Heading for Canaan: a reflection on illegal migration in South Africa

Abstract

Owing to a general perception of South Africa as a comparatively stable and wealthy country that offers ample economic opportunities, displaced and impoverished people from southern - and lately even central - Africa have been gravitating towards South Africa for many years. This process, however, has been taking place on an increasing scale since profound political change in South Africa had been launched in 1990, and gained momentum after the election of a new government in 1994. The Gauteng province, for example, is regarded as the migration centre of Africa with its capital, Johannesburg, often being referred to as the "bright light" or "New York" of Africa (Schutte 1993:3- 4). In many ways the harsh economic conditions in sending countries have been triggered or exacerbated by realities such as political instability, civil strife, environmental degradation and rapid population growth. In both Angola and Mozambique civil wars have effected millions of people, most of whom are potential migrants.