For many South Africans, Orania, situated on the banks of the Orange River and within the Karoo region, exists only as the subject of whispered conversations, painted vividly in shades of suspicion and fear, particularly among black communities, where it has become synonymous with exclusion.
Founded in 1991 as a haven for white Afrikaners to preserve their culture, language, and values, Orania represents both a reality and a myth that has perplexed and intrigued people across the nation.
To demystify this isolated town, "Wide Awake Podcast" host Josh Rubin took on the challenge of uncovering the truth behind Orania.
In his new documentary, “Black Investigates South Africa's Whites-Only Town”, he embarks on a provocative ten-hour journey alongside actor and comedian Siv Ngesi, determined to explore whether Orania can indeed be deemed "black-friendly".
With a current population of nearly 3,000, Orania boasts its own government, currency, and an array of regulations that govern its residents.
Access to this unique community is restricted to white Afrikaners who are fluent in Afrikaans, uphold Calvinist Christian values, and possess a clean criminal record.
Ngesi's first impression upon arriving in Orania was one of surprise; the town appeared more modern and vibrant than he had anticipated, yet distinctly Afrikaans in its architectural and cultural footprint.
“It feels different. It really does feel different. You can feel that this is South Africa, but it's not South Africa,” Ngesi observed, capturing a sentiment that many might resonate with when confronted by the stark contrasts between Orania and the broader nation.
During his exploration, Ngesi had the chance to engage with Carel Boshoff IV, who has lived in the town for close to 30 years and is a direct descendant of Hendrik Verwoerd, the infamous architect of apartheid.
This historical legacy adds another layer of complexity to Orania’s narrative.
When confronted with questions about racial inclusivity, Boshoff provided a nuanced perspective, stating, “Yes, there is no race criteria to access Orania. At the same time, while the answer is yes, Orania is also a focused Afrikaner community, and there’s a very spontaneous reason why, for 30 years, black people haven't come to live in Orania.”
Boshoff continued: “They are just historically not Afrikaners. They are not interested in the same things... What we are doing is not defining the exclusion; we are defining the inclusion.”
His assertions highlight a belief that the cultural fabric of Orania, deeply rooted in Afrikaner identity, naturally influences its demographic.
The documentary takes viewers on a journey not just to Orania but into the cultural psyche of a community that has insulated itself, raising challenging questions about inclusivity, cultural heritage, and national identity in contemporary South Africa.
As Ngesi and Rubin peel back layers of historical narratives and personal experiences, audiences are invited to consider their own perceptions of Orania amidst the backdrop of a complex social tapestry.