'If Zimbabweans stop coming to South Africa, poverty and unemployment will hit Musina very hard'

In the early morning hours, before the sun has even risen, a fascinating scene unfolds in Musina, a vibrant border town in South Africa. A long line of customers winds its way down the block outside stores on the main commercial strip, eagerly waiting for their turn to purchase essential goods that are scarce back in neighbouring Zimbabwe. The influx of people from across the border, braving dangers such as bandits, crocodiles, and the rushing Limpopo River, has become a daily occurrence.

Meanwhile, a few miles away, South Africa's newly formed border patrol, identified by the seal on their pickup trucks, diligently inspects the razor-wire fence. Their mission? To apprehend those who attempt to cross the border illegally, especially those who come to work in South Africa illegally. This heightened border control is part of the government's response to public demand and an attempt to crack down on unauthorized migration, especially in the lead-up to crucial national elections.

However, Musina, nestled amidst farms and a copper mine, serves as a poignant reminder that the government's robust immigration policies clash with a complex reality that many South Africans are reluctant to acknowledge: even those who enter the country illegally can contribute positively to its development.

Jan-Pierre Vivier, a South African who owns a butcher shop that heavily relies on migrant customers, succinctly captures the sentiment prevailing among the locals: "Musina is going to be a big ghost town" without the presence of these migrants. This statement challenges the prevailing narrative that immigrants are a burden on the economy, stealing jobs and fueling crime—a narrative that politicians worldwide exploit to gain popularity.

South Africa, with its own internal struggles of poverty and extreme inequality, remains an attractive destination for migrants from both Africa and beyond due to its relative wealth. Last month, the South African government proposed comprehensive changes to its immigration laws, aiming to significantly restrict the entry of foreigners. President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the new border patrol agency in October, citing increased undocumented migration as a factor exacerbating the country's social and economic challenges.

However, the efficacy of the new agency was called into question when its leader claimed to have stopped 443 Zimbabwean children from being "trafficked" into South Africa. Zimbabwean officials swiftly refuted the claim, asserting that they had no record of such an incident. Zimbabweans living and working in South Africa argue that the children were merely visiting their parents for the holidays—a common practice. These discrepancies highlight how political posturing and the desire to secure votes often shape the discourse surrounding immigration.

As anti-immigrant violence flares up in certain parts of South Africa, migrants are gripped by fear and uncertainty. Many are sending their valuables back to their home countries, fearing attacks on their homes. A survey conducted last year revealed that 69 percent of South Africans believed that immigrants contributed to increased crime. However, the situation in Musina presents a different perspective. Local business owners do not view foreign migrants as competitors, as they might in larger South African cities. Instead, they embrace their cross-border customers, recognizing the positive impact on the local economy.

Shopkeepers in Musina adapt their operations to cater to their cross-border clientele. They adjust their working hours to accommodate those who have traveled overnight and offer bulk items, such as trays of canned food, buckets of cookies, and crates of energy drinks. Jan-Pierre Vivier's butcher shop, for instance, employs 32 individuals who produce a staggering 70 tons of sausages each month for resale across the border. Moreover, Vivier's family has become intermediaries for more affluent shoppers, sourcing and sending sought-after products like Pringles, Oreos, and even 130 pounds of chocolate bars to Zimbabwe's capital, Harare.

Experts argue that migrants, like their counterparts worldwide, are typically young, driven, and entrepreneurial individuals who contribute far more to the economy than mere job competition. According to a World Bank study, an immigrant worker generates an average of two jobs for South Africans. Additionally, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that immigrants contribute approximately 9 percent to South Africa's gross domestic product. These statistics underscore the significant economic contributions made by migrants and the transformative effect they have on communities like Musina.

Indeed, migration has indelibly transformed Musina from a sleepy town into a bustling hub with great employment opportunities. South African shop owners now rent their storefronts to entrepreneurs from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Somalia who have flocked to Musina to capitalize on the bulk-buying trends. A Chinese-owned outlet store, offering everything from furniture to building materials, has become one of the town's largest businesses. Zimbabwean buyers often resell these goods in their homeland, some opening their own shops.

Musina's economy is almost entirely reliant on cross-border commerce, providing ample opportunities for financial gain, both legal and illegal. Along the border bridge and checkpoint, shacks housing food vendors line the road, while rows of Japanese-made cars await export to other African countries, creating a scene reminiscent of a bustling car dealership. In the parking lot of a strip mall,young men gather to discuss potential job opportunities, often in the mining sector, where they can earn a higher income than what is available in Zimbabwe.

However, the situation in Musina is not without its challenges. The town's infrastructure is strained by the constant flow of people and goods, and the increased demand for resources like water and electricity is taking its toll. Local residents sometimes feel overwhelmed by the presence of large numbers of migrants, leading to tensions and occasional outbreaks of xenophobic violence. These incidents further perpetuate the negative stereotypes associated with immigrants and hinder efforts to foster social cohesion.

To address these challenges effectively, a comprehensive approach is needed—one that considers both the economic and social dimensions of immigration. Instead of solely focusing on border control and restrictive policies, policymakers should invest in infrastructure development, job creation, and skills training programs that benefit both South Africans and migrants. By fostering an inclusive environment where migrants have access to legal employment and can contribute to the local economy, the potential positive impact of immigration can be harnessed.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling misconceptions about migrants and promoting tolerance and understanding are crucial. It is essential to recognize that the issues surrounding immigration are complex, and simplistic solutions based on fear and prejudice will only exacerbate existing problems.

Musina serves as a microcosm of the broader immigration debate, not just in South Africa but globally. It highlights the tensions between politics and economic realities, the complexities of migration, and the need for nuanced approaches that consider the multifaceted nature of the issue. By adopting a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, societies can harness the potential benefits of immigration while mitigating its challenges, ultimately fostering social cohesion and economic growth for all.

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