Abstract
The increased migration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has changed the region's dynamics. With South Africa as the main destination, this study looks at migration trends, policies, and experiences within SADC. It examines the causes and effects of intra-SADC migration using the case studies of Mozambique, Lesotho, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It also analyses the relationship between the development of SADC and its migration policy. This study employed a qualitative research design with a case study approach, utilizing a documentary study research method to address the research question: Causes and Effects of Intra-SADC Migration: The Case of South Africa. Along with showing the difficulties experienced by migrants, such as xenophobia, restricted access to social services, and unstable work, the study also reveals economic, social, and political push factors that drive migration. It shows that social and cultural exchange, as well as economic benefits, are substantial for South Africa, while it identifies challenges related to brain drain, reliance on remittances, and the burden on domestic resources in the nations of origin. This research informs policy debates on effective migration management, regional integration, and sustainable development within SADC.