Munera Mokgoko’s recollections of the hopeful days under Nelson Mandela’s leadership are faint, but as South Africa braces for elections, she witnesses profound shifts. Her husband, Idi Rajebo, hailing from Tanzania, grapples with the harsh realities faced by migrants in South Africa.
In the aftermath of apartheid, Mandela’s vision painted South Africa as a harmonious rainbow nation, fostering unity among people of varied backgrounds. However, present-day sentiments reveal growing hostility towards immigrants among many South Africans. Rajebo’s story epitomizes the struggles endured by migrants seeking a brighter future.
Rajebo’s journey from Tanzania to Johannesburg was fueled by hope for better job prospects. Yet, his aspirations crumbled as he found himself in squalid living conditions alongside fellow migrants. Tragedy struck when a devastating fire ravaged their dwelling, claiming the lives of numerous migrants, including Rajebo’s peers.
Meanwhile, South Africa grapples with profound societal changes. Citizens voice discontent over the government’s failure to address pressing issues like housing shortages and rampant unemployment. Politicians, eager to secure votes, adopt increasingly stringent stances on immigration.
Calls to withdraw from international agreements on refugee assistance further fuel tensions, alarming human rights advocates and other concerned parties. Despite professing solidarity with fellow African nations, South Africa’s treatment of migrants remains contentious, exacerbated by groups like Operation Dudula, which incite fear and violence.
Amidst South Africa’s tumultuous journey of reckoning with its past and shaping its future, migrants like Rajebo find themselves at a crossroads. Their quest for a better life is overshadowed by uncertainty, leaving them adrift in a society grappling with its identity. Mandela’s dream of a united Africa seems more elusive than ever.