Beplande intervensies - onbeplande uitkomste: oorlewing van die Islam in die Vrystaat

Abstract

For nearly a century legislation kept Indians and other Asians out of the then Orange Free State. In addition to economic, political and social considerations, the local authorities wished to prevent the establishment and propagation of the Islamic faith in a Christian state. Research proves that although the number of Indians could be kept down the Islamic faith survived and its following increased rapidly after the removal of restrictions.
It is believed that the main reason for this survival is the reaction unleashed by segregation and apartheid legislation. In this way an opposite result to the intention of the legislation was achieved. With reference to Foucault one can say that the planned intervention by the authorities produced an unplanned outcome. This view of Foucault represents the line of argumentation in this article.
This report contains a broad historical review of the settlement of Indians In South Africa, and a description of specific events and circumstances in the Orange Free State as well as of certain actions taken by Moslems aimed at maintaining their faith.
From the research results it is concluded that the survival of Jslamism in the Orange Free State demonstrates an empiric example of cultural uniformity. The basis for explanation as formulated by Foucault, makes relevant analyses possible and can therefore be used for cultural studies.