Childcare arrangements of migrant mothers in an urban township in South Africa

Abstract

Since the 1980s there has been a steep increase in the number of women migrating from rural to urban areas in search of economic opportunities. The movement of women to urban areas has affected children as they depend on their mothers for their primary care. The aim of this study is to shed insights into childcare arrangements among migrant mothers in an urban township in South Africa. Data was collected from in-depth interviews with 20 migrant mothers in Imbali. Mothers are concerned about the care and well-being of their children and as a result, they are opting to relocate with their children. Traditional methods of care that were provided by grandparents or extended family members in the past are no longer an option for many mothers. All the mothers relied on either formal or informal childcare facilities within the community. The mothers wanted their children to be cared for in early childhood facilities that they felt were conducive for their development. However, lack of finances were a major challenge and this had an impact on the type of care facility that the mothers used. Some of these facilities are not seen as suitable due to a number of factors including safety, limited play equipment, and an unhygienic environment. Therefore, it is recommended that community-wide efforts in providing childcare should be explored in order to support single mothers in urban areas who have migrated to improve their economic conditions.

Keywords:

• Childcare
• children
• migration
• mothers
• South Africa

Disclosure of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work is based on the research supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation and National Research Foundation of South Africa [grant number 64816].

Notes on contributors

Thobelani Majola

Thobelani Majola obtained her Masters from the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Shanaaz Dunn

Shanaaz Dunn is a researcher at the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Pranitha Maharaj

Pranitha Maharaj is a Professor and DSI/NRF South African Chair in Economic Development at the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.