Exploring students’ perceptions towards African immigrants in South African tertiary education.
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Date
2019
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Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of students from tertiary institutions, with specific focus on
the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, towards African immigrants in
South Africa. Xenophobia has been found to be widespread and negative perceptions towards
African immigrants have been found in high schools but have not been well examined in South
African universities. Xenophobic attitudes were found to be an obstacle towards quality contact
with, and for, collaboration between local and immigrant students. This attitude had made
immigrant students to feel less accepted, created a state of mistrust with local students, and
elicited fear for safety, as well affected academic performance. The study investigated local
students’ attitudes and beliefs towards African immigrants and the level of contacts/interaction
with immigrants. This study used quantitative methodology, characterized by a positivistic
approach. It statistically described local students’ perceptions, attitudes and beliefs towards
African immigrants. The sample size was 363 first year psychology students at Howard College
Campus of the university. However, only 347 participants returned their questionnaires. The participants were mainly students of South African origin. Data collection was done through a
self-administered survey.
The findings of this study indicated that locals had negative and positive perceptions towards
immigrants. On one hand, immigrants were perceived as threats; this was found to be caused by
fear. On the other hand, the participants believed that skilled immigrants made valuable
contributions to South Africa. Although students had general knowledge of immigrants, findings
showed there was not regular quality contact with immigrants, such as a friendship.
Education and other ways that increased contacts between the locals and the immigrants were
found to be the most important mechanisms to reduce the xenophobic phenomenon, and negative
attitudes towards African immigrants. They were also important in promoting integration of immigrants into South African communities as well as in tertiary institutions. It was found that
there was a need to educate local South Africans about immigrants and the reasons behind
immigration, and, that it would also be beneficial to educate immigrants about South African
laws and cultures.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.