–– Jonathan Klimek
The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
The African continent is grappling with a significant challenge: the breakdown of the family unit. Economic necessity is a key driver of this issue, which compels many individuals to leave their home countries in search of work, particularly in South Africa, now a major destination for migrant workers. Although the financial support sent back home offers some relief, the long-term absence of parents and spouses creates deep and lasting fractures within families. This article explores the roots of this crisis, its devastating consequences, and how the Bible can inform our response.
The Migration Crisis in Africa: The Scale of the Problem
Recent statistics reveal that millions of Africans leave their home countries annually to seek employment in South Africa, often without the necessary legal documentation. Statistics South Africa “estimates that there were about 3.95 million foreign-born people living in the country at the mid-point of 2021,” many of whom come from neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Lesotho in search of employment. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has highlighted that thousands of these individuals risk arrest or imprisonment due to their lack of valid documentation.
Furthermore, the social fabric of families left behind is fraying. In many cases, children are raised by grandparents, extended family members, or members of the village. The 2023 report from The African Union and SOS Children’s Village estimates that “35 million children in Africa are without parental care,” leading to increased vulnerability to abuse, trafficking, and limited access to education and healthcare. Children are deprived of the essential guidance, discipline, and care that their parents should provide. As parents chase economic survival, their absence perpetuates a cycle of family disintegration and neglect.
Moral and Spiritual Consequences
The physical separation of spouses has precipitated a rise in sexual immorality and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Long-term separation often leads one or both spouses to seek companionship and intimacy elsewhere, resulting in infidelity that devastates marriages. According to the National Commitments and Policy Instrument (NCPI) Narrative Report HIV and other STDs remain prevalent, with approximately 7.5 million people living with HIV in South Africa as of 2019. Infidelity and disease transmission represent the tragic erosion of trust and fidelity that God has called married couples to uphold.
Biblical Responsibilities and the Christian Call to Action
The Bible delineates the responsibilities of marriage, parenting, and social conduct. Ephesians 5:22–31 teaches that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and wives are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ. This marital union reflects a deep, spiritual companionship that cannot thrive solely on financial provision. When spouses neglect one another, they forgo the emotional and spiritual support that marriage is meant to provide.
Deuteronomy 6:4–7 commands parents to diligently teach their children about the Lord in the everyday milieu of life. This responsibility cannot be handed off to grandparents or relatives; God calls parents to be actively involved. Moreover, Christian parents are called to raise their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The extended absences of both parents leave children vulnerable to poor moral guidance and a lack of spiritual nurture.
The Tension Between Economic Survival and Obedience to God
Understandably, many African migrants seeking to provide for their families leave their homes driven by economic desperation. Yet, as Christians, we must remember Jesus’ promise in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus assures us that our primary focus should not be on material provision but on righteousness and trust in God’s faithfulness. This doesn’t mean we won’t face hard times or financial strain, but it does mean that our priorities—faith and family—must remain our priority.
In Philippians 4:11–13, Paul highlights the secret of contentment in every situation, whether in times of abundance or in times of need. He reminds believers that through Christ’s strength, we can endure all things, including financial struggles, without sacrificing our spiritual responsibilities. Migrant workers, who often leave behind their families for extended periods, risk sacrificing the spiritual health of their marriage and children for economic gains that may not lead to the peace or satisfaction they seek.
Legal and Ethical Employment Practices: Obeying Government Laws
As Christians, we are also called to abide by the laws of the land. Romans 13:1–7 and 1 Peter 2:13–17 clearly state that Christians must submit to governing authorities, including immigration and labour laws. Working without legal documentation is not just a civil violation; it is a spiritual one. Justifying illegal migration with economic hardship does not negate the Biblical call to honour the laws that govern us. Christian employers also bear responsibility in this regard. It is both illegal and unethical to employ individuals who do not have the proper legal paperwork.
Restoring God’s Design for the Family
The breakdown of the family has severe consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the church and society at large. God honours the family unit, and the family is the foundation upon which both the church and society are built. When families fracture, the church is weakened, and societies disintegrate.
We must be proactive in restoring God’s design for the family. This begins with Christians acknowledging their God-given responsibilities as spouses, parents, and citizens. As employers, we must not facilitate the neglect of family responsibilities by employing individuals who are breaking the law or forsaking their homes for economic reasons.
The issue of migration in Africa is complex, but as Christians, we are called to uphold God’s standards for marriage, parenting, and obedience to authority. Financial provision is important, but not at the expense of abandoning the God-ordained responsibilities to family life. As we reflect on the Biblical principles of love, companionship, and spiritual leadership within the home, let us pray for families across Africa to be strengthened and for the church to stand as a beacon of truth in the midst of a broken world. Let us restore God’s design for the family, trusting in His provision and prioritising His righteousness in all things.