa’s political landscape and is often enabled by state failure to act against vigilante groups.
[Credit: SmileFM]
