Pan-African Integration: Afrophobia Conundrum and Migration Politicking in South Africa

Abstract

Afrophobic violence has consistently unfolded in South Africa since the attainment of majority rule in 1994, undermining the African Union's quest for African Unity. Episodes of Afrophobic violence have severed South Africa’s diplomatic relations with its neighbouring counties and beyond. Multiple scholars have cited economic situation deterioration, bad governance, civil wars, and political instability in African countries. However, the influx of migrants from the African continent has prompted migrants’ politicking and violent protest in South Africa in recent years. The conundrum of Afrophobia has been catalysed by failed political transitions and governance in Africa resulting in migration to South Africa. This chapter examines Afrophobic violence and explores the diplomatic implications for South Africa and African Union member states. This study argues that economic and governance deficits prevalent among South African blacks, and the continued neglect of the economic and social needs of the black South Africans by the post-apartheid South African government relatively deprives indigenous black South Africans of socio-economic capital.