Abstract
This study aimed to examine the role of subnational governments in managing cross-border migration, with a particular focus on the Limpopo provincial government and the Musina Municipality on South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe. The study aimed to look at the agency of these subnational governments by looking at the internal and cross-border initiatives in managing cross-border migration and the challenges therein. The study utilized qualitative interpretative methods in which the combination of primary and secondary documentary sources were used as well as semi-structured interviews with relevant officials who have insight on the cross-border migration management, the role of subnational governments and the challenges faced. Post-apartheid in South Africa did not only present South Africans with new opportunities, but the new political dispensation also gave an opportunity for people, especially in the neighbouring countries, to hope for greener pastures. The cross-border migration in the post-apartheid resulted in different trends, causes of migration, implications and the government responses. These dynamics also affect subnational governments, especially the ones located at the borderlines such as the Musina Municipality. With regards to the management of cross-border migration by the Limpopo provincial government and the Musina Municipality on South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe, the study found that the Limpopo provincial government and Musina Municipality have internal and cross-border initiatives and strategies in managing cross-border migration. The Limpopo provincial government has initiatives and strategies such as Rural Safety Action Plan, Limpopo Policy Dialogue, Operation Hardstick, Safer Festive season Operational Inspection, Rural Safety Engagement, initiatives on healthcare provision and legal assistance in partnership with international organizations such as the Medecins Sans Frontieres and NGOs. These initiatives and strategies address cross-border crimes, the integration of migrations into communities, ensuring the safety of communities as cross-border crime poses a challenge for communities. The Musina Municipality has humanitarian assistance initiatives, the local economic growth strategy and strategies that address the safety of the Musina-Beitbridge border and the people crossing the border. These subnational governments have cross-border initiatives in which they engage with their Zimbabwean counterparts on matters related to cross-border migration. While these subnational ...