Stellenbosch and the Muslim communities, 1896-1966
Date
2009-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This study intends to investigate a facet of the race relations of the town of Stellenbosch
within the context of state ideology and the reaction of the various local communities towards
these policies. Against various internal and external forces, certain alliances were formed but
these remained neither static nor constant. The external forces of particular concern within
this study are the role of state legislation, Municipal regulations and political activism
amongst the elite of the different racial groups. The manner in which the external forces both
mould and are moulded by identity and the fluid nature of identifying with certain groups to
achieve particular goals will also be investigated. This thesis uses the case study of the
Muslim Communities of Stellenbosch to explain the practice of Islam in Stellenbosch, the
way in which the religion co-existed within the structure of the town, how the religion
influenced and was influenced by context and time and how the practitioners of this particular
faith interacted not only amongst themselves but with other “citizens of Stellenbosch”.
Fundamental to these trends is the concept of “belonging”. Group formation, affiliation,
identity, shared heritage and history as well as racial classification – implemented and
propagated by both political discourse and communal discourse - is located within the
broader context of Cape history in order to discuss commonalities and contrasts that existed
between Muslims at the Cape and those in Stellenbosch.
Description
Thesis (MA (History))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
Keywords
Dissertations -- History, Theses -- History