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Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard one term repeated throughout local conversations, social media, and the news: ‘Mabahambe.‘ Migration in Evaton North prompted me to pause and consider what migration truly means for the community I call home.
“Mabahambe” is one of the movements that caught my interest as someone who lives in a township where the stories that unfold go far beyond headlines, and this time, the movement is much closer to home, and it has a significant impact on us.
This article provides a personal viewpoint on the migration in Evaton North, including local views, concerns, and services.
My observations about migration in Evaton North
Without making a claim collectively, local businesses owned and operated by immigrants have grown to be a significant part of our community over time.
The majority of these diversified businesses have been able to fill the gaps in the services that locals need.
For example, this township is home to hard-working residents who use modest business ventures like car washes, small internet cafés, shoe washes, snack and vegetable sales, beauty shops, and a variety of other services to achieve and withstand economic downturns.
However, these businesses have a niche audience and, in contrast to the majority of businesses run by local migrants, they cater to residents who need home products such as maize meal, cooking oil, and milk, while reducing the costs of taking a local taxi to the mall daily.
Because of this, migration in Evaton North has been rather cooperative, making daily interactions between migrants and locals easier.
Over the years, we have also witnessed residents of Evaton North establish their own unique families and work for immigrant owners of businesses.
This implies that the current conversation about immigration among locals encompasses not only professional exchanges but also intimate exchanges involving sentiments and emotions.
Why I think locals say “Mabahambe”
The reason why locals say “mabahambe” is that they are yearning for opportunities, jobs, successful projects, and most importantly, complete government services that will fully benefit their livelihoods and future in the country in which they only know how to survive.
Opportunities and jobs that have been given to immigrants who lack proper documentation in South Africa.
Additionally, from a local standpoint, we have noticed people whom we have trusted, and some voted for, losing opportunities that they fully deserve, and some lose clients to immigrants.
Therefore, migration in Evaton North has increased competition among local businesses, with locals caught between supporting their own people and buying cheaper goods from migrants who sell simpler products at lower prices.
Some products have recently been questioned for their quality compared to well-known brands like Checkers and Pick n Pay.
Not only that, some express concern about the effects of overcrowding in local communities, which leads to a lack of control and trust in factors that include crime and local safety.
For example, the Vaal Triangle has seen multiple incidents of murder, kidnapping, and robbery, making it impossible to determine if the crime was committed by our own people or immigrants who lack documentation and legal tracing.
Effects of migration in Evaton North
It didn’t take long for us to realise the detrimental effects of migration in my township. Shortly after June 30th, we were enquiring about where to buy candles, milk, and spices—little items we hardly consider major until we truly need them.
Because we have been too dependent on the fact that “Mgani’s shop is only a few minutes away“—and now? The shops are closed, and Mgani is nowhere to be found.
Unfortunately, while our Madlamins shop is open, it lacks the majority of the items available at shops owned by immigrants.
And, yes, we understand that some residents want to build comparable shops now that the opportunity is there, but don’t you believe that if they had the funds to do so, they would have done so long ago?
The effects of migrants leaving the majority of townships will result in significant changes in the fees or charges we have to pay for day-to-day products, which is problematic in South Africa, where the economy is already unstable, affecting the transportation, food, and service industries.
My personal reflection
To be really honest, I think that the entire movement could have been carried out successfully in the nation if profitable chances had been put in place first for the people’s benefit.
For example, there are still no jobs, no funding or sponsorships to launch profitable businesses, no project possibilities to develop skills, graduates are still unemployed, and not much has changed in my hometown.
As a result, the bulk of us in Evaton North are left with doubts and worries due to migration, while also not escaping the reality that the local population lacks cooperation.
And this is because we do not want to associate with certain people or businesses locally, some of which have been harmed by past fights and disagreements that were never resolved.
Hence, we would rather spend money at the local mall, if not at a local BP garage, to buy bread than support Madlamins’ local shop.
Furthermore, my concern is the widely known violence produced by migration and anti-migration movements, which often endanger innocent lives.
According to The Conversation, the most concerning issue that may result in brutal violence is a rapid increase in migration-related threats and conflicts; the discourse may also reduce the region’s investment opportunities due to fears of political instability.
Whether someone agrees with the slogan ‘Mabahambe’ or not, these conversations reveal deeper concerns about jobs, safety, and opportunity.
I hope that Evaton North continues to be a place where difficult conversations can happen peacefully and where solutions are pursued with respect for both the law and the dignity of every person.
The solution that can be successfully implemented needs careful time and resilience, such as peaceful dialogue instead of violence, community cooperation, and, most importantly, implementing fruitful opportunities that will allow people to stay in townships instead of evacuating due to unemployment.
How did the “Mabahambe’ movement in South Africa affect you? Are you safe? Are your loved ones safe?
