Shifting Identifications in Dutch-South African Migration Policies (1910–1961)

Abstract

This article examines the migratory movement from the Netherlands to South Africa and the associated migration policies in both countries over the years 1910 to 1961. Migration acts as a lens through which shifting constructions of national, transnational and racial identities can be observed. Depending on the politicians in charge, the contribution of Dutch migrants to the South African nation was alternately framed in terms of their white, civilised Europeanness (as opposed to black, uncivilised Africanness), and in terms of their alleged 'kinship' (stamverwantschap) with the Afrikaners (as opposed to the British). Under the restrained immigration policy of the Nationalist Party in the 1950s this gave Dutch immigrants a privileged position regarding admission to South Africa, and it gave South Africa a special appeal as country of destination for Dutch emigrants. This changed only when the ethnic identification with white Afrikaners, and European settlers in general, since 1960 gradually gave way to an internationally shared political identification with the struggles of black Africans against apartheid. By studying the migration dynamics between both countries we may gain insight into the making and unmaking of both Dutch and South African national and racial identifications, against the backdrop of a colonial heritage.

Enticed to settle elsewhere: Magic lantern slides and the transnational creation of European colonial citizens

“…Growth in the construction and industrial sectors in South Africa spurred higher demand for skilled European migrants (Hartland, 1959: 32–3). After the Second World War, and particularly after 1948, Dutch migration to South Africa significantly increased, partly due to greater centralized, state involvement in the process, and because of fear of unemployment, overpopulation and angst about a possible Third World War (Bradlow, 1978; Henkes, 2016; Hofstede, 1964).…”

“…European and specifically Dutch–South African migration during the last part of the nineteenth and first part of the twentieth centuries has already been extensively researched. Barbara Henkes (2016, 2020) focusses, in particular, on the Dutch–South African dimension, while Audie Klotz (2013), Sally Peberdy (2009) and Edna Bradlow (1978) discuss a broader range of nationalities migrating from Europe and elsewhere to South Africa during the twentieth century. Dutch migration during the twentieth century has been examined by Hartland (1959), Hofstede (1964) and Van Faassen (2014).…”

The racially-based land distribution and ownership in South Africa: A challenging discourse for social work

“…The first group of colonists -called 'free burgers' -were allowed to farm for their own profit by the Dutch authorities (Rugege, 2004). Clashes over land increased in intensity after the Khoikhoi and San were declared vermin by the Dutch authorities and systematically hunted down by armed burgers with orders to shoot on sight (Henkes, 2016). Many of the indigenous inhabitants were driven into the interior.…”

Dutch Dialogues with Afrikaners: The Netherlands and the Cultural Boycott Against the Apartheid Regime in the 1980s

“…3 In line with Thörn's assessment, Barbara Henkes argues that 'the Anti-Apartheid Movement in the Netherlands was part of a global process of democratisation, secularisation, decolonisation, and a growing interest in human rights and respect for Black Power in the second half of the twentieth century'. 4 In contrast, Muskens considers the movement's mobilisation of grassroots support a national phenomenon. 5 We shall argue that the Dutch public debate over apartheid engaged with transnational idealism and action strategies, and, at the same time, it was affected by national factors arising from the Netherlands' and South Africa's shared history, which went back to the colonial age.…”