Horizons in Transformational Development and Transnational Migration: Does Hope Matter?

Abstract

There is growing interest in the wellbeing of refugees and particularly the strategies they employ in their quest for improved livelihoods. This article reports on a recent study on the dynamics of the refugee phenomenon. It focuses largely on the longterm livelihood strategies that refugee migrants bring into play so as to earn their living and improve their wellbeing amid sheer vulnerability. The study reveals that the majority of African refugees in Cape Town have shifted from short-term survival mechanisms such as the dependence on relief from churches, faith-based organisations, mosques, etc., to long-term strategies. The article concludes by exploring the concept of development as hope in action. Here, it is established that although a considerable number of refugees leave their home countries with a certain level of uncertainty concerning their survival in the hosting country, they use their hope as a resource to improve their livelihoods.

Refugee migrants as agents of change: Strategies for improved livelihoods and self-reliance

“…In view of this, as South Africa seems paralysed by the challenges posed by migratory pressure at its borders, it is time to stop considering refugees in South Africa as victims or problems, and to understand that they can become (or are already) agents of change, from whom will come the solutions that the local community seeks. In South Africa, data from research show that some refugees support one another socially and redefine the approach to the migration issue (Msabah 2016(Msabah , 2017(Msabah , 2018a(Msabah , 2018bMsabah & Bowers-Du Toit 2017). Far from the idea of being a 'burden' or creating a 'crisis', they transform the current situations they face into opportunity: that of enriching themselves with knowledge and skills to help other new refugee seekers who cross the borders to flee war or poverty (Rosenkranz 2013).…”

“…But when hundreds of thousands of people flock to your borders, these are not short-term challenges because many of them may not be in a position to return to their respective countries of origin. Based on previous waves of migration to and through South Africa, it is possible that a large proportion of them will remain in the country all their lives (Msabah 2017(Msabah , 2018a(Msabah , 2018b. Their children and grandchildren will be born in South Africa and will grow up in South Africa.…”

“…Very quickly, fears that refugees live on the margins of society and depend on government support would become reality (cf. Msabah 2016Msabah , 2017Msabah , 2018aMsabah , 2018bMsabah & Bowers-Du Toit 2017).…”

“…Ferris (1993:66) further points out that people leave their countries because they are either 'unable to survive or afraid to live there'. Her sentiments indicate that, for some people, home might be the most dangerous place to live, and asylum could be the only alternative (see also Msabah 2016Msabah , 2018b. For the above reasons, refugees strive for local integration regardless of what they endure.…”

“And the Greatest of These Is Hope”: Reframing the Global Refugee Crisis

“…In spite of the challenges they have to surmount on a daily basis, their narratives express hope for a better tomorrow. 15 This explains why refugees put their hope into action as a livelihood strategy by seizing every available opportunity to build up new hope. In their quest for a better tomorrow, they rise above the dependence on relief and hand-outs from charitable organisations and, instead, engage in various trades, however insignificant, for their self-sustenance.…”