The migratory trajectories of the post 1994 generation of African immigrants to South Africa: An empirical study of street vendors in the Cape Town Metropolitan area

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the spatial migratory trajectory of migrants to South African since 1994 with special emphasis on street vendors of African origin. The study adapted a mix research approach in which a survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, personal interviews, and observation were utilised to collect and analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that the migration of Africans into South African cities increases sharply as the years go by. The number of migrant street vendors almost doubled between 1993 and 2002 and almost tripled between 2003 and 2007 while the marked increase actually started in 2004. The stable political atmosphere probably played a role in making South Africa an attractive destination for many migrants especially from the African continent. The actual migratory trajectory of street vendors shows that most of the vendors come to South Africa directly from their countries of birth. Of the 208 respondents interviewed, only 90 passed through other countries or have lived in other countries apart from their countries of origin. Inter-country comparism revealed that vendors from Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville and Nigeria have the least experience in migration as 82.4%, 66.7% and 63.2% of vendors from these countries respectively have never stayed in any other country other than their countries of birth even in the course of their migration to South Africa. This implies that their migratory trajectory to South Africa is a direct one. On the other hand vendors from Malawi as well as from Somalia show a high experience in migration as 87.5% and 60% respectively have migrated at least once before coming to South Africa. In terms of the means of transport that these immigrants use to reach their country of destination, it was noted that 50% of the migrants entered the country by direct flight into the country. The prospect of further migration of the vendors was largely positive with 76% of them indicating their intention to move with only 24% indicating their intention to stay permanently in the country. This notwithstanding, a significant proportion indicated their willingness to return to their home countries one day.