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The concept 'xenophobia' originates from the Greek word 'xenos' which means a 'stranger' or a 'foreigner' and 'phobo' meaning phobia which is an irrational fear of persons or groups that are regarded as 'outsiders'. Episodes of xenophobia have occurred everywhere and anywhere in the world. Throughout human history, there have been variations in the expression of xenophobia -ranging from the Jewish holocaust, ethnic cleansing and genocide, on the one hand, to periodic and wanton outbursts of xenophobic violence on the other. The phenomenon of xenophobia is dreadful, especially when voices fostering national, regional and global peace are becoming louder every day. The task of cultivating and promoting peaceful co-existence, stability and development among the people of the world is a global imperative that should receive urgent attention. This article, through a literature review methodology, discusses the underpinnings of xenophobia in South Africa. The article has identified the following factors that underpin the phenomenon of xenophobia: historical dimensions; culture of crime and violence; economic deprivation and inequalities and disillusionment with unfulfilled socio-economic benefits. The article recommends the following strategies to address xenophobia: massive community education; addressing crime and violence; strengthening the legal and institutional frames and mitigating the state of poverty.

This paper traces the developmental contribution of migrant remittances sent from South Africa to the Tsholotsho district of Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe. Since the discovery of gold in South Africa, Zimbabweans from this region have been migrating to South Africa to seek employment. In recent times, the culture of migration in Tsholotsho continues to strengthen, as women have also joined this previously male dominated livelihood strategy. Debates on migration and development have often centered on the role of remittances as a key instrument for development in migrant sending countries. Governments and multilateral institutions have also taken up remittances as a policy priority with a keen interest. This study was conducted using a mixed methods approach. A total of 159 participants completed self-administered quantitative questionnaires. In addition, 5 in-depth qualitative interviews with key informants were conducted in Tsholotsho, while 10 in-depth interviews with migrants were conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa. The results of this study show that the majority of migrant remittances are largely used for unproductive consumption. However, there also exists a measure of investment owing to the need to satisfy the surging consumer demands within the local economy. In this paper, results have shown that migrant remittances are a key livelihood factor without which many poor people would be severely vulnerable to poverty and hunger.

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SUMMARYSubstantial policy and academic research on migration has focussed on migrant remittances to developing countries. That research has often given a positive evaluation of the impact of remittances on development, with specific reference to recipient households. However, there is limited research examining the indirect effect of migrant remittances on the development emanating from the activities of non-recipient households. Given the research gap, this paper seeks to examine the extent to which non-recipient households benefit from the flow of income and other material goods into their local economy. This study is based on a questionnaire survey (N = 159) and 15 semi-structured interviews. A key finding was that remittances have partly motivated the emergence of an entrepreneurial spirit in the local economy, with most of the local small businesses (including general dealer stores, bed and breakfast accommodation, construction companies etc.) run by non-recipient households. Non-recipient households have emerged as key entrepreneurial players in response to a high consumption demand amongst the recipient households. Profits generated through these small businesses are thus satisfying the basic needs of nonrecipient households. Furthermore, a number of community projects are being financed through remittance income. These projects include food gardens, fishing and livestock farming which benefit both the recipient and non-recipient households.

This paper seeks to critically examine the Employment Equity

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This paper seeks to examine the possible benefits and losses that could accrue from linking human rights and development.