(Free format)  Chapter one 

Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.5 HYPOTHESES

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

1.8 LIMITATION OF STUDY 

1.9 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

LITERATURE REVIEW

Xenophobia is increasingly becoming a major problem facing regional migration within Africa, especially in Southern Africa. Xenophobia involves fear or prejudice against outsiders, involving social exclusion, violence, and economic exclusion. Xenophobia is a common occurrence in South Africa, and it mainly affects migrants from other parts of Africa, including Nigeria. This review highlights current academic views regarding xenophobia, focusing on Nigerians in South Africa.

Concept of Xenophobia in African Migration

Xenophobia in Africa can be defined from the lens of migratory movements within the continent whereby individuals migrate from one country to another in pursuit of socio-economic opportunities such as jobs and educational pursuits as well as safety. According to Tomaselli (2023), xenophobia in South Africa is institutionalized and is part of the socio-economic and political frameworks due to the tension between citizens and foreigners.

Niyitunga (2024) explains the notion of xenophobia as a structural problem, which emanates from developmental problems in the country. According to the study, failure by the government of South Africa to meet the socio-economic needs of its citizens leads to feelings of discontentment, particularly among the local population towards migrants, who are viewed as competitors. This perspective correlates with the frustration-aggression theory.

Drivers of Xenophobia in South Africa

The economic factors cited by some researchers include high unemployment, poverty, and income inequality. In such situations, the migrants become easy scapegoats for socio-economic problems. According to Niyitunga (2024), the outbreaks of xenophobic violence are often related to poor services delivery and the government's inability to provide sufficient resources for its citizens.

Besides economic aspects, the political discourse and media representation are also important in this situation. As emphasized by Ochogwu et al. (2025), xenophobic views often arise due to politicians' attempts to convince people that migrants pose a threat to the country's national security and economic stability. The problem is that in many cases, migrants are being stereotyped as criminals engaged in different criminal activities, such as drug smuggling and cybercrime. Such perceptions of Nigerians are quite common in South Africa but lack scientific justification.

Finally, social identity and cultural differences have an impact on xenophobia as well. Onwukwe (2024) explains that the migration process entails a number of identity-related problems, as it forces the Nigerians to adapt to new social conditions and language culture.

Manifestations of Xenophobia Against Nigerians

Xenophobia is expressed in many ways in South Africa, from physical attacks on immigrants to their discrimination in access to employment and housing. As stated by Alaga and Udoh (2023), Nigerian immigrants frequently experience violent attacks against their businesses, property damage, and even loss of life. Such forms of aggression against foreign nationals violate their basic human rights and contribute to their insecurity.

Apart from violence, xenophobia takes other forms like discrimination at work, access to housing, and other forms of exclusion. It becomes increasingly difficult for immigrants to integrate into local communities because of the negative perception and stereotypes associated with foreigners. Moreover, according to Onwukwe (2024), language barriers and cultural differences exacerbate this problem, making migrants isolated socially and economically.

It should be noted that recent events demonstrate the involvement of some groups in xenophobic activities and actions against immigrant population. As reported by Alaga and Udoh (2023), anti-immigration campaigns become more prevalent in the country recently, as evidenced by community-level actions against foreigners.

Impact of Xenophobia on Nigerians in South Africa

Xenophobia has severe consequences for the well-being of Nigerian migrants. They suffer from economic deprivation caused by the destruction of the property and business of Nigerian migrants due to xenophobic violence. In addition, it discourages migrants' entrepreneurial activities, resulting in economic harm.

Xenophobia results in migrants being socially excluded and marginalized, depriving them of the opportunity to establish connections with locals. Alaga and Udoh (2023) state that xenophobia denies migrants their right to associate freely and feel safe. Consequently, they are deprived of the opportunity to establish social connections, which are vital for integration into society and well-being.

Furthermore, the experience of xenophobia can be emotionally and psychologically harmful to the migrants. Constant fear of violence and discrimination can trigger stress and anxiety disorders and result in traumatic experiences. According to Onwukwe (2024), migrants develop various coping mechanisms, including code-switching and identity negotiation. However, such strategies can cause conflicting emotions, negatively affecting migrants' psychological well-being.

On a macro-level, xenophobia influences regional integration and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ochogwu et al. (2025) claim that xenophobic violence against Nigerians has repeatedly strained the relations between Nigeria and South Africa, undermining the idea of African unity and cooperation.

Theoretical Perspectives on Xenophobia

In many instances, the research done on xenophobia in South Africa is anchored by concepts like relative deprivation and frustration-aggression. According to relative deprivation, those people who feel inferior or less fortunate than other people are likely to become hostile toward their competitors. This is especially important considering that there are vast economic inequalities in South Africa.

Another concept used to analyze the xenophobia problem in South Africa is that of frustration-aggression. Frustrations in terms of social and economic status are likely to result in aggression toward migrants in the society. Alaga & Udoh (2023) use both approaches to analyze xenophobia in South Africa.

Gaps in the Literature

However, despite the increasing number of studies done on xenophobia, several areas need more exploration. For instance, most of the studies conducted have been done based on the general concept of xenophobia rather than analyzing the experience of particular migrant communities like Nigerians. Similarly, few studies have explored the socio-economic consequences of xenophobia on migrants.

Moreover, most of the studies done on xenophobia have been based on secondary data. Therefore, there is a need to conduct studies using primary data to understand the experiences of migrants in the country. There should be studies carried out comparing xenophobia in various African nations.

In conclusion, the reviewed literature makes it evident that xenophobia is still a major obstacle in terms of regional migration of Africans, especially in the case of South Africa. Nigerians are amongst the groups that are more prone to suffering xenophobia and xenophobic attacks because of the many challenges faced when it comes to xenophobia.

There are several reasons for xenophobia such as economics, politics, and social identity. Its consequences are similarly widespread and may include economic security, social integration, and psychological welfare. It is important to develop a strategy for addressing this problem through further research.