CHALLENGES FACING THE CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH IN INNERCITY
Date
2011-04-18
Authors
Gorogodo, Blessing
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Abstract
Zimbabwe is currently facing deep seated socio-economic and complex political problems
which became overtly manifest in 2000. Consequently, individuals and families have been
forced to migrate to neighbouring countries and to those further afield in search of
meaningful livelihoods and safe political contexts. South Africa is one of the countries
where Zimbabweans are migrating to. With the increase in the number of Zimbabweans
coming to South Africa the South African government faces challenges in managing,
formulating and implementing its immigration policies such that non-state organisations
such as churches and other faith based organisations have to cater for the poor and
vulnerable migrants. This research aimed to examine the challenges faced by a faith base
organisation, the Central Methodist church in inner-city Johannesburg in assisting
Zimbabwean immigrants. A case study research design was used to accomplish the aims and
objectives of the research. Primary and secondary data collection was used to gather the
information for the research. This study intended to broaden our knowledge on the
challenges faced by churches and other non-state organisations in assisting Zimbabwean
immigrants in South Africa. The research findings show that overcrowding, raiding by
police and lack of resources are some of the challenges faced by the Methodist church in
assisting Zimbabwean immigrants. The report recommends that policy makers in South
Africa should begin to examine the challenges faced by Non Governmental Organisations
in assisting immigrants in South Africa and to strengthen the capacities of these institutions
to respond more effectively to the needs and rights of poor immigrants
Description
MM - P&DM
Keywords
Immigrants, Migrants, Non-governmental organisations, Refugees, Zimbabwean