Perception of African Immigration Identity As Portrayed In The Works of Allan Paton and Joseph Conrad

Abstract

This research aims at exploring the devastating impact on Black African immigrant's ethnic identity in South Africa as depicted in Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country and Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. The study illustrated how various linguistic forms were not infavour of the down trodden when it came to their ethnic identity as well as the powerful white South Africans. The researcher has adopted the mixed approach method (qualitative and quantitative). To collect the data relevant to the study, the researcher used a checklist as a tool for data collection, as well as CDA approaches such as emphasizing positive things about us, and emphasizing negative things about them used to express ideology as well as cause and effect. The study revealed the following important finding -Lack of affordable housing -Child care -Lack of programs for single parents -Lack of employment opportunities -Youth dropping out of school -Barriers to learning English as additional language -Family break down -Poverty and the fear of gangs recruiting African youth -Lack of training programs The researcher recommended that the organizations work in the field of migration must achieve an understanding of the needs of the new comers from Africa in particular, to learn about the immigrants levels of knowledge about existing social services available for them and other people in the law-income category. A poverty reduction strategy should be adopted to create the conditions that allow people to participate fully in society as valued, respected and contributing members