What question did this study set out to answer?

The research focuses on the paradox of xenophobia within post-apartheid South Africa's efforts for inclusivity.

April 3, 2026Open Access

Chapter 7 Transition in Immigration Policy: Inclusion and Exclusion in the South African State after Democratisation

Key Points

The research focuses on the paradox of xenophobia within post-apartheid South Africa's efforts for inclusivity.
Analysis of xenophobic attacks, particularly the 2008 incident in Alexandra Township.
Review of historical context surrounding immigration in South Africa post-apartheid.
Examination of political and economic factors influencing migration patterns.
Significant xenophobic violence occurred despite the anti-discriminatory ethos promoted post-apartheid.
The 2008 attacks highlighted a deep-seated issue of xenophobia that persisted over decades.
Political instability in neighboring countries intensified migrant influx into South Africa, complicating social dynamics.

Abstract

A series of xenophobic attacks in South Africa in May 2008 shocked not only South Africans but all followers of post-apartheid South Africa.Similar attacks have been reported in subsequent years (Breen 2010).Xenophobic attacks have been reported since the 1990s despite the anti-discriminatory spirit of South African society cultivated by the anti-apartheid movement (Crush 2001).The location of the 2008 attacks, Alexandra Township, saw similar incidents in 1994, in which Mozambicans, Zimbabweans and Malawians were targeted by armed South Africans.The victims included a Zimbabwean who had lived in South Africa for thirty years.The crisis lasted for several weeks and was known as ''Buyele khaya (Go back home)" (Crush ed.2008: 44).This incident was notable for its size and degree of violence, in addition to the fact that such violence happened in a South Africa which had abolished apartheid and experienced a historical reconciliation.Violent xenophobia is seen as a serious problem in post-apartheid South Africa and the situation has been described as a historical "amnesia" (Crushed.2008: 12).The influx of migrants into South Africa since the end of apartheid shows that South Africa has emerged not only as a prominent economic centre, but also as a centre of political culture after its successful change in political regime.In addition to the history of international migration from neighbour countries in southern Africa such as Mozambique, Malawi and Lesotho, the increase in the number of migrants in South Africa after the end of apartheid was caused by political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Zimbabwe, heightened enforcement of immigration laws in Europe, and

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