In this series, the conversations about masculinity have transcended many sub-categories in an attempt to better understand men around the world in various contexts. With the theme “Masculinity across borders”, we have now unearthed another conversation that has taken centre-stage, particularly in South Africa: immigration. The plight that is xenophobia has been a hot topic for a long time, as opposing views on immigration create divides that deter the lives of many immigrants, both legal and otherwise. Not moving from the conversation of masculinity, the bigger conversation to be had is about how one navigates their manhood in a foreign country, particularly with a violent history quite unkind to them.

In this episode, we talk to Gabriel Shamu, a young academic originally from Zimbabwe, but living in South Africa. He takes us on his journey of navigating life as a young black man in South Africa, dealing with expectations from family back home, South African society, as well as the men and women he has come across in various spaces.