Motivation, Pathways, and Contributions

In this first of two cross-sectional analysis chapters, we explore the motivations, pathways, and contributions of African academics migrating to South Africa. Predominantly drawn by superior postgraduate opportunities, 36 of the 52 participants came for advanced studies, attracted by the country’s well-funded research infrastructure and renowned professors. Despite the political and economic decline in their home countries, South Africa’s academic promise and democratic allure during the Mandela and Mbeki eras were powerful pull factors. However, the rise of xenophobia has tainted this optimism. What the analysis shows is that the treatment of an African academic on campus is contingent on several things: the university that employs the person, the academic department within the university, and the department head who happens to be in authority at some or other point in the foreign national’s experience. It also shows that xenophobia within the university is shadowed by the subtlety of the expressions, which leaves an air or ambiguity in experience. Despite the anxiety of xenophobia, African academics continue to contribute immensely to the South African academy through research, publications, and teaching postgraduate supervision. Part of this contribution is tied to the deep allegiances that many of the academics in this study have with the project of African development.