Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340, Volume 11, Issue No 11 (2024): 1-15 © Arya PG College (College with Potential for Excellence Status by UGC) & Business Press India Publication, Delhi http://apcjournals.com, www.aryapgcollege.ac.in

Exploring Narratives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Challenges among Zimbabwean Migrants Residing in Johannesburg, South Africa

Rosalind F. Sigamoney
Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology
The University of South Africa
(Johannesburg), South Africa
Email: jsigamoney1@gmail.com

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent the global commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development. In the African context, achieving these goals remains a formidable challenge, given the continent's socio-economic complexities and historical context. Zimbabwe, which was once an economic inspiration with thriving agricultural and mining industries, which is hindered by poverty, hyperinflation, and governance crises. These dynamics have catalysed significant migration flows, with Zimbabweans seeking economic refuge in neighbouring South Africa, particularly Johannesburg. This study explores how Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg confront emotional, economic, and social challenges, with a particular focus on their engagement with the SDGs. Using a qualitative research strategy social constructionism and a case study methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted to co-construct narratives. These narratives offer insights into how Zimbabwean migrants engage with SDG-related issues, such as poverty reduction, decent work, and inequality. Findings reveal that while remittances serve as critical development tools for their families back home, the migrants' experiences are unwarranted employment, discrimination, and limited access to social services, which deter progress towards the SDGs. Their stories highlight the problems of migration, the interplay of remittances in development, and the urgent need for more inclusive policies to achieve the SDGs for migrants and their communities. This study enhances the growing body of literature on migration and development, emphasizing the need for interventions that address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrants within the framework of the SDGs

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Johannesburg, Migration, Remittances, Resilience, Zimbabwean Migrants

Introduction
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, represent a universal commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development by 2030. These goals, endorsed by all United Nations member states, address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, decent employment, and access to essential social services (United Nations 2023). In Africa, particularly Southern Africa, the realization of these goals is hindered by socio-political and economic instability. Zimbabwe, once considered a regional leader in agriculture and mining, has experienced severe economic decline, resulting in a mass migration of its citizens to neighbouring countries like South Africa (Mlambo 2010).
South Africa, especially Johannesburg, has become a key destination for Zimbabwean migrants in search of employment and improved living conditions. However, these migrants often face significant obstacles, including limited access to decent work, xenophobia, and social marginalization (Crush 2011). The migration of Zimbabweans to South Africa, driven by the economic and political crises in their homeland, underscores the country's transition from a once-promising economy to one plagued by poor governance, internal conflict, and widespread poverty (Dzimiri 2017).
The study seeks to explore how the lively experiences of Zimbabwean migrants highlight both progress and challenges concerning the SDGs. The migration of Zimbabweans to Johannesburg reflects the complex relationship between migration, economic development, and efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (Crush & Tawodzera 2017). As migrants leave Zimbabwe in search of better opportunities, this movement brings into sharp focus the broader intersection of migration, development, and the pursuit of global development objectives (Easterly 2019).
Review of Literature
Review has been analysed under the following heads:
1) Migration and Development in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's migration history is complex and has evolved significantly over time. Once a destination for labour migrants, Zimbabwe has become a major source of emigrants, particularly since the onset of political and economic crises in the 2000s (Muzondidya 2010). As the country's economic opportunities sharply declined, millions of Zimbabweans sought better prospects abroad, with South Africa emerging as the primary destination (Tevera & Crush 2003). This large-scale migration had a profound impact on Zimbabwe’s socio-economic landscape, with remittances sent by migrants becoming a crucial source of income for families left behind. While remittances had the potential to reduce poverty, their broader development impact was limited by deep-rooted structural issues in both Zimbabwe and South Africa (Crush et al 2015).
2) Remittances and the SDGs
Remittances, the financial transfers made by migrants to their home countries, were acknowledged as a useful tool for development, contributing to household income, education, and healthcare (Adams 2011). For Zimbabwean migrants, these funds were essential for supporting families who faced economic hardship in a country plagued by hyperinflation, unemployment, and general economic instability (Bloch 2008). Remittances directly contributed to poverty reduction, aligning with SDG 1 (No poverty). However, these were not a comprehensive solution to the broader structural challenges that hindered sustainable development in Zimbabwe. Families who depended on remittances were also vulnerable due to the irregularity of income flows, which were often unstable and dependent on the migrant's ability to find secure employment in South Africa.
3) Barriers to SDG Progress for Migrants
Migrants faced challenges in achieving the SDGs, especially in host countries like South Africa, where socio-economic marginalization, discrimination, and limited access to social services were prevalent (Landau 2007). Zimbabwean migrants, particularly those working in the informal economy, often endured precarious working conditions, exploitation, and low wages. These circumstances obstruct progress towards SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities). Moreover, migrants’ legal status had limited their access to essential services like healthcare, education, and housing, which further exacerbated their vulnerability and hindered progress towards SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality education). These barriers made it difficult for migrants to achieve stable livelihoods and undermined their ability to fully contribute to the development goals.
4) Employment Insecurity and Informal Labor Markets
Zimbabwean migrants faced significant challenges due to the lack of stable employment opportunities, with working in the informal sector under exploitative conditions, job insecurity, and low wages. This situation is consistent with findings from earlier research that emphasize the precarious nature of informal employment for migrants in South Africa (Moyo & Nshimbi 2020). The difficulty in securing formal employment not only limited their economic opportunities but also restricted access to social services and protections, hindering their ability to contribute to SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth).
Despite these challenges, the participants demonstrated remarkable resilience, often relying on social networks for emotional and economic support. These networks, composed of fellow Zimbabwean migrants as well as South Africans, played a crucial role in helping participants navigate the complexities of life in Johannesburg. The role of social networks in fostering resilience among migrants has been well-documented, and this study reaffirms their importance in helping migrants overcome barriers to development (Adhikari 2013).
Methodology
This study uses a qualitative research approach, using the case study method to explore the narratives of Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg. The theoretical framework for this study is social constructionism, with a focus on how migrants construct and negotiate their reality in the host country (Burr 2015). The study aims to understand better how migrants' accounts highlight broader socioeconomic issues and possibilities related to the SDGs by focussing on their lived experiences (Berger and Luckmann 1966). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 Zimbabwean migrants residing in Johannesburg. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, focussing on migrants who lived in South Africa for at least five years and were engaged in formal or informal employment. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Key themes were identified regarding the topic and the participant's narratives, key themes are listed and discussed below (Braun & Clarke 2019).
Results and Discussion
Economic Challenges and the Role of Remittances
For Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg, remittances serve as a crucial source of support for their families back in Zimbabwe. Participants emphasized the necessity of sending money home to cover essential household expenses, education, and healthcare. However, their ability to remit is dependent on their economic circumstances in South Africa. Migrants employed in informal or low-skilled jobs reported difficulties in securing consistent income, which impacted their ability to send money regularly.
Although remittances play a role in alleviating poverty (SDG 1), they are often inadequate for promoting long-term development. Migrants highlighted the precarious nature of their employment, characterized by exploitation, underpayment, and job insecurity. These economic challenges hinder migrants from achieving financial stability, limiting their capacity to contribute to broader development goals.
Social Exclusion and Inequality
Social exclusion emerged as a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Zimbabwean migrants. Participants recounted experiences of discrimination and xenophobia in Johannesburg, which restricted their access to social services and employment opportunities. Those without legal documentation were especially vulnerable, encountering significant barriers in obtaining healthcare, education, and housing. These challenges contribute to widening inequalities, hampering progress toward SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 3 (good health and well-being).
The exclusionary policies and negative attitudes towards migrants in South Africa reflect a growing global trend of hostility toward migrants, which undermines the SDG vision of inclusivity. Addressing these issues requires more inclusive policies that acknowledge migrants' contributions to the economy and guarantee their access to basic rights and services.
Coping Mechanisms and Resilience
Despite these hardships, Zimbabwean migrants exhibited considerable resilience in managing their socio-economic conditions. Participants described various coping strategies, including relying on community networks for support, participating in informal savings groups, and engaging in small entrepreneurial ventures. These efforts demonstrate the migrants' capacity to adapt and survive in difficult circumstances, even as they face significant structural barriers to development.
The resilience displayed by these migrants highlights the importance of individual agency within the SDG framework. While structural challenges are substantial, the personal and collective efforts of migrants show their active participation in the development process. However, without systemic reforms, these coping mechanisms remain limited in their impact on broader development outcomes.
Conclusion
This study has examined the experiences of Zimbabwean migrants living in Johannesburg, offering insights into their interactions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the challenges they encounter in striving for sustainable development. The findings underscore the vital role that remittances play in supporting families in Zimbabwe. However, these also expose the limitations of remittances as a long-term development strategy, particularly in the context of economic instability and social exclusion faced by migrants.
The obstacles to achieving SDG progress for migrants are substantial, especially in terms of accessing decent work, reducing inequality, and obtaining essential social services. To make meaningful progress toward the SDGs, it is imperative to implement more inclusive policies that address the unique vulnerabilities of migrants and recognize their contributions to both their host and home countries. By amplifying the voices of Zimbabwean migrants, this research deepens our understanding of the complex interplay between migration and development within the framework of the SDGs.
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