Socio-economic reasons
4.7 Perceptions South Africans have of African immigrants
Respondents were probed on the perceptions and attitude that South Africans have towards African immigrants (Annexure C: Question 6). Scholars such as Misago (2009) Landau (2004) and Monson (2010) state that South Africans carry strong negative sentiments towards African immigrants. Black immigrants from African countries are considered the “outsider” that seem to pose a direct threat and danger to local South Africans. Two of the respondents reported that South Africans express the highest levels of intolerance toward them.
4.7.1 Black African immigrants as the unwelcome ‘other’
“South Africans associate Black African foreigners with all social ills faced in society… such as illegal foreigners, criminal’s threats to social and economic prosperity in the community (Respondent 4)
“Black “foreigners” are seen as intruders, aliens” (Respondent 2)
"Black "foreigners" are perceived as people who commit fraud in the country. According to South African, black immigrants are defrauding South Africans from their money, and more often they
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feel black foreigners precisely men, use fake marriages with South African women to get permanent resident status and South African identification document"… (Respondent 1)
These results were consistent with those of other studies and suggest that black Africans immigrants living in South Africa are accused, blamed, incriminated by local South Africans. The findings of this study are consistent with HSRC (2008) study, which found that black African immigrants were perceivedas a threat to the community. Responses from the respondents confirm Crush’s (2008) findings, which point out that, Black African immigrants in social and political spaces, are problematic to the country’s well-being. These findings further support the idea of Harris (2012) who points out that those negative perceptions over the presence of African immigrants in the country became pervasive. Furthermore, Adjai et al (2013) state these assumptions manifest rage, which leads to attacks on immigrants in the country.
Perceived aggressiveness and negative perceptions portrayed by South Africans towards black immigrant is crucial and important to mention in this study. Respondent 1 reported that Black
"foreigners" are portrayed as threatening local South Africans in the community through a number of criminal activities such as committing fraud. Neocosmos (2009) confirms that xenophobic discrimination in SA is directed to black foreigners as they are depicted as individuals who are deeply involved in criminal activities. This finding confirms the association between Afro-phobia and racial exclusions are common triggers of xenophobic sentiments. Observed in earlier studies the negative perceptions and treatment of black African immigrants as the unwelcome "other"
suggest the discourse of exclusion (Neocosmos, 2006). Respondents 3’s sentiments correspond with those of Neocosmos.
“Discourse of exclusion of Black African immigrants seen as the ‘other’ is reflected from state officials also. For instance, tougher measures are taken against black African immigrants at home affairs compared European or North American immigrants” … (Respondent 3)
According to Respondent 2 discourse of exclusion and negative perceptions of black African immigrants as stated by Neocosmos, (2006) is caused by the media and educational levels of local South Africans.
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"The Media, being your newspapers, radio, or television plays a crucial role in everyday life and has a significant role in society. South Africans and communities as a whole, have these negative perceptions of Black African immigrants because the media has portrayed us [African immigrants]
negatively …Zimbabweans are labeled as a fraudster, Nigerians, as drug deals while white immigrants are labeled as investors"…. (Respondent 2)
Previous studies have demonstrated that the media plays a significant role in the manifestation of xenophobic violence in society. This study produced results, which corroborate the findings of Jacobs (2005) who confirms that stereotypical language used by the press to describe non-nationals has created the negative perceptions South Africans have toward foreign nationals precisely black immigrants. Respondent 2’s account is similar to Crush (2014) over classification of foreigners.
For instance, Nigerians are known as drug smugglers and criminals, this, in turn, contribute to violence. This study provides substantial evidence that identifies stereotypical views and media representations of Africa and African immigrants to understanding these hostile attitudes and behaviors targeted at ‘foreigners.' On the other hand, results have shown that these perceptions are linked to race. Respondent 2 said that immigrants are not viewed in the same way as black Africans originating from other countries on the continent.These findings support the bio-cultural theory mentioned in 4.3.4.
The respondents agreed that levels of education makes South Africans perceive foreigners differently and positively. According to the research findings in (4.3.3.1.1) in this study, societies with high levels of inequality and high unemployment have more negative attitudes toward black immigrants. This is similar to (Nyamnjoh, 2008, HSRC, 2009, Crush 2008) who found that societies that comprise of lower educated individuals express high intolerance.
In supportrespondents said:
“Perceptions of immigrants differs from one's level of education” … (Respondent 4)
“Educated South Africans are more tolerant compared to South Africans with lower levels of educations...” (Respondent 1)
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Therefore, tolerances according to respondents vary with the level of educations that South Africans have been exposed to. These results are similar to Landau (2011) study, which found that education has a big impact on how South Africans perceive black immigrants.