Abstract
Abstract : Somalis generally attach great importance to physical close mother-and-child relationships (Heitritter, 1999). Yet, it is not uncommon for Somali mothers to migrate leaving their children behind in their home country (Johnsdotter, 2013). However, little is known about their reasons for migrating alone and how they maintain a mothering identity across distance. This dissertation begins to understand this feminised migration processes, the potentially negative impacts on motherhood practices and how mobile phone applications may have mitigating effects. Literature on Somalis in South Africa is plentiful, but this study contributes on three levels. First, it provides an analysis that considers the voices of women which have been largely missing in the narratives of Somali migration to South Africa. Second, in line with Andrea O’Reilly’s (2014) argument for a ‘mothered-centred’ focus, the study interrogates the common perceptions of mothers as ‘passive’ in the migration and motherhood literature (Ambrosini and Stanghellini, 2012; Christiou, Giorgio and Rye, 2015; Horton, 2009; Johnston and Swanson, 2003). Third, it contributes to the limited pool of literature on Somalis in the Eastern Cape, particularly Port Elizabeth. Korsten was identified as the most appropriate site to conduct field research for two reasons. First, there is a high concentration of Somali nationals in the area. Second, it is a relatively unexplored area, as compared to Mayfair and Bellville. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Somali mothers living in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, who had each left one or more children behind in Mogadishu. Thematic analysis was employed, and this was deepened using three analytical tools, namely: transnational migration theory, matricentric feminism and the notion of “network society” (Castells, 2004). Findings suggest that remittances, issues of divorces and forced separation are central to migrant Somali mothers’ reasons for migrating without their children. Further findings indicate that religion, gender-related, political, social and environmental factors all impel migration decisions. Numerous Somali women are undertaking the risk of lengthy journeys because mobile phone applications such as WhatsApp, Imo and Viber allow for instant communication with their social networks. However, migrant mothers still encounter three types of tensions as a result of their migrations: guilt and concern, family strain and judgement in the Somali communities, both at home and in South Africa. Efforts to overcome these tensions include important maternal strategies, facilitated by mobile technology. For example, remittances sent to children’s caretakers in Somalia, continuous expressions of emotion and intimacy, the teaching of religion and the encouragement of children’s educational pursuits. Women combine multiple identities to reconstitute their identity as mothers. Despite the distance, migrant Somali mothers have become virtual autonomous beings who actively engage with mobile phone applications to facilitate their own migration journeys and continue to parent their children.
M.A. (Sociology)