“I chose to stay and fight my way through”: Examining female immigrants’ re-integration and coping strategies following Traumatic experiences in Durban, South Africa

Estimated to be 2.9 million as of 2020, the increasing number of immigrants in South Africa has resulted in hostility and violence. However, limited empirical research has been conducted to explore how female immigrants re-integrate into the South African society after experiencing social violence. This study purports to fill in this knowledge gap by capturing the ways Zimbabwean female immigrants utilize to reintegrate into the South African society after witnessing social violence in Durban, South Africa Data were collected based on Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design through face-to-face in-depth structured interviews with twenty (20) Zimbabwean female immigrants who have been staying in South Africa for more than 5 years and have been victims of social violence. Snowball and purposive sampling were used to recruit participants for the study. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis. Movement from one place to another is considered a safe way to avoid experiencing danger in the future. Zimbabwean female immigrants adopt local culture and language to reintegrate into the South African society after witnessing social violence. Creating connections and joining local religious churches offer confidence and a sense of belonging to female immigrants as they try to reintegrate into the South African society after witnessing and experiencing social violence. Despite the dangers immigrants face, they often devise strategies to overcome challenges, demonstrating resilience and a strong commitment to remaining in South Africa, even when aware of ongoing risks. This paper argues that threats in the host country do not compel female immigrants to leave; rather, they navigate their traumatic experiences through adaptive reintegration strategies that reflect their resilience. These strategies underscore their agency and emphasize the urgent need for stronger community support systems. Strengthening partnerships between local organizations and authorities can foster cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, ultimately improving integration outcomes for immigrant women.