sandile swana@sandileswana
The major universities including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UJ, UKZN and UP have not published any research to demonstrate that the expulsion of illegal immigrants in RSA will improve the economic standing of the black majority in South Africa
Research from major South African universities (such as UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UJ, UKZN, and UP) largely focuses on the structural, social, and legal complexities of migration, rather than providing evidence that expelling illegal immigrants would improve the economic standing of the black majority.
Key findings from academic research regarding this topic include:
Job Creation vs. Competition: Studies, including those from the World Bank and University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers, often find that migrants—including those undocumented—can stimulate the economy, with some data suggesting they create jobs for local residents rather than simply taking them.
Economic Contribution: Research from institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and UCT highlights that immigrants frequently engage in entrepreneurship, pay rent to South African landowners, and pay VAT on goods, contributing to the local tax base.
Alternative Approaches: Rather than expulsion, research from institutions such as the University of Pretoria (UP) suggests that focusing on socio-economic development, such as improving the skills capacity of local citizens, would be a more effective way to transform the economy.
Complexity of Impact: While some, such as studies highlighted in Wits University literature, note that illegal migration can strain resources and create tension, researchers largely argue that the overall economic impact of immigration is complex and cannot be reduced solely to a "negative" impact.
Conversely, some research has noted perceptions that undocumented migration strains public resources and increases competition for jobs, particularly in certain sectors.
However, broad academic consensus does not support the argument that mass expulsion would lead to an improved economic situation for local citizens.