The Impact of the Relationship between Migrants and Traditional/Tribal Authorities on South African Mining Communities
Charity Chenga, University of Kent, United Kingdom
charomu@msn.com
Freek J. Cronje, North-West University, South Africa
sosjfc@puknet.puk.ac.za The Impact of the Relationship between
Migrants and Traditional/Tribal Authorities on South African Mining
Communities
The object of this paper is to explore the impact of the relationship
between migrants and traditional/tribal authorities on communities
in the South African mining sector. The paper is based on qualitative
research undertaken at two South African platinum mines; one located
in the North-West Province (semi-urban) and the other in the northern
Limpopo Province (rural). More specific, the data collection entailed
focus groups, personal interviews, observations, and case studies.
The main findings of the research were that there is serious tension
between migrants and traditional/tribal authorities. Against this background,
accusation and counter accusations between the two groups include:
the traditional/tribal authorities being accused of discrimination
and xenophobia against migrants whilst migrants are accused of spreading
sexual disease, taking away job opportunities, and undermining the
moral fabric and culture of the local communities.
What is fascinating about this conflict is that it is mainly focused
on the traditional migrants from neighbouring countries and other South
African provinces, whilst at the same time ignoring or tolerating the
new migration patterns to the area whose impact on the communities
is significant but appears not to be understood. This conflict in some
instances has resulted in exclusion policies by the traditional/tribal
authorities, which have had significant consequence on the development
potential and efforts in the communities where poverty is widespread.
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