Migration
Photo by Nadine Hutton
This component will promote debate around migration issues that  take a  view of  the political and democratic dimensions of this phenomenon.

Migration has been present in southern Africa for a number of years, with Namibia and especially South Africa being preferred destinations for migrants from several African states.

Unfortunately these migrants are often met with attitudes that are characterised by deeply enshrined xenophobia. The perception that migrants are a threat in the local job market plays a significant role. However, discrimination is also a reality in many state institutions, for instance the police force.

Another aspect that is of particular concern to the foundation is the gender dimension of migration. Research is needed to gain a better understanding of its effects and consequences.

The foundation’s aims are:

  • To extend the debate on migration to include all relevant, political, democratic and social aspects
  • To promote the  understanding/awareness of  the gender dimensions of migration
  • The identification of existing hindrances and problems as well as best case examples of successful migrant integration
  • Constructive dialogue between government, civil society and academic institutions
  • The presentation of possible action plans for decision takers.
Migration
ANALYSIS
Double Jeopardy: Foreign and Female
May 20, 2010 - Violence against foreigners and violence against women are two forms of violence that are viewed with horror by the general public and outside world but are, in fact, normalised ways in which South African society interacts with minority and vulnerable groups. The double jeopardy that faces foreign women is just that: they are at the intersection of these two groups that are so vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and violence. By Romi Sigsworth more»
ANALYSIS
Demons and Democracy: Positive Values and the Politics of Outsiderness in Contemporary South Africa – May 20, 2010 - While xenophobia may seem far removed from racial tensions, poverty, and public protest, how we understand and address these concerns is inseparable from the bias and violence against outsiders. At the root of these tensions is a discourse of citizenship and transformation that insists – often implicitly – on the categorization of people into a relatively homogenous, entitled majority and those for whom, by virtue of their experience, origins, or occupation, political recognition comes only by demonstrating their utility to a true and deserving political community. By Loren Landau more»
PUBLICATION
Perspectives #01/2009: Migration and Human Rights – Perspectives #01/2009 discusses current migration dynamics in Southern Africa from a human rights perspective. more»
STUDY
The Gendered Nature of Xenophobia in South Africa – After the democratisation of South Africa in 1994, the influx of migrants from other African countries increased dramatically. Despite reconciliation initiatives, old patterns of racism (deeply rooted in the country’s apartheid past) combined with new forms of discrimination, such as xenophobia, have played out through the country’s period of political transition. By Romi Sigsworth, Collet Ngwane and Angelica Pino more»
REPORT
Interrogating the links between xenophobic attitudes, gender and male violence in Du Noon, Cape Town – The intention of this report is to discuss the links between xenophobic attitudes, gender and male violence by focusing on discussions held with both South African and migrant women and men living in Du Noon, Cape Town. By Nadia Sanger more»
Report
Addressing Violence Against Foreign Nationals in South Africa – This report, commissioned by IOM and conducted by the Forced Migration Studies Programme (FMSP) at Wits University in Johannesburg, outlines the political economy of violence against outsiders and the immediate triggers and factors that helped translate xenophobic attitudes into the violent attacks witnessed in May 2008. more»
INTERVIEW
Filmmakers Against Racism – The Berlinale 2009 presented four movies from a South African project called 'Filmmakers Against Racism', which is supported by the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Producer Don Edkins, whose film 'Taxi to the Dark Side' was awarded an Oscar in 2008, talks in an interview about the initiative and xenophobia in South Africa. more»
OPPORTUNITIES
  • The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southern Africa is looking for a Human Rights Programme Manager. The required qualifications, duties and tasks are laid out here.
  • The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Southern Africa is looking for interns for the second half of 2010. The requirements, duties and tasks are laid out here.
  • Apply for the International Short-Term Fellowship Programme 2010 of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Deadline is the 31 July 2010. For more information click here.
Partners Political & Human Rights
Heinrich Böll Foundation in Africa
Heinrich Böll Foundation Headquarters