COULD THIS BE ORANIA’S FIRST BLACK RESIDENT?

South Africa’s apartheid regime may have collapsed over three decades ago, but Black citizens still have to fight to live in de-facto Whites-only parts of the country. The Northern Cape town of Orania refuses to accept any would-be residents who are not descended from Dutch settlers - citing locals’ right to preserve their cultural traditions. The very existence of the town in post-apartheid South Africa is now being challenged by the local branch of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, with chairman Shadrack Tlhaole leading a protest on 22 April and presenting a petition to the regional government. He vows to be the first Black resident of Orania if the authorities refuse to rule it illegal, arguing the town currently violates South Africa's constitution, which is anchored in the principles of inclusivity and non-racialism. In the past, Orania residents have claimed that their enclave's existence is protected by Article 235 of the South African constitution, which guarantees self-determination. However, opponents insist that the cited part of the constitution does not permit people of a particular racial, religious or cultural group to live in a secluded place away from other South Africans. In 2000, the Northern Cape High Court adjourned 'sine die' (without a further hearing date) after Orania's proponents challenged attempts by the government to incorporate the town into the nearby municipal authority, leaving the town's legal status in limbo and a subject of debate. But in 2025, should it even be debatable whether Black South Africans can purchase property in certain parts of their country - simply because they are Black?

Video credits: SABC News and EyeWitness News

Sources

https://x.com/SABCNews/status/1914705848527396927

https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/04/22/i-am-going-to-be-a-resident-of-orania-nc-eff-leader-tlhaole

https://mg.co.za/article/2007-07-04-orania-and-n-cape-govt-to-discuss-future-of-enclave/