Vedaste holds a Hons in Public Administration from the Université Nationale du Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Forced Migration Studies from the Wits University. His primary research area is Religion and Migration with a focus on the role of the Church in the Integration of Migrants. His PhD thesis looks at the “Impact of the Church on the Dynamics of Identity Formation and Integration of Congolese Migrants in Johannesburg”.

Email: nvedaste@yahoo.com

Iriann looks at the different forms of cosmo- politanism in practice and ideal amongst migrant street traders in Johannesburg. She explores the ways migrants engage ‘the local’ and ‘the global’ on a daily basis: How are places here and ‘elsewhere’ as well as notions of movement given meaning to? How is this related to migrants’ sense of belonging? What kinds of inter/intracultural networks and practices can be found? These questions will be related to the broader context of migration to and within South(ern) Africa, as well as to the ‘nature’ of Johannesburg - a city characterised by great opportunity and great risk.

Email: Iriann.Haupt@students.wits.ac.za

Forced immigrants live transnational lives when they are forced to live in countries other than their country of origin. Jaki’s area of research, inter alia, is to explore the dynamics involved with references to formal and informal migrant associations and networking in Southern Africa.

Email: Patrick.Odwora@wits.ac.za