Emerging Research Questions Long-Held Perceptions

A groundbreaking study published just days ago in Frontiers in Political Science dives deep into one of South Africa's most contentious issues: the framing of African immigrants as existential threats to national security. Titled "The Securitization of African Immigrants in South Africa," the paper by Sehlule Sibanda from the University of the Western Cape and Chidochashe Nyere from the University of South Africa rigorously analyzes whether these migrants truly represent a security risk. Through qualitative textual analysis of policies, speeches, and media, the researchers apply securitization theory—a framework from the Copenhagen School that explains how issues like migration get elevated from normal politics to emergency security matters via 'speech acts' that construct threats.

Their core finding? No substantive evidence supports the notion that African immigrants endanger South Africa's security. Instead, this narrative serves as a political deflection from deep-seated governance challenges, economic woes, and service delivery failures. As South Africa navigates its post-2024 election Government of National Unity landscape, this research arrives at a pivotal moment, urging a shift back to evidence-based policies rooted in the country's Pan-African heritage.

Historical Roots of Migration to South Africa

Migration within Africa is as old as the continent itself, and South Africa has long been a hub. Before apartheid, African laborers were actively recruited through mechanisms like the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (WNLA), which conscripted seasonal workers from neighboring countries for mines. Post-1994, the democratic government embraced an open-door, rights-based approach, enshrined in the 1996 Constitution, the Refugees Act of 1999, and adherence to international conventions like the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention. This welcomed refugees fleeing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and elsewhere.

Today, about 53 percent of all African migration remains intra-continental, with South Africa hosting millions of foreign nationals—many economic migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Yet, perceptions have soured amid economic shocks: the 2008 global financial crisis, 2018 US-China trade wars, and COVID-19 exacerbated unemployment, hovering around 30-40 percent, leading to blame-shifting onto 'foreigners.'

Understanding Securitization Theory Step by Step

To grasp the paper's lens, consider securitization theory fully: Developed by Barry Buzan, Ole Wæver, and Jaap de Wilde in the 1990s, it posits that security isn't objective but constructed. Step one: An elite (politician, activist) issues a 'speech act' labeling an issue—like migration—as an existential threat to a referent object (e.g., the nation, economy). Step two: The audience (public, policymakers) accepts this framing. Step three: Extraordinary measures bypass normal democratic debate, such as border closures or mass deportations.

In South Africa's context, this manifests in rhetoric portraying 'illegal immigrants' as job-stealers, criminals, and resource drainers. Global parallels post-9/11 and Europe's 2015 refugee crisis normalized this, influencing African policies despite initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes mobility.

Debunking the Crime and Unemployment Myths

Central to securitization claims is the assertion that African immigrants drive crime and unemployment. The paper cites scholars like Ingrid Palmary and Luise du Plessis Gordon, who find no causal link—migrants neither cause major job losses nor disproportionate crime. For instance, Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) holders—over 180,000 documented Zimbabweans—pay taxes and contribute economically, yet their permits were abruptly canceled in 2023-2024 amid electoral pressures, despite traceability.

• Crime stats show offenses cut across nationalities; overstating foreign involvement ignores domestic factors like poverty and inequality.
• Unemployment stems from structural issues: skills mismatches, corruption, slow growth—not migrant influxes.
• Xenowatch data: Only 26 xenophobic incidents and 14 deaths in early 2025, down from peaks, but rhetoric persists.

This evidence challenges vigilante narratives, emphasizing that securitization amplifies myths for political gain.

Photo by Europeana on Unsplash

The Rise of Operation Dudula and Vigilante Enforcement

Emerging around 2021 in Soweto, Operation Dudula—led by Nhlanhla 'Lux' Mohlauli—positions itself as a citizen patrol auditing spaza shops, clinics, and transport for undocumented migrants. Named after Zulu for 'to push back,' it has conducted illegal deportations and audits, sparking 'medical xenophobia' like the 2023 Limpopo incident where Health MEC Dr. Phophi Ramathuba publicly shamed a Zimbabwean patient for straining resources.

While tapping real frustrations over porous borders, Dudula lacks legal mandate, overlapping with state functions like the Border Management Authority (BMA), established in 2024. The paper views it as symptomatic of state failure, where citizens fill governance voids, risking violence as seen in 2008 and 2015 pogroms.

Government Policies: From Open Doors to Tightened Borders

South Africa's immigration trajectory regressed via amendments: The 2011 Immigration Act cut asylum transit visas from 14 to 5 days; Home Affairs joined the National Security Council; drones and body cams now patrol borders. Cancellation of ZEPs exemplified politically expedient moves, ignoring economic benefits.

Politicians like former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba (ActionSA) and Patriotic Alliance's Gayton McKenzie amplified anti-migrant speech acts, gaining votes as ANC support waned. Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has echoed concerns over 'porous borders,' framing migration as a stability threat.Read the full Frontiers paper here

Yet, the African Centre for Migration & Society critiques these as ineffective against irregular flows.

Spotlight on the Researchers and South African Academia

Sehlule Sibanda, from UWC's Department of Political Science, and postdoctoral fellow Chidochashe Nyere at UNISA's Thabo Mbeki School, bring insider perspectives. Their desktop study—scouring Google Scholar, Scopus for terms like 'Afrophobia' and 'xenophobia'—highlights higher education's role in dissecting policy failures.

South African universities like UWC and UNISA lead in migration studies, producing evidence amid debates. Aspiring scholars can explore higher ed jobs in political science or university positions focusing on public affairs. For career guidance, check higher ed career advice.

Social and Economic Implications for the Rainbow Nation

Securitization erodes Ubuntu—'I am because we are'—and Pan-Africanism, betraying the solidarity Africa showed during apartheid. It fosters division, exposes migrants to exploitation, and hampers growth: migrants fill labor gaps in agriculture, retail, construction.

• Health: 'Medical xenophobia' deters care-seeking, risking outbreaks.
• Social cohesion: Deepening distrust, per 2025 GovDem surveys, threatens stability.
• Economy: Skilled migrants boost innovation; scapegoating ignores this.

July 2021 unrest in Gauteng exemplified how socioeconomic pressures, not migrants, fuel chaos.

Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Pathways Forward: De-Securitization and Solutions

The paper advocates de-securitization: Treat migration as routine politics. Recommendations include:

• Government: Enforce Immigration Act fairly, address root crimes without blame-shifting.
• Dudula: Channel energies electorally, halt vigilantism.
• Migrants: Comply with documentation.
• Broader: Invest in integration, skills training via NSFAS-like programs for locals and newcomers.

Strengthen BMA humanely, uphold AfCFTA mobility. Higher ed can lead via interdisciplinary research on inclusive policies. Professionals in this field might find opportunities at South African academic jobs or rate my professor for insights.

Future Outlook Amid Evolving Dynamics

As 2026 unfolds, with GNU balancing coalitions, will securitization wane? Recent HRW reports note fewer violence incidents but rising rhetoric. Global trends—EU externalization, US policies—influence SA, but local research like this paper empowers evidence-driven reform. For those in academia, staying ahead means engaging with faculty jobs or research positions. Ultimately, fostering dialogue over division aligns with South Africa's constitutional promise.

Explore more on SA higher ed readiness and contribute to informed discourse.