CHILDCARE ARRANGEMENTS AMONGST ZIMBABWEAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES LIVING IN SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Childcare is a pivotal universal right, particularly for immigrant families and their children in helping them to settle in a host country successfully. Underpinned by social exclusion and intersectionality frameworks, this qualitative study explored the childcare arrangements used by Zimbabwean immigrant families living in Soweto, a low-income community in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study used semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussion to gather data from the heads of eighteen Zimbabwean immigrant families. Among other findings, the study revealed that immigrant families used various childcare options, and their choices were constrained by levels of vulnerability and forms of exclusion. Some of the recommendations made to enhance the childcare arrangements amongst the group are integrative and inclusive measures such as adequate documentation and improving the income of members of this group. Keywords: childcare, childcare arrangements, immigrants, South Africa, Zimbabwean immigrants