The securitization of African immigrants in South Africa

Abstract

Securitization of immigrants is the framing of immigrants as security threats that need to be curbed, thwarted and eliminated. Yet immigration is only but a small segment of migration, which is necessary for economic growth. Migration is an organic phenomenon that is as old as humanity itself. It happens within national borders, often referred to as internal migration, or even internal displacement at times. When migration happens in the international realm, immigration processes and laws become necessary, and should be adhered to, observed, and enforced. However, when immigrants become securitized, it often puts them at risk of being targeted, victimized and objectified, by not only the authorities of the host state, but communities where immigrants live in. This paper sets out to interrogate the claims that influence and inform movements such as Operation Dudula and other political parties in South Africa, that African immigrants particularly pose a security risk in South Africa. The research question that the paper seeks to answer is: Are African immigrants a national security risk for South Africa? The paper uses a qualitative research methodology to conduct textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, policy documents as well as government documents. A genealogical approach informs this research as it is interested in situating the current tensions in context.