Local people’s attitudes towards young Zimbabwean immigrants: The case of Musina, South Africa

Abstract

Musina continue to receive a large number of immigrants from Zimbabwe due to the area’s proximity to Zimbabwe. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of the local people in Musina towards young Zimbabwean immigrants in Musina. The main finding of the study was that Musina local people had negative attitudes towards the young Zimbabwean immigrants. This was as a result of the competition between the two groups for job opportunities and other resources as well as the safety and security concern which obscures the positive attitudes that some of the local people have towards young Zimbabwean immigrants. This has become a source of bitter tension between the local people and young Zimbabweans in the Musina. Such a situation calls for an urgent attention and action by different parties in order to promote and ensure peaceful coexistence, safety and stability in the Musina.

Keywords: coexistence, negative attitude, racism, xenophobia,