Somewhere else: social connection and dislocation of Ethiopian migrants in Johannesburg

ABSTRACT

The meaning of personal relationships for Ethiopian migrants to Johannesburg is shaped by individual connections, by imported social networks that are adapted in the host city, and by the particular conditions of livelihood creation in the emerging Ethiopian entrepreneurial enclave of ‘Jeppe’. In their migration individuals experience both rupture and reconnection – with relatives, as well as through relationships and networks that constitute social capital in Johannesburg. The social world of Ethiopian migrants in this entrepreneurial enclave is complex. Many social connections and dislocations are affected by the life choices in which income generation and economic relations are the primary aim and social relations are necessarily secondary. Others are influenced by the strength of informal social networks that serve the needs of Ethiopian migrants. And, far from ‘here’ and ‘there’ being connected through the use of technology and advanced connectivity, ‘home’ and Johannesburg are experienced as quite separate and different places.

KEYWORDS:

• Jeppe
• Ethiopian migrants
• Johannesburg

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Research assistance in the form of some direct interviews and translation for some interviews conducted by Tanya Zack were provided by Abraham Tsegaye (at his request, his name has been changed for the purpose of this paper). Yordanus Seifu conducted interviews in the home language of respondents.

2. At the request of most interviewees, the names of all respondents have been changed for the purposes of this paper.

3. Former black residential areas on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

4. In ‘Jeppe’ intermediaries earn a living by sourcing clothing samples from Chinese outlets to show to Ethiopian traders in order to obtain orders. They insert a small profit into the final sale amount.

5. An Idir is a funeral group that plays a supportive role to grieving relatives at a time of death through regular visits and through assistance with funeral and other arrangements.

6. Mahbers are social clubs originally connected to the Ethiopian Orthodox church and are vehicles for the monthly celebration of patron saints. Members meet at one another's homes to feast and socialize.

7. Genfo is a stiff porridge served for breakfast in Ethiopia. It is traditional for relatives and friends to come together to eat genfo to celebrate the birth of a baby.

8. Interviewers: Yordanos Seifu (YS), Abraham Tsegaye (AT) and Tanya Zack (TZ).