Transnational Migration and Cultural Hybridisation among Migrant Communities in Zimbabwe

Migration from Zimbabwe to South Africa has long history. This migration has always been circulatory in nature. The migrants remain connected to their communities of origin through frequent visits, communication, sending remittances, and investments. The term "transnationalism" has only recently begun to describe it. Transnational migration creates the possibility of cultural change in the migrants' communities of origin. As they move between places, people encounter and adopt new ways of life that they bring back to their communities of origin. Migration researchers have developed the concept of "cultural hybridisation" to describe this phenomenon. Using a qualitative research design and non-probability sampling methods, this paper presents empirical evidence of cultural hybridisation in migrant communities in Zimbabwe. There is evidence of the emergence new cultural forms and practices that are different from the original ones. The development of the hybrid cultures is an outcome of tensions, conflict, negotiations, and accommodations.