Are South Africans xenophobic?: migration policies need to support integration

Key Points

• This paper examines the relationship between migration policies and social cohesion in South Africa, especially in the context of recent violent incidents.
• Analyzed reports of violence and community unrest in Rustenburg, North West.
• Examined public sentiment regarding foreign-born individuals in connection to drug-related crime.
• Assessed the implications of migration policies on social integration.
• Violence in Rustenburg was triggered by rumors linking police to foreign-born drug dealers.
• Public perception contributes to xenophobia and social unrest, challenging community cohesion.
• A need for migration policies that promote integration rather than exclusion was identified.