3 Editorial ___________________________________________________________________________________ Professor Mulugeta F. Dinbabo Editor-in-Chief, African Human Mobility Review (AHMR) University of the Western Cape Email: editor@sihma.org.za We are delighted to present Volume 11, Number 1, 2025 of the African Human Mobility Review (AHMR). This issue features up-to-date, high-quality, and original contributions, including research papers, reviews, syntheses, and a book review, all focused on various aspects of human mobility in Africa. AHMR is supported by a highly skilled Editorial Board and a global network of scholars from diverse interdisciplinary fields, ensuring that the contributions are of exceptional quality, originality, and relevance. These contributions aim to inform evidence-based policymaking and advance the understanding of human mobility across the continent. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all contributors (authors, editorial board, publisher) of AHMR, as well as the anonymous referees who reviewed the submitted papers. Our mission is to continuously enhance the quality of the journal and achieve new milestones, positioning it more prominently within the international scientific community. This issue features five articles and a book review that foster original research, promote policy discussions, and offer a comprehensive forum dedicated to analyzing current trends, migration patterns, and key migration- related issues in Africa. The first section of this issue features a book review by Daniel Tevera on “Xenophobia in the Media: Critical Global Perspectives.” The reviewer offers a critical evaluation, highlighting how the book compiles research essays that explore the challenges faced by international migrants while also demonstrating their ability to act within limiting structures. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to inform policy and practice. According to Tevera, the book addresses gaps in the literature by analyzing the role of media in perpetuating xenophobia, examining the sociopolitical and economic consequences, and using fieldwork with refugees to shed light on the media’s influence on public perceptions and policymaking. The reviewer further indicates that the book critically analyzes media-driven xenophobia but lacks justification and deeper exploration of migration implications. In conclusion, he asserts that the book, with its valuable ethnographic research on migrants and refugees, is crucial for researchers in social policy and migration studies. The first article by Peter Mudungwe is entitled “Migration Governance in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.” Using secondary data analysis, including published research, policy documents, and evaluations on the subject, the study 4 AHMR African Human Mobility Review - Volume 11 No 1, JANUARY-APRIL 2025 found that migration governance in Africa presents significant challenges, affecting the continent’s capacity to manage migration effectively. The findings emphasize the difficulties African countries face in developing coherent policies and institutions to address migration flows. The review also stresses the importance of enhanced regional cooperation, capacity building, and improved coordination among governments to manage migration and mitigate its social, economic, and security impacts. The study concludes that weak migration governance limits Africa’s ability to leverage migration’s positive impact and negotiate favorable migration compacts. It recommends that Africa increase investments in the migration sector to effectively manage its migration agenda. The second article by Dereje Feyissa Dori, titled “Migration as Prophecy Fulfilled: A Case Study of Hadiya Migration from Southern Ethiopia to South Africa,” employs a qualitative methodology, providing an ethnographic perspective on the role of religion in migration. This study not only contributes to the literature on migration but also addresses the often overlooked intangible factors in migration processes, which have traditionally been overshadowed by economic analyses. The research highlights the significant influence of evangelical Christianity in shaping the Hadiya community’s migration journey. It underscores how spiritual beliefs have guided Hadiya migrants through various stages of migration, helping them navigate regional inequalities in Ethiopia. By situating the migration within a broader historical context, the article reveals how spiritually motivated migratory agency has influenced their decisions. Ultimately, the article calls for migration studies to better account for the importance of intangible factors, especially religion, in understanding migration dynamics. The third article by Jean Pierre Misago, titled “From Deprivation to Mobilization: Towards a Multideterminant Model of Xenophobic Violence in South Africa,” uses a qualitative research design, drawing insights from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The central argument of the paper is that existing explanatory models are deficient due to two main analytical blind spots: (i) many lack empirical support, and (ii) others are overly simplistic in their reductionist approach. In addition to its academic contributions, the article holds practical and policy relevance. By clearly outlining the key elements of the causal chain, the research highlights critical areas where intervention could help halt ongoing xenophobic violence and prevent future occurrences in South Africa. Ultimately, the paper provides stakeholders with varying mandates and capacities a clear understanding of where their efforts can be most impactful in addressing xenophobia, enabling more targeted and effective interventions. The fourth article, authored by Tamuka Chekero, Johannes Bhanye, Rufaro Hamish Mushonga, and Owen Nyamwanza, titled “Navigating Passports and Borders: The Complex Realities of Zimbabwean Migrants in South Africa,” employs a qualitative methodology, gathering data through interviews and focus group discussions in four South African cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, 5 Editorial and Pretoria. The study acknowledges the resourcefulness of Zimbabwean migrants but argues that admiration alone is insufficient. Their adaptive strategies reveal vulnerabilities within the current system. To create policies that reflect migrant realities, it’ is essential to understand their resilience and adaptability. The study recommends several practical measures to improve the migrant experience, including streamlining passport appointment processes, increasing resources at passport offices, and regulating intermediaries to prevent exploitation. It also emphasizes strengthening anti-corruption measures and enhancing transparency in consular services. Additionally, lowering passport fees, training officials to treat migrants with respect, and offering legal and social support services would foster a more inclusive society. Further research is needed to drive reforms. The fifth article by Edmore Chingwe, Sipelile Munhumayenga, Sibonokuhle Ndlovu, and Webster Mudzingwa, titled “Curate’s Egg: Effects of Parental Migration on the Well-Being of Zimbabwean Children Left Behind,” employs a systematic literature review (SLR) approach. SLR follows a clear research question, identifies relevant studies, assesses their quality, and summarizes the findings using a structured methodology. The study’s results categorize the effects of parental migration into four domains: health, education, economics, and psychology. The review identified significant negative impacts, particularly in psychological, educational, and economic outcomes, while positive effects were minimal, especially in education and economics. Consequently, parental migration is described as “a curate’s egg.” The study also classifies research by location, rural-urban divide, and children’s age and gender, providing a useful framework for future studies on the topic. Lastly, I encourage more researchers, academics, and students to connect with us and explore new areas of impactful research with growing social and practical relevance across various disciplines. I also look forward to seeing them contribute original and valuable research ideas to this journal. A sincere thank you to our editing team and all the authors who submitted their work to the Journal of African Human Mobility Review.