Social capital and trust in a risky environment : Mozambicans in Johannesburg

D.Litt. et Phil. (Sociology)Abstract: Mozambican migration into South Africa was a key source of labour for South Africa even before the territories existed as they now do. The countries are joined by long-standing routes of migration, and social networks and positive cultural scripts act to encourage mobility. Johannesburg is the destination essential to the long-term plans of many Mozambicans, both men and women. They have positive conceptions of the possibilities to be found in Johannesburg in the form of jobs and income-generation, particularly when compared to the opportunities in Maputo. However, Johannesburg is not a welcoming host. Legislative provisions largely exclude possibilities for long-term settlement and formal jobs for Mozambicans, who are often unskilled and semi-skilled workers. This makes detention, deportation, and economic exploitation very real risks. There are high levels of resentment against black immigrants in South Africa, which introduce the risk of violence. This thesis examines the perceptions and experiences of risk, social capital, and trust of Mozambicans who travel to live and work in Johannesburg. The research is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Maputo, Mozambique and Rosettenville, in southern Johannesburg, South Africa. The study found that Mozambicans applied the concept of risk to Johannesburg, comparing risks to those in Mozambique. Risks were braved to provide access to opportunities that are not available in Mozambique. Having family in Johannesburg was one such opportunity. Most migrated after an invitation from a family member, while a few migrated without reliance on any support networks in Johannesburg. Many gained through social networks and found accommodation and jobs through network relationships. Yet risks in Johannesburg are ongoing, and threaten immigrants’ economic well-being and long-term plans. At the same time, there are opportunities in Johannesburg, such as education. Making use of these advantages while accumulating in order to be self-sustainable is essential to Mozambican migrants who plan to return to Maputo with the necessary material goods, skills and qualifications to continue to earn in that city. A model of how risk and social capital change throughout the stay in Johannesburg draws together the study findings. The shared understanding of risks, or riskos, by Mozambican immigrants in Johannesburg, indicates the existence of a risk culture