Overview

This edited volume interrogates the intersection between viral pandemics, transnational migration and the politics of belonging in South Africa during COVID-19. The chapters draw on theoretical conceptions such as biopolitics, necropolitics, xenophobio/afrophobia and autochthonous citizenship to understand how South Africa has responded to the devastating effects of COVID-19 and the implications for the lives and livelihoods of African migrants. The book is written against the backdrop of deepening socioeconomic and political problems in South Africa, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic, exclusionary response strategies employed by the government and populist discourses about the dangers of hosting an increasing population of African migrants. Drawing on the experiences of migrants from Cameroon, DRC, Nigeria, Somalia and Zimbabwe, this book explores the challenges of these diaspora communities during lockdowns, their survival strategies and the effects on their social existence during and post the pandemic. From these case studies, we are reminded about the paradoxes of belonging and how COVID-19 continues to reveal different forms of global inequalities. They also remind us about the burdens of displacement and emplacement and how they are repeatedly politicised in South Africa, as the government grapples with endemic socioeconomic and political problems. The conclusion of the book examines the implications of COVID-19 for migration across the African continent and particularly for South Africa, as we witness new waves of xenophobic/afrophobic vigilantism driven by Operation Dudula.

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9789956552443

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Reviews

This is a highly lucid important transdisciplinary conversation on the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees. It highlights how COVID-19 intersects with many aspects of migrant lives, and provides careful analyses on migration and the intricate politics of belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. The authors stress the need for solutions that protect African migrants. - Daniel Tevera, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Geography, Environmental Studies and Tourism, University of the Western Cape, South Africa This book delves into fresh scholarly approaches and insights with a view to understand the challenges of exclusion, victimization and marginalization faced by African migrants as they wade through very unprecedent times. It captures, with intellectual rigour and delicacy, troubling issues such as the politics of belonging and complexities of socio-cultural idiosyncrasies as well as the invisibility of refugees with disabilities, vulnerability, discrimination and power struggles. The book is a breaking and timely contribution to migration and refuge studies in South Africa. - Monwabisi K. Ralarala, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

This is a highly lucid important transdisciplinary conversation on the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees. It highlights how COVID-19 intersects with many aspects of migrant lives, and provides careful analyses on migration and the intricate politics of belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. The authors stress the need for solutions that protect African migrants. - Daniel Tevera, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Geography, Environmental Studies and Tourism, University of the Western Cape, South Africa This book delves into fresh scholarly approaches and insights with a view to understand the challenges of exclusion, victimization and marginalization faced by African migrants as they wade through very unprecedent times. It captures, with intellectual rigour and delicacy, troubling issues such as the politics of belonging and complexities of socio-cultural idiosyncrasies as well as the invisibility of refugees with disabilities, vulnerability, discrimination and power struggles. The book is a breaking and timely contribution to migration and refuge studies in South Africa. - Monwabisi K. Ralarala, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Author Information

Pineteh Angu is an associate professor in the Unit for Academic Literacy at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Tyanai Masiya is a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria's School of Public Management and Administration. Kristina Gustafsson is an associate professor at the Department of Social Work, Linnaeus University in Sweden.

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