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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
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| Title: | 'Accepting the Group, But Not the Area': The South African Chinese and the Group Area Act |
| Author: | Harris, Karen L. |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Periodical: | South African Historical Journal |
| Issue: | 40 |
| Period: | May |
| Pages: | 179-201 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | South Africa |
| Subjects: | Chinese apartheid property rights History and Exploration Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Law, Human Rights and Violence Ethnic and Race Relations Urbanization and Migration |
| External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02582479908671354 |
| Abstract: | The Group Areas Act of 1950, introduced only two years after the National Party (NP) came to power in South Africa, gave apartheid its ideological and material substance. Despite being one of the smallest ethnic minorities in South Africa, the Chinese did not escape the human suffering and insecurity this legislation caused. They were, however, the only racially defined 'nonwhite' community which ultimately succeeded in accepting their group classification, but rejecting area designation. The Group Areas Act was based on the Population Registration Act which initially classified the Chinese as 'coloureds', but after widespread reaction, this was rectified and three new 'groups' were created - Indian, Chinese and Malay. The cumbersome nature of both Acts was a key factor contributing to the Chinese being able to negotiate and achieve their unique and ambiguous position. Their perception of being Chinese was the driving force in this achievement. Their small numbers, particular economic position, apparent apolitical stance, certain international considerations, and the general modus operandi that they adopted in dealing with the government also contributed to the attainment of their special status. Ref. |
