The Roads to Hillbrow: Making Life in South Africa's Community of Migrants

The Roads to Hillbrow is a book that explores the relationship between identity, migration, and place in a post-apartheid neighborhood in transition. It was founded in 1894 by migrants from southern Africa, Jewish Eastern Europeans, and white South Africans. By the 1980s, it housed some of the most vibrant and visible queer spaces on the continent. The book explores how the neighborhood transformed from a white suburb under apartheid into a "grey zone" during the 1970s and 1980s to become a "port of entry" for people from twenty-five African countries. It emphasizes the disparate voices of migrants and people who work with migrants and shows how the people of Hillbrow form connections and adapt to adversity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Fordham University Press

This captivating portrayal delves into the intricate interplay of identity, migration, and place within a post-apartheid neighborhood in transition. Since its establishment in 1894, amidst Johannesburg's remarkable transformation from a mining town to the largest city in southern Africa, Hillbrow has been a vibrant community of migrants. As the "city of gold" amassed wealth through the labor of migrant laborers from southern Africa, Jewish Eastern Europeans who had escaped pogroms joined other Europeans and white South Africans in this burgeoning suburb. Following World War II, Hillbrow emerged as a landscape of towering high-rises, attracting Western and Southern Europeans seeking prosperity in South Africa's thriving economy. By the 1980s, Hillbrow became a hub of vibrant and visible queer spaces, drawing thousands of Indian and Black South Africans who defied apartheid laws to reside near the city center. Filling a gap in literature about migration within the Global South, The Roads to Hillbrow offers a comprehensive exploration of how this South African neighborhood underwent a remarkable transformation from a predominantly white suburb under apartheid to a "grey zone" during the 1970s and 1980s, eventually evolving into a "port of entry" for individuals from at least twenty-five African countries.

The Roads to Hillbrow delves into the diverse narratives of domestic and transnational migrants who have found their way to this vibrant South African community, driven by factors such as war, economic dislocation, and the social scars of apartheid. Authors Ron Nerio and Jean Halley skillfully weave sociology, history, memoir, and queer studies with captivating stories drawn from over 100 in-depth interviews. The book addresses a wide range of topics, including the challenges of finding employment, accessing suitable housing options, providing support for unaccompanied minors, fostering queer expression, creating safe spaces for children, and navigating life without official documentation.

Through their meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Nerio and Halley shed light on the complex web of experiences and challenges faced by migrants in Hillbrow. They highlight the resilience and adaptability of these individuals as they navigate the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging in a rapidly changing urban landscape. The book also sheds light on the historical and social factors that have shaped Hillbrow's evolution, from its early days as a haven for European immigrants to its emergence as a center of LGBTQ+ life and activism.

The Roads to Hillbrow is a valuable contribution to the field of migration studies, offering a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the experiences of migrants in the Global South. It provides a rich tapestry of stories that challenge stereotypes and shed light on the complexities of migration and its impact on individuals, communities, and societies. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, policymakers, and anyone who is passionate about understanding the dynamics of migration and its role in shaping the world we live in today.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823299393