Exploring complexities of social integration among immigrants and host communities: the rise of tension and threat to human security in South Africa

Social cohesion describes the bonds, empathy, and understanding a community has for each other, in order to effectively act as a team while each contributing their individual expertise. Social cohesion is the glue that holds the individual differences of a community together. Social cohesion is the most important factor that can enhance national, and community productivity and development. Social cohesion can help minimise unhealthy communal relations of fear, stress, conflict, and anxiety by promoting understanding and empathy. Social cohesion thrives in trust, fairness, authenticity, diversity, interdependence, and inclusion. Therefore, this chapter looks at the complexities of social cohesion and further explores recommendations grounded in locally led solutions. Promoting campaigns that minimise prejudice, endorsing community-led projects focused on educating communities about empathy and understanding, encouraging media and authority figures to reduce negative xenophobic influences, and promoting cohesive responsibility through collective action - thus fostering shared responsibility and collaboration.