A comparative study on the social support systems of Somali and Ethiopian migrant traders in Cape Town

Abstract

In the burgeoning field of migration studies, most research focusses primarily on the livelihoods of migrants, subsequently not much research is done on the social support systems and development of migrants in South Africa. Refugees and asylum seekers alike settle and integrate into their host country, however there are differences in how these different migrant traders go about doing business, how they mitigate the challenges, adversities, and successes as a migrant trader. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the social support systems of the Somali and Ethiopian migrant trader, their challenges, successes, sustainability, and how they overcome these challenges. The study employed the qualitative approach by collecting and analyzing data, this approach refers to research that generates descriptive, rich data of the phenomena at hand. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview participants, as well as conducting focus group discussions, and using comparative design which focusses on the similarities and disparities between groups. Theories used in the study include migration theory, social capital theory and ethnic enclave theory. The significance of the study is that knowledge and deeper understanding will be gained from how the two different migrant groups conduct their trade in Cape Town.