There's an all White town in South Africa called Orania. Should African Americans and other African Diaspora build similar towns?

During my recent travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, I was very impressed with how modern it looked and it remind me of Los Angeles, California.  I kept thinking that this would be a great place for my fellow African Americans to move to, because it wouldn't take too much adaptation as opposed to other African countries that I visited.  For a lot of African Americans acceptance from the African communities is important, because we want a sense of belonging.  However, in many cases we don't receive this and we are seen as outsiders.  So would adapting our own separate comminities in Africa especially in lesser developed countries help?  Well let's examine the White Afrikaner town called Orania and see how they were able to remedy similar issues by building their own community in the South Africa. 

Bro Saeed 

Orania is a small town located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It's a unique and culturally significant place, known for being an Afrikaner cultural and language-based community.

## Key Features of Orania

- Cultural Identity: Orania is a stronghold of Afrikaner culture, language, and traditions. The town's residents are predominantly Afrikaans-speaking and celebrate their heritage through various cultural events and activities.

- Self-Sufficiency:Orania strives for self-sufficiency, with its own economy, infrastructure, and services. The town has its own currency, the Ora, which is pegged to the South African rand.

- Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in Orania's economy, with residents engaged in farming and related activities.

- Voluntary Apartheid: Orania is often described as a "voluntary apartheid" community, as it operates separately from the surrounding South African society. The town's residents have chosen to maintain their cultural and linguistic identity, distinct from the broader South African culture.

## History and Significance

Orania was established in the early 1990s, during the transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa. The town's founders aimed to create a safe haven for Afrikaners, preserving their cultural heritage and way of life.

Orania's significance lies in its unique cultural identity and its role as a symbol of Afrikaner cultural preservation. The town's history and development reflect the complexities of South Africa's past and the ongoing quest for cultural identity and self-determination.

## Visiting Orania

Orania is a fascinating destination for those interested in South African history, culture, and politics. Visitors can explore the town's cultural attractions, such as the Orania Museum, and experience the local way of life.

However, it's essential to approach Orania with sensitivity and respect for its cultural identity and history. Understanding the town's complex context and nuances can enrich your experience and foster meaningful interactions with the local community.

HERE ARE THE TEN FACTS:

1. Orania was established in 1991. The town was created during the last years of apartheid by Afrikaner intellectual Carel Boshoff Snr, the son-in-law of former South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd.

   
   

2.  Orania was created with the primary intention to preserve Afrikanerdom cultural heritage and Afrikaner selfwerksaamheid (self-reliance).

   
   

3. The town has a population of 1,085 (estimate, 2014) and it measures 8.95 km2 (3.46 sq mi). Afrikaans is the main language, spoken by 98.4 percent of the population and English is spoken by 1,6 percent.

   
   

4. The town is run by a council, which is the main political institution responsible for running the town’s daily affairs.

5. The economy is dependent on agriculture, and there is a large pecan nut plantation, one of the largest in South Africa, and the town exports some its agricultural products.

   
   

6. The community has its own currency, called the Ora, pegged to the South African Rand.

   
   

7. The town is not independent but its existence is permitted by the Constitution of South Africa under a clause that allows for the right to self-determination.

   
   

8. On a hill above Orania, atop a series of plinths arranged in a semicircle, sit the sculpted heads of former Afrikaner leaders. This is the home for statues with nowhere else to go. 

   
   

9. The town boasts of a deeply religious community. There are various local churches, which include the Dutch Reformed Church, Apostoliese Geloofsending, Afrikaanse Protestantse Kerk, amongst others.

   
   

10. The name Orania is a variation of the Afrikaans word oranje, referring to the adjoining Orange River.