Abstract
This research focuses on Chinese associations in postapartheid South Africa and is primarily based on oral interviews done with numerous members and leaders of the different Chinese communities. Since democracy, longstanding Chinese associations, which draw their membership from the South African-Born Chinese (SABCs), have reimagined themselves and transformed from having largely political aims to focus predominantly on community and cultural pursuits. This is the result of political shifts and the increasing freedoms guaranteed to all races by democracy, although their membership is declining. However, partly owing to their ambiguous status and identity during apartheid, the Chinese have continued to face discrimination. Specifically, being initially excluded from affirmative action policies as well as being subjected to racism and prejudice in the democratic era. Thus, there is still space for these associations to act politically as these issues have been and are being addressed through democratic institutions. Lastly, the third wave of migration has further impacted the associational lives of the Chinese in South Africa. The significant differences between SABCs and recent Chinese migrants have not only created divisions between these two groups but have also called into question the “Chinese identity” of SABCs. However, there has also been significant, albeit situational, instances of collaboration and solidarity between these two groups and their relevant associations, thereby adding complexity to the interactions and identities of said communities.
Highlights
The presence of the Chinese in South Africa dates back to as early as 1660, when Chinese convicts, exiles and independent travellers started to arrive.[1]
Chinese migration subsequently unfolded in three distinct waves; independent immigrants to the Transvaal in the 1880s drawn by the mineral discoveries (to whom most South Africa-born Chinese (SABCs) today trace their ancestry), Taiwanese immigrants in the 1970s and 1980s following the increasing political and economic ties between apartheid South Africa and Taiwan; and recent Chinese migrants who have come looking for opportunities in democratic South Africa since the early 1990s
These developments suggest that while under apartheid Chinese associations were primarily focused on addressing the political concerns of their constituents, since 1994, these groups have instead reimagined themselves as cultural institutions to better reflect the new identity and sense of belonging of South African-Born Chinese (SABCs) as a constituent part of democratic South Africa
Summary
The presence of the Chinese in South Africa dates back to as early as 1660, when Chinese convicts, exiles and independent travellers started to arrive.[1]. The regime established close ties with Japan in the 1960s and Taiwan in the 1970s and 1980s, and concessions were granted to Japanese and Taiwanese immigrants These indirectly benefitted the South African Chinese, who became generally accepted by white society, further complicating their status.[11] Park and Accone extend this discussion by looking at the shifting identities of SABCs after apartheid, arguing that, disillusionment with the political and economic future of South Africa and a decreased sense of belonging to the country has led many SABCs to emigrate.[12] the majority of SABCs feel an increased sense of belonging in South Africa because they were born and raised in this country, of which they are full and equal citizens, and have no intention of leaving.[13] Harris argues that, by looking at the history of the Chinese in South Africa, they should be included in the “previously disadvantaged” category of government policies and that their exclusion has led to their continued discrimination during post-apartheid.[14] This article will show that the continued discrimination of the Chinese has emerged as the main political issue that South African Chinese associations mobilise against. While there is a Taiwanese community in South Africa, with many associations of their own, this lies outside the scope of this article
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