Orania was conveniently established just as South Africa was inevitably transitioning to democracy. It was founded by Carel Boshoff IV, son-in-law of Hendrik Verwoerd (the principal architect of apartheid); Manie Opperman, a Conservative Party hardliner who fought to preserve white minority rule; and others of similar conviction. Orania was established in 1991 and houses approximately 2500 Afrikaners, according to an article from Africa News.
In April 2025, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have called for Orania to be dismantled.
Whether one agrees with the EFF’s call to dismantle, it should not be based solely on political affiliation, but rather on whether one supports ideological enclaves founded by the heirs of segregation masquerading as cultural autonomy.
South Africans must decide what kind of democracy they aspire to. Is it one where the legacy of apartheid is gradually dismantled through inclusive nation-building? Or one where ideological enclaves are allowed to flourish under the guise of autonomy, 31 years post-democracy?
The EFF is also looking at other Afrikaner enclaves to be dismantled such as Kleinfontein which is located near Pretoria and has approximately 600 households, according to EWN. The EFF has orchestrated marches to both segregated communities and continues to call for government to take action in the dismantling these enclaves.
In an interview with the SABC, member of National Assembly, Carl Niehaus, stated “Those who establish the staying or defend these enclaves must face the full force of the law. The promotion of equality and prevention of unfair discrimination act must be enforced and those guilty of perpetuating these racist policies must face imprisonment. The government must outlaw these enclaves and compel their integration into a non-racial South Africa.”
Niehaus further states that the staying of these enclaves is a threat to the South African constitution.
“To do otherwise is to betray our constitutional mandate and to surrender to the forces of division,” Niehaus stated.
This isn’t about erasing Afrikaner culture it’s about rejecting apartheid’s final fortress. True unity demands that we stop pretending voluntary segregation is anything other than resistance to transformation.