Migration: challenges and experiences of the Ethiopian diaspora in the city of Johannesburg (2000-2015) and the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s ministry.
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2017
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Abstract
Migration is a fact of international life as people continuously move from one place to another,
have different experiences, and must react to new society and their cultures. Following the 1994
dispensation, South Africa became one of the destinations of choice for many African nationals,
including Ethiopians. The migration of Ethiopians is a part of the migration phenomenon which
has embraced much of the world in the 21st century. This study examines the multiple challenges
related to the social, economic, cultural, political and religious lives of the Ethiopian migrants
and the experiences that they face in Johannesburg, their responses, and the role of the
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) in their survival strategy. Using a qualitative
research method, it focuses on the analysis of the data collected from Ethiopian migrants in
Johannesburg, indigenous South Africans who are members of the EOTC, and some Ethiopians
in Ethiopia who reside in migrant-sending communities. The findings revealed that Ethiopian
migrants have a set of social realities with their cultural and identity differences that foster their
distinctiveness. This is coupled with problems that are associated with immigration
documentation from the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. They are also blamed for a
range of socio-economic problems in South Africa and therefore, are scapegoated which results
in some members of the host society engaging in xenophobic attacks. Furthermore, in the case
of Ethiopians, their entrepreneurial talents and undertakings make them “soft targets” for
robbery in Johannesburg. In coping with these problems, they seek solace in their Church and
use a set of their cultural traits for their survival. In general, Ethiopian migrants face the range
of problems in Johannesburg which have contributed to the existence of social distance between
members of the host society and themselves. However, the study also found that there are
common values that have the potential to contribute to social integration and social cohesion
between both constituencies which would reduce the existing hostility. In addition, this study
makes number contributions to the discipline. It also makes recommendations for the
undertaking of further research that may be of assistance to policy makers, to the EOTC’s
apostolic mission undertakings, as well as to the Ethiopian migrants themselves, and to the
members of the host society.
Description
Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2017.