Limpopo policy dialogue highlights the importance of integrating foreign nationals into South African communities

Abstract

Xenophobia is a critical issue in South Africa, as attitudes towards immigrants are often negative and threatening. Despite empirical evidence showing that immigrants have an overall positive effect on employment and the South African economy, violence and negative rhetoric continue. In November 2023, Jessie- Lee Smith attended a policy dialogue in Polokwane, Limpopo, where HSRC researcher Dr Mathias F. Alubafi presented a policy brief on the importance of institutionalising the social integration of immigrants into South African communities. Smith and Alubafi present recent HSRC research on xenophobia in this article.