South Africa's legacy of hope is at risk as xenophobia resurfaces

The decline of South Africa’s historic migrant labor system, which once formed the backbone of the country’s mining industry, has left deep scars that are now fueling rising xenophobia within the nation. Once a cornerstone of the economy, the migrant labor system brought millions of workers from neighboring African countries—particularly Lesotho, Mozambique, and Malawi—to work in South Africa’s gold and mineral-rich regions during the era of apartheid and beyond. However, as the system has eroded over time due to changes in the mining industry, economic shifts, and evolving labor demands, it has created a vacuum that has led to new forms of migration, often illegal, and a growing resentment toward foreign nationals.

Historically, the mining sector relied heavily on migrant labor, drawing workers from rural areas in South Africa and surrounding nations. During the height of the system in the late 1980s, nearly 830,000 workers were employed in the industry, with a significant proportion coming from outside the country. These workers endured harsh conditions, low wages, and systemic exploitation, yet their labor was instrumental in building the wealth of South Africa’s mining empire. As the country transitioned post-apartheid, the demand for such labor began to shift. Modern mining operations require fewer manual laborers and more technically trained personnel, leading to a dramatic reduction in the number of migrant workers. By 2023, the figure had plummeted to around 35,000, a stark contrast to the earlier numbers.

This transformation has had profound consequences. Many of the workers who once found stability and income in South Africa’s mines now find themselves displaced, unable to return to their home countries due to the lack of economic opportunities. Instead, they remain in South Africa, often resorting to informal sectors such as scavenging for gold or recycling waste. Others engage in activities like livestock theft, further straining local economies and inciting hostility from native populations. The remittances sent back to countries like Lesotho, which once accounted for a staggering 236% of the nation’s GDP in 1987, have dwindled to about 20% today, highlighting the economic dependency that has been lost.

The erosion of the migrant labor system has also contributed to a resurgence of xenophobic sentiments. With the decline in formal employment opportunities for foreign workers, many have turned to illegal means to survive, exacerbating tensions with local communities. Protests and demonstrations have increasingly targeted foreign nationals, particularly around deadlines set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country. These incidents reflect a broader societal frustration that has been compounded by economic challenges, unemployment, and the perception that foreign workers are taking jobs or resources from locals.

Academics and historians argue that the collapse of the migrant labor system has created a paradoxical situation. While the industry once exploited migrant workers, it now faces criticism for failing to provide sustainable alternatives for those affected by its decline. Efforts to develop infrastructure and improve living standards in former labor-sending areas have fallen short, leaving many individuals with little choice but to seek livelihoods elsewhere. This cycle of displacement and desperation has fueled a sense of grievance that is being channeled into xenophobic rhetoric and actions.

Educational institutions, too, have felt the impact of this shifting landscape. Universities like the North-West University emphasize the importance of fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives contribute to academic excellence. However, the blurring lines between legal and illegal immigration have complicated efforts to maintain open and orderly campuses. Professors and administrators stress the need for balance—embracing international collaboration while ensuring compliance with immigration laws. They argue that xenophobia is not merely a reaction to immigration but a symptom of deeper issues related to governance, inequality, and resource allocation.

Looking ahead, the challenge lies in addressing the root causes of xenophobia rather than merely reacting to its manifestations. This includes investing in economic development in neighboring countries, reforming immigration policies to ensure fairness and transparency, and promoting social cohesion through education and dialogue. As South Africa grapples with its complex history and present realities, the path forward will require a commitment to both inclusivity and accountability—a vision that aligns with the aspirations of the nation’s founding principles.