Immigration policy in South Africa: public opinion, xenophobia and the search for progress

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive examination of antiimmigrant attitudes and behaviours in South Africa. Xenophobia is explored using public opinion data from the nationally representative dataset of the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS). First, the study will be placed into its proper context. This will include a brief outline of the country???s immigration policy before the problem of anti-immigrant violence is reviewed. Second, the findings are presented, examining public attitudes towards anti-immigrant stereotypes, selection criteria preferences, welfare chauvinism and views on combatting xenophobic hate crime. Self-reported public participation in anti-immigrant violence is also assessed. It will show that many believe dangerous lies about immigrants, stereotyping foreigners as criminals and 'job stealers'. The chapter concludes by outlining what needs to be done to reduce xenophobia in the country.