Population Council Research that makes a difference

Cross-border migrants in South Africa continue to be subject to discrimination, police harassment, and anti-foreigner violence. Migrants are more likely to experience crime than native South Africans. They experience challenges in accessing basic services because of language and cultural differences.

In 2008, Population Council researchers conducted a needs assessment that focused on the social, economic, and health aspects of migrants in the inner city of Johannesburg. The assessment was undertaken in Berea, Hillbrow, and Yeoville, three suburbs that have high concentrations of migrants. Data were gathered using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Researchers and fieldworkers from the University of the Witwatersrand and the concerned communities were employed to implement the assessment.

Findings confirmed what is already known and documented regarding the challenges and discrimination experienced by migrants in accessing public services from various facilities/institutions. These findings indicate gaps in the implementation of policies and legislation that protect and guarantee basic human rights to all in South Africa regardless of race, nationality, and legal status.

The study also offered useful insights into the day-to-day coping strategies and social networking that occurs in areas of high need. Migrants use social networks (e.g., churches, countrymen), nongovernmental organizations, informal financial saving schemes (e.g., burial societies and savings clubs, called stockvels) to establish inclusive support structures. These networks are useful channels through which to build future interventions. Interventions must be implemented in close collaboration with the government, as public services frequently are utilized by the general population, including cross-border migrants.

Through this work, the Council managed to form strategic partnerships and has been invited to participate in various consultations on migration and health issues by other institutions addressing these same issues. The Council also launched an intervention program aimed at strengthening health service delivery for migrants in the inner city of Johannesburg. The focus of the program will be on building the capacity of grassroots organizations and providing recommendations for policy change.

Related project: Improving Health Service Delivery for Migrants in the Inner City of Johannesburg