Strengthening Zimbabwean migrant families in South Africa: Insights from second-generation migrants and professionals

Abstract

This article explores the strengthening of Zimbabwean migrant families through a qualitative study on the integration experiences of second-generation migrants in Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 16 second-generation migrants from various socio-economic backgrounds, who were born in or migrated to South Africa before adolescence, as well as with 10 expert contributors from the fields of social work, law and education. The study finds that both first-and second-generation migrants encounter challenges in the early stages of migration, particularly related to documentation, barriers to support services, poverty and invisibility – factors that weaken migrant families, placing them at risk of separation. Furthermore, intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, as challenges of legal status and exclusion are often carried over from parents to children. However, some families receive support from South African community members, social workers, teachers and lawyers, which helps strengthen their families. Nonetheless, following the identification of structural factors that contribute to the difficulties that migrants face, we conclude that initiatives to support and strengthen Zimbabwean migrant families must adopt more structural, anti-oppressive approaches to service delivery.