3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item National security frameworks for refugees: somalian refugees in south Africa(2018) Wolf, Cebbie NandiphaThe aim of this research was to understand the shift in the nature of security over the past few decades, with specific emphasis on the role played by refugees regarding security-related matters in a host country. There is a constant debate on what exactly security entails, and national security and scholars from different fields have argued the relevance of the different international relations theories. Evidence suggests that while some states ascribe to the liberal school of thought in their interactions with states and their subjects, most states have a realist narrative undertone, which is a perception of which international organisations such as the UN and the AU tend to be wary. Through policies derived from international organisations, states have formulated their domestic policies to address issues related to security, in particular the management of refugees in host countries. In the case of South Africa, there is a clear demonstration that the country holds the values of both the UN and AU in high regard. However, due to short-sighted projections, it is clear that government faces challenges with regard to the management of refugees. While great strides have been made in formulating a national security policy that is inclusive of human security, South Africa continues to face a high influx of refugees. Due to the absence of effective programmes for the screening of new arrivals in the country, it can be safely assumed that large numbers of these refugees are not victims of circumstances. The threats that refugees can pose to a host country vary from soft (non-military) to hard (military-related) targets. There are, however, no indications that Somalian refugees pose a direct danger to the national security of South Africa. While South Africa has the responsibility to protect its borders and its people, it also has a responsibility to protect those who are believed to be vulnerable and in need of special care. In the case of Somalian refugees, human rights protection should continue to take centre stage. A national security framework that emphasises territorial integrity and the importance of human security should be frequently formulated to address the ever-changing socio-economic dimensions.Item Changing urban policy from below: the case study of Somali migrants in Johannesburg(2017) Abdool, SithalimaIn Johannesburg, the Somali migrant community has set up businesses in Mayfair. Mayfair is a suburb situated on the western side of Johannesburg’s original central business district, and has gradually witnessed a process of urban change and transformation outside the regulations of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan. Based on the regulations of the area, 8th Avenue is zoned for residential use. However, at the moment, the area has witnessed radical changes, which have seen people engage in many unplanned activities. Such developments have not gone unnoticed by the City of Johannesburg’s Urban Planning officials, who argue that the area is zoned for residential purposes and laws have to be adhered to before the space is altered from residential to business use. However, the Somali business migrants in the area continue change the residential component of the area, despite the laws against such construction. The research report looks at how Somalis in Mayfair continue to change the 8th Avenue area, despite the City of Johannesburg’s restrictions around the use of space as business. Engaging in this concept of human-non-human interaction, derived from Actor Network Theory (ANT), the research explains how materials and artefacts of the city, in this case, land use regulatory tools, assist in regulating social and spatial conduct, and human activities. In what then follows, the research traces how Somali migrants of Mayfair interact with the City of Johannesburg’s urban management and planning practices through the movement of written materials that challenge urban management and usage. The research also illustrates, using de Certau’s theory on strategies and tactics, how bureaucratic actions (through written documents) divide the city residents as well as city planners to create certain alliances, as well as tactics in the development of Mayfair. The research finally shows, using Lefebvre’s theory of the right to the city, how Somalis migrants take possession of space and use the concept of the right to the city, as urban inhabitants, instead of relying on their right as refugees or asylum seekers. Keywords: Migration, Somalis, Mayfair, City of Johannesburg, Urban space, appropriation, negotiation, written documentsItem Entrepreneurship amongst Somali migrants in South Africa(2016) Ibrahim, Bashir SheikhThis study focused on understanding the drivers of entrepreneurship amongst Somali migrants in South Africa. An administered survey questionnaire and in-depth case studies are used to explore the manner in which Somalia migrants, who arrive in South Africa, as refugees, establish enterprises and thrive in the business environment despite their uncertain status and limited access to investment capital or other supportive initiatives. Drawing on the wider available literature a broad conceptual framework was used to guide and shape the areas of detailed exploration. These broadly include, a) the socio cultural explanations, b) the push and pull factors that encourage entrepreneurial activities, and c) the environmental factors (economic and legal) that facilitate entrepreneurship amongst migrants. At an overall level, there are no ‘secret’ transferable ingredients for such entrepreneurship. The study reveals that it is a combination of historic factors and elements of ‘social capital’ that shape and motivate entrepreneurship activities amongst these migrants. The lessons derived can and are being be used to inform policy interventions to shape entrepreneurship in the wider society. However, there has to be appreciation of the unique circumstances and historic incentive opportunities that drive particular practices. In so doing, the study concluded on the need for further research in this terrain and the importance of building a deeper understanding on verifiable and substantive quantitative and qualitative data. Keywords: Migrant Entrepreneurship, Social Capital, Small Enterprises, Somali Refugees, South Africa