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The book is an important contribution to the study of recent pan-African migration to South Africa. It provides a detailed ethnography of Immigrants experiences in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Utilizing survey methods, in-depth interviews, direct and participant observation techniques, it enriches our knowledge of both the migrants´ experience and of the formation of new communities and identities in contemporary SA. The book identifies push and pull factors of migration from the West African sub- region to South Africa and the reasons why West African migrants are attracted to South Africa. The book also provides a detail analysis of the factors which contribute to the marginalization or integration of West African immigrants, and shows how interaction with South African society affects West African´s sense of self-identity. The book documents the deplorable treatment of immigrants by a number of state agencies and departments and charts the modalities of popular xenophobia. It explores immigramts´ strategies of cultural identification and economic survival creating a new social world for themselves in conditions of considerable adversity.

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Dr Petkou was born in Cameroon. He studied in NUC in Sierra Leone for a BSC in Geography and Environmental Studies, obtained his MA in Geograhy and environmental Studies and a PhD in Sociology at the University of the Witwaersrand in Johannesburg. He lectured in Wits University and at present he lectures and research at WSU Mthatha, SA.

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