THE LOCAL STATE AND RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT Conventionally, residential segregation in South Africa is associated with the ascent to power of the National Party, and the Group Areas Act (1950). This paper argues that the local state in Durban had played an important role in influencing the segregation policies of the central state, and laid the foundation for the Group Areas Act of 1950. The focus is on Durban in the 1930s and 1940s, and attempts by the local state to segregate Indians by reducing their access to land and housing. Indians in Durban presented a threat to white economic dominance. The whites responded in racist fashion and demanded for compulsory residential segregation. They were actively supported by the local state in Durban. The central state, however, preferred voluntary segregation in order to avoid international condemnation. The local state in Durban deliberately sabotaged attempts at voluntary segregation which were initiated by the central state. In spite of opposition from the disenfranchised Indians, and reluctan...