Reconsidering the 'other' : exploring perceptions of refugees in South Africa

Breen, Duncan

Reconsidering the 'other' : exploring perceptions of refugees in South Africa

Master Thesis

2008

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Refugees are generally perceived in very negative terms in South Africa. They are perceived as coming to South Africa to take advantage of the country's economy, of stealing jobs and using up scarce resources and of never intending to leave. Refugees are also conceptualised by some as being helpless and in need of direct intervention. This thesis considers the question 'How accurate are the general preconceptions about refugees in South Africa?' utilising qualitative data from six respondents collected over a two month period in 2007 in addition to evidence from working in the field prior to commencing this study. This thesis presents evidence that the decision to settle in South Africa is the result of complex processes influenced by a number of factors aside from economic considerations. The myth that refugees are helpless and needy is tackled with evidence illustrating the resourcefulness and resilience of the six respondents on arrival in Cape Town. The perception of refugees using up resources and stealing jobs from South Africans is challenged by evidence that refugees struggle to legalise their status and get little assistance from Non-Governmental Organisations. As a result, refugees create opportunities for themselves relying on networking and chance encounters. Finally, the perception that refugees never intend to leave South Africa is challenged by evidence of the complexities of returning 'home' where security is uncertain. Having considered the evidence, the thesis concludes that the general preconceptions about refugees in South Africa are in fact false. Includes references (pages 76-82).

Keywords

Development Studies

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