“It’s a Big Umbrella”

Abstract

This article questions the dominant narrative that considers displaced persons as victims, powerless, and lacking agency to shape their individual and collective conditions. Based on an ethnographic study of largely Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders living in Johannesburg, the article argues that Pentecostalism offers an alternate worldview that draws on religious beliefs and practices to express triumph over everyday adversities and vicissitudes of forced mobility. The article concludes that such beliefs and practices embolden and espouse individual and collective agency among “born-again” migrants, as they mobilize religious social networks for individuals to make sense of the uncertainties engendered by displacement.

Feminisation of Migration

“…It cannot be understated that post-2007, there have been observable efforts to address issues of Zimbabwean women migrants in South Africa (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018).…”

“…For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018). In addition to remittance, South African Home Affairs introduced the 90-day visa, as well as the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) that most male and female migrants benefit from for staying legally (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). On these grounds, how arguable is the current feminine migration policy?…”

Diasporean 1 Southern African Perspectives

“…It cannot be understated that post-2007, there have been observable efforts to address issues of Zimbabwean women migrants in South Africa (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018).…”

“…For example, business activities such as Mukuru, Paisa, and Malaicha.com, among others, were formed to facilitate easy and safe remittances that include women's activities (Crush et al 2018). In addition to remittance, South African Home Affairs introduced the 90-day visa, as well as the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP) that most male and female migrants benefit from for staying legally (Chimbidzikai 2021;Moyo 2018). On these grounds, how arguable is the current feminine migration policy?…”