Xenophobia Outsider Exclusion Addressing Frail Social Cohesion in South Africa's Diverse Communi Es
Xenophobia Outsider Exclusion Addressing Frail Social Cohesion in South Africa's Diverse Communies Makause Case Study October 2017 I. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview This case study presents findings of a research conducted in May 2016 and May 2017 by the African centre for Migration & Society (ACMS) in Makause, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province. Part of parallel research conducted in 15 other South African communities, this study aims to document and explain the status of social cohesion across the country. More specifically, it aims to identify the causes of group-based conflicts, communal violence, and patterns of violent exclusion. Through these efforts, the research can contribute to developing more effective intervention programmes by relevant stakeholders together with members of the community to promote social cohesion and peaceful cohabitation. The findings presented here are informed by qualitative individual interviews and focus group discussions with residents and relevant key informants conducted between 3 and 7 May 2016 as well as between 2 and 12 May 2017. The research process involved conducting qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders. A team of four ACMS researchers spent eight days in the area and conducted a total of 35 individual interviews and three focus group discussions. Participants included South Africans and foreign residents as well as key informants including representatives of the local authority, community leaders, faith-based, and other community based organisations. We rely on secondary literature to provide additional background and insight. Recognising that perceptions drive social interactions and mobilisation as much as facts1, our approach documents, and where possible, distinguishes between the two. 1.2 Primary Findings and Conclusions Makause is a socially, economically and politically complex space due primarily to the fact that all its residents are considered illegal dwellers living on a disused and privately owned mine shaft which was never demarcated as a human resettlement area.