EMMIR Edition 10 student Charles Murata has shared his personal experience as a Zimbabwean migrant working as a Zama-zama (an illegal gold miner, which comes from a Zulu word which means trying and trying) in South Africa in this powerful ethnographic account. Below is his story, originally published on the the Refugee Watch Online blog from the Calcutta Research Group.
In the crucible of rural Zimbabwe, where the harsh realities of absolute and structural poverty cast a formidable shadow over the youth, the decision for Charles Murata to embark on a migration journey to South Africa in 2013 was not merely a leap into the unknown but a calculated response to the pressing challenges that encircled his life. Charles Murata writes about his personal journey as a Zimbabwean Zama-zama.
Having completed high school in 2012, the pursuit of higher education loomed as an elusive dream, overshadowed by the financial constraints my family faced in ensuring our basic sustenance. The economic tumult in Zimbabwe, compounded by the fallout from the 2002 land reform program, pushed my family and me to the brink, prompting a search for employment to finance my education. In the agrarian landscape of rural Zimbabwe, where farmers grappled with the convergence of political instability, economic volatility, and the cascading impacts of climate change, the daily tapestry of struggles painted a stark portrait of our collective future. Against this backdrop, South Africa emerged as a beacon of hope, promising economic opportunities and the transformative power of remittances that could potentially alleviate the burdens faced by families like mine. This migration journey was not just an external response to push factors but a testament to intrinsic aspirations, a pursuit of a better future against the backdrop of formidable adversity.
My personal narrative intricately weaves into the broader tapestry of migration, echoing the patterns meticulously observed by researchers and scholars studying the movement of Zimbabwean youths to South Africa. Undeniably, the dual forces of economic poverty as a compelling push factor and the allure of porous borders and opportunities in the neighboring country (South Africa) as a magnetic pull factor shape the migration landscape. As elucidated by White and Rispel, social imaginaries play a pivotal role, fueling the aspirations of young individuals seeking a better life, a phenomenon vividly reflected in my own journey.[i]
In recalling my journey to South Africa and border crossing process as an undocumented migrant, I remember it was on the 12th of January 2013 when me and my uncle used local buses from Chimanimani and reached the Beitbridge border post around five o’clock in the evening and had to wait till dusk.
My uncle already knew some well-connected border personnel he had been in constant communication with, even before leaving Chimanimani, to get an update on safer routes for the day. We were welcomed by irregular border crossing agents, and our names were captured in a notebook. After confirming their charge (200 Rand per person), we were to wait for more people to start the journey. The number increased drastically as time passed and reached more than 50 people. I could not imagine that we had 30 women in the convoy. At midnight, four leading men armed with machetes led the trail (two leading the way and two at the back), protecting us from Gumhagumhas (border robbers). My worries were about wildlife attacks and crossing the crocodile-infested Limpopo River.
The significance of social networks in facilitating the migration process became glaringly evident in my personal encounter with my uncle, a seasoned traveller with prior experience in transnational journeys between Zimbabwe and South Africa and as an undocumented migrant. The intricate web of personal connections, friendships, and family relationships not only guided me through the perilous journey from the Beitbridge border post, navigating challenges posed by irregular border crossing, but also played a central role in determining the destination and economic engagements. This intricate movement within transnational social networks led me to spend two years working in unregulated underground gold mining, an industry estimated to contribute 10 percent of South Africa’s gold production in South Africa.
The harsh realities faced by Zimbabwean illegal gold miners referred to as Zama-zamas (a Zulu word which mean trying and trying), settled in South Africa, unfold a complex narrative of challenges, dangers, and the constant spectre of deportation, xenophobic attacks, arrests, and violence. I was not spared from these tragedies as I worked in these underground mines, witnessing injuries and demise of young men from suffocations, collapsing of mines and gangster shootings. Thornton’s (2014) insights into the criminalization and stigmatization of Zama-zamas add layers of vulnerability to our daily lives.[ii] However, amidst these formidable challenges, the significance of social networks for resilience emerges as a lifeline. From forming mining syndicates to building relationships with buyers and fostering a sense of belonging through social media groups, the support gained from these networks becomes indispensable, transforming into mechanisms for survival and a testament to the inherent resilience ingrained in the community.
Reflecting on my personal journey, the dichotomy of social networks emerges as both a source of strength and vulnerability. While these networks provide critical support for migration and survival, they simultaneously expose us to exploitation, threats, and the labyrinthine challenges of navigating an underground world. The intricate dance between resilience and vulnerability encapsulates the complexity inherent in the migration experience.
In conclusion, my journey as a Zimbabwean Zama-zama sheds light on the multifaceted nature of migration, driven by a confluence of economic hardships, aspirations, and the intricate dynamics of social networks. Despite the journey being fraught with challenges and dangers, it stands as a testament to the resilience ingrained in migrants as they navigate the complexities of their chosen path. Fortunately, my migration quest has come full circle, as I returned to my home country in January 2015 with the resources to commence my bachelor’s degree at Midlands State University, completed in 2018.
Fuelled by a desire to delve deeper into migration regimes and policies in the Global South, I secured an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to study a European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (2022-2024). While acknowledging that some Zama-zamas succumb to perilous circumstances, my story stands as a rare and significant case of a successful migration process.
Charles Murata is a student of European Master in Migration and Intercultural Studies (EMMIR) Edition 10 at Oldenburg University of Germany. Charles may be reached at muratac272@gmail.com. This article was developed as part of the creative assignment of Calcutta Research Group’s Eighth Annual Research and Orientation Workshop on Global Protection of Migrants and Refugees.
Sources:
[i] White, J. A., & Rispel, L. C. (2021). Policy exclusion or confusion? Perspectives on universal health coverage for migrants and refugees in South Africa. Health Policy and Planning. Health Policy and Planning, 36(8), 1292-1306.
[ii] Thornton, R. (2014). Zama-zama, “illegal” artisanal miners, were Misrepresented by the South African Press and Government. The Extractive Industries and Society, 1 (2), 127–129.
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