Exclusion, classification and internal colonialism: the emergence of ethnicity among Tsonga-speakers of South Africa

Harries, Patrick

essay

Exclusion, classification and internal colonialism: the emergence of ethnicity among Tsonga-speakers of South Africa

creation of tribalism in southern africa • London • Published In 1989 • Pages: 82-117

By: Harries, Patrick.

Abstract
This document, which was originally published as a book chapter, deals with the formation of ethnicity amongst the Tsonga-speaking people of the northern and eastern Transvaal. It argues that the notion of a 'Tsonga' ethnic group as by anthropologists at the turn of the 20th century is of little objective value for it was more a product of their social and intellectual environment than an objective reality. The document show that the degree to which 'Tsonga' ethnic identity is adopted is dependent on the ways various class interests engendered by the historical regional division of labor or center-periphery form of internal capitalism that has developed in southern Africa. People choose, adopt and emphasize cultural symbols that they believe to be signs of a shared historical Tsonga identity in order to benefit their class or regional interests.

Cultural identity and pride

Ethos

Inter-ethnic relations

External relations

Acculturation and culture contact

Research and development

Real property

Acquisition and relinquishment of property

Political movements

Political parties

Social relationships and groups

Classes