Economic prospects of migrant youth in Musina in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Studies reveal that the international migration predominantly occurs as a result of economic deficits from countries of origin. Upon their arrival in the host countries, immigrants are exposed to bad conditions for their sustainable livelihoods. This article argues that this gap has not been rigorously explored, particularly in Musina which is near a border post dividing South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are a lot of population movements comprising of migrant youth at Musina. Thus, this study through the new economics theory of migration and the narrative theory aimed to contextually explore economic prospects of migrant youth in Musina. A qualitative approach with a case study design was used. Migrant youth were purposively and conveniently selected to participate in this study and data got saturated at ten (10) participants. Individual face to face semi-structured interviews were followed through the interview guide and data was analysed thematically through Nvivo software. The study noted that due to the living conditions in South Africa, some migrant women do sex work for their sustainable livelihoods. It was found that such sex workers were not proud of their acts but are forced by their circumstances. Additionally, some migrant youth privately sell drugs to meet their economic needs. Some migrant youth innocently do street vending and entrepreneurial activities and piece jobs for their sustainable livelihoods, however, it was found that these are their least economic prospects. It can thus be concluded that migrant youth are exposed to bad conditions for their sustainable livelihoods in South Africa. It is imperative that the South African government and local citizens integrate immigrants into the South African economy through proper protocols.