SOCIO-POLITICAL CRISIS BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICANS AND NIGERIAN MIGRANTS

CAUSES, CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Study analysis is rooted on realist and frustration-aggression theories. Data were gathered from primary and secondary sources. Descriptive/thematic methods of analysis were adopted. Study reveals that socio-political issues including: Increasing migrants influx into South African cities due to ineffective migration control by post-apartheid regimes which started 1994; Bad governance leading to poor condition of living - unemployment, poverty, inequalities, homelessness, poor healthcare and education; The fear of loss of social status and identity linked with migrants taken over jobs stories by South Africans; and the involvement of some Nigerians in criminal activities due to influence, caused the continuous xenophobic crisis in South African cities. Reactions from stakeholders reveal extra-judicial killings of Nigerians; serious future economic and resettlement challenges. Study argues that, continuous occurrence of xenophobic practice against black migrants in South Africa, could inspire retaliation against nationals and businesses of South Africa in other African countries, insecurity will thrive and effort towards achieving the objectives of African union, economic integration as well as development in the continent would remain an illusion. Therefore, policies recommended in this paper should be considered for implementation to address the socio-political issues causing crisis.