In the hype surrounding “Mabahambe” (they must leave) in South Africa, we risk losing an important opportunity for serious intellectual and analytical engagement. What is most concerning is that even some of the African voices we typically respect seem hesitant to question the deeper structural issues confronting our societies.
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. As far back as the early 2000s, concerns were raised internationally regarding weaknesses in South Africa’s identity and documentation systems.
Reports of fraudulently obtained South African travel documents and identity records raised questions about immigration control and the integrity of population registration systems.
The deeper issue is thus not merely one of migration. It is one of governance.
At the same time, we must recognise that migration pressures do not emerge in a vacuum. Across the continent, conflict, economic hardship, political instability, unemployment and weak governance continue to push people to seek opportunities elsewhere. Unless African governments address the root causes, migration will remain a feature of our reality.
The challenge before us is therefore twofold: building capable states that can manage citizenship, migration and documentation systems, while creating the political and economic conditions that enable people to thrive in their countries of origin.
Ultimately, it is not simply who enters a country. The challenge is whether our institutions are strong enough to govern fairly, effectively and accountably in the interests of all who live within our borders.
The task of transforming Africa belongs to all of us but it begins with an educated generation willing to place its learning in the service of humanity.
- Prof Phaswana is the acting executive dean at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at Unisa.
- South Africa’s “Mabahambe” sentiment risks overshadowing deeper structural and governance issues related to migration and identity systems.
- Since the early 2000s, concerns have existed about weaknesses and fraud in South Africa’s travel documents and identity controls, raising questions about immigration management.
- Migration pressures stem from broader continental challenges such as conflict, economic hardship, political instability, and weak governance in African countries.
- The core challenge is twofold: improving state capacity to manage citizenship and migration while fostering conditions that encourage people to thrive in their home countries.
- Strong, fair, and accountable institutions are essential to addressing migration issues, emphasizing that Africa’s transformation depends on an educated generation committed to serving humanity.
