The impact of migration on rural development : a case study of EMabhuqwini in Nkandla.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
This dissertation concentrates on the subject of migration from the less researched angle of
the rural areas losing migrants. This dissertation is premised upon the hypothesis that
emigration of skilled people stifles development in rural areas and this in turn leads to the
lack of development. The lack of development causes emigration. I am arguing that this
vicious cycle must be broken down through leadership committed to achieving
development goals and through personal sacrifices of skilled people remaining in rural
areas.
Therefore, this dissertation seeks to establish the impact that migration has on rural
development. It looks at the case of eMabhuqwini as the study’s focal point. There are two
arguments that are advanced by the thesis:
(1) Migration negatively impacts on development in the area of eMabhuqwini. The
more able‐bodied, skilled and capable people emigrate, the higher the likelihood that the
area they leave will stay underdeveloped. This is because people who have the capacity to
drive development in the area will have left. At the same time, if the area is
underdeveloped, people are likely to leave it and seek greener pastures – especially in terms
of better living conditions and employment opportunities – elsewhere, particularly in more
developed urban areas.
(2) Political infighting between political parties appears to be the main cause of the slow
(if any) pace of service delivery and development in the area. This is so because of growing
political intolerance among political parties in South Africa. This political intolerance is also
characterised by an unwillingness to accept political defeat. As such, this process has
dictated the terms of and speed of service delivery as there is little will on the part of
political leaders to spearhead development in an area governed by the opposition.
I further provide a comprehensive conceptual framework on migration theory, a detailed
presentation of the case study area, a three‐pronged empirical study consisting of
interviews with thirty‐two households, household in‐depth survey (6 respondents) as well as
three focus groups.
Quantitatively, 32 respondents answered a semi‐structured research questionnaire. Six of
the same people were also requested to respond to an open‐ended research schedule that
sought to gain answers to open‐ended questions. The questions themselves were divided
into two sections, a closed‐ended part as well as an open‐ended part. Quantitative
questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS computer program, while the others were
analysed thematically. In terms of conclusions and recommendations, it was observed that the two arguments
were confirmed: that migration does have a negative impact on development; and that, to
minimise this impact, or to reverse the process, an intensive effort must be put into
encouraging the government, together with traditional and local leadership, to deliver
services to the people so as to develop the area and minimise the impact of migration.
Description
Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.
Keywords
Migration, Internal--KwaZulu-Natal., Rural development--KwaZulu-Natal., Skilled labour--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Town and regional planning.