Busting the myths about immigrants in South Africa

2022-09-14

Immigrants are increasingly blamed for many of South Africa's socio-economic problems. Some of the myths are that immigrants commit most of the crime, take jobs and overburden public services. These false narratives are routinely voiced by politicians and government officials, reinforcing and inflaming negative public sentiment to the detriment of South Africa's economy and people.

This seminar launches a new report on the number of immigrants in South Africa and the extent to which they contribute negatively or positively to the country.

This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies and the Institute for the Future of Knowledge, University of Johannesburg.

Opening remarks: Anne Lammila, Ambassador of Finland to South Africa

Moderator: Lizette Lancaster, Manager, Crime Hub, ISS Pretoria

Panellists:

Anthony Kaziboni, Head of Research, Institute for the Future of Knowledge, University of Johannesburg

Margaret Monyani, Senior Researcher, Migration, ISS Pretoria

Diego Iturralde, Head of Demographics, Statistics South Africa