Circular migration and sexual networking in rural KwaZulu/Natal: implications for the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases*

Abstract

Patterns of migration do not simply arise out of chance. In South Africa, for example, migration patterns are a result of decades of legislation aimed at restricting the movements of the majority of the population and providing a steady flow of cheap black labour to the gold mines and other industries. In the new democratic South Africa, restrictive laws have been lifted, but circular migration remains a way of life for several million black South Africans. This paper examines the social and epidemiological implications of widespread circular migration from the perspective of a rural South African Health District. In particular, we report our findings on the patterns and prevalence of migration into and out of the Hlabisa Health District in rural KwaZulu/Natal, and the patterns of sexual networking of migrants and their rural partners. We conclude by examining the implications of these patterns of migration and sexual networking for the spread of HIV and other STDs.