Indigenous identity in South Africa post 1994 and the peculiarity of Each Community with respect to the notion of Indigeneity

Abstract

Identity is an inherent description and when defined, can also be nuanced depending on which perspective is taken. Indigenous identity is complex, and self-identification is one of the aspects that cannot be taken away from persons, being rooted in one-self’s acclamation, as indigenous in Africa, and South Africa.

Indigenous identity is a dynamic and complex socio philosophical notion in South Africa, as is those who are considered as the indigenous peoples of South Africa. Since 1994, there has been a struggle between social groupings of South Africa, including within the political landscape of South Africa, to determine who is indigenous. The concept of ‘indigenousness’ has been a significant source of division, specifically between white and non-white South Africans. Self-identification further exacerbates of ‘tribalism’, further deepening divisions within the society at large. This paper seeks to address the nature of indigenous identity in South Africa post 1994 and its peculiarity for each community with respect to the notion of indigeneity. The paper also seek to link the definition indigeneity to the plight of indigenous peoples in South Africa post 1994.

Despite its democratic values, South Africa remains a divided society. While it prides itself on the notion of being a ‘rainbow nation’, marginalisation still manifests in certain communities.

How can indigenous identity be defined who is indigenous to South Africa post 1994 given the efforts at nation building and the notion of nationhood of all who live in South Africa?

The goal is to extract how South African citizens perceive their role in building a non-racial South Africa and what future role they perceive to be building through identity.

Identity is an inherent description and when defined, can also be nuanced depending on which perspective is taken. Indigenous identity is complex, and self-identification is one of the aspects that cannot be taken away from persons, being rooted in one-self’s acclamation, as indigenous in Africa, and South Africa.

Indigenous identity is a dynamic and complex socio philosophical notion in South Africa, as is those who are considered as the indigenous peoples of South Africa. Since 1994, there has been a struggle between social groupings of South Africa, including within the political landscape of South Africa, to determine who is indigenous. The concept of ‘indigenousness’ has been a significant source of division, specifically between white and non-white South Africans. Self-identification further exacerbates of ‘tribalism’, further deepening divisions within the society at large. This paper seeks to address the nature of indigenous identity in South Africa post 1994 and its peculiarity for each community with respect to the notion of indigeneity. The paper also seek to link the definition indigeneity to the plight of indigenous peoples in South Africa post 1994.

Despite its democratic values, South Africa remains a divided society. While it prides itself on the notion of being a ‘rainbow nation’, marginalisation still manifests in certain communities.

How can indigenous identity be defined who is indigenous to South Africa post 1994 given the efforts at nation building and the notion of nationhood of all who live in South Africa?

The goal is to extract how South African citizens perceive their role in building a non-racial South Africa and what future role they perceive to be building through identity.