Original Research - Special Collection: Women Theologies

Illegal migrant Basotho women in South Africa: Exposure to vulnerability in domestic services

Mosiuoa B. Makhata, Maake J. Masango
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 77, No 2 | a6906 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v77i2.6906 | © 2021 Mosiuoa B. Makhata, Maake J. Masango | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 June 2021 | Published: 26 October 2021

About the author(s)

Mosiuoa B. Makhata, Department of Practical Theology and Missiology, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Maake J. Masango, Department of Practical Theology and Missiology, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

The illegal migration of Basotho women to South Africa in order to render domestic service is alarming because they are subjected to harsh treatment. This is a pastoral and theological concern for the church. As migrants, their struggle begins from the household circumstances that often force them to leave and seek job opportunities undocumented or without following prescribed migration procedures. They are then subjected to migration processes and procedures: for example, corruption and bribery by migration officers and illegal dealers (lirurubele). The working and living conditions in South Africa are often unconducive for illegal migrants. As economic and illegal migrants, they are often considered as lesser by prejudiced employers who treat them inhumanely. Accessing essential services also imposes a significant threat to their lives.

Contribution: Through this study, the article will reveal the vulnerability faced by illegal migrant Basotho women as domestic workers in South Africa.


Keywords

illegal migrants; domestic workers; Basotho women; vulnerability; Lesotho; South Africa

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