Memories of victims: the historical trajectory of the removal of people from Mandlazini, South Africa

Abstract

The history of forced removals and Bantustan consolidation in South Africa speak to issues of dispossession and disenfranchisement. The history of South Africa between 1948 and 1994 was characterised by widespread removal of communities from their traditional areas of domicile to different areas. In spite of the prevalence of such removals, very little is written on the experiences of the victims and agency or resilience they demonstrated. This paper follows the history, experiences and memories of a black community that was removed when Richards Bay was established. It argues that these people were not relocated for their betterment but to open up space for white settlement and to create economic enclave dominated by whites.