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Abstract
This paper analyses the complexity of the refugee experience in South Africa with particular reference to the city of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu–Natal. More specifically, this paper explores the life histories of refugees in Pietermaritzburg; analyses their experiences since entering South Africa; assesses the nature of support and assistance received; and reflects on the challenges encountered. The main method used was the life histories approach, whereby the refugees wrote their own stories, providing detailed information highlighting their experiences. After entry into South Africa various hardships were experienced. Refugees in South Africa are perceived by the public as criminals, ‘job stealers’ and are often used as a scapegoat for the country’s social problems. There are few livelihood opportunities to integrate fully into South African society. Assistance and support in Pietermaritzburg is poor, with a few Churches getting involved, but with limited resources. South Africa has been praised for its progressive human rights policies. However, South African Government agencies and the general populace have not progressed beyond the Constitutional rhetoric in terms of responding to undocumented migrants, especially refugees. There is an especially urgent need for a general understanding and awareness about refugees and their rights and associated obligations to be raised in public consciousness.