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Project

Afro-Indo agendas in Johannesburg: South Asian female migration to South Africa and the shaping of urban space

The point at which two continents, Asia and Africa fold or collapse on each other, creates an interesting discussion on migration – the flows of communities, commodities, and ideas. The meeting of shores via the Indian (African) ocean provides a highway of passage. The proposed research locates the everyday practices of Indian migrant communities in South Africa within the chronicles of transoceanic narratives, specifically in relation to the gendered experience. The nuances within the larger political structures of multiple flows can be captured through a gender conscious perspective on inter-continental negotiations; navigating the intricate networks of internalised household micro-transactions and community organisation amongst migrant women. Female migration to South Africa has always been rife with hardship leaving women defenceless in foreign locations. At the same time women have been key to the establishment of ethnic communities promoting culture and religion, and being social and political activists in their communities. The stories of agency, independence and freedom are counterpoised by narratives of abandonment and separation. These stories are particularly apparent in Indian areas such as the neighbourhood of Fordsburg, located in central Johannesburg, which has assumed the name ‘Indian Market of Johannesburg’. With the recent influx of South Asians, as well as African migrants Fordsburg has transformed and is adapting to suit the new economies and ecologies of its users, becoming a microcosm of cosmopolitan Johannesburg (Yengde, 2016). The area is globally connected hosting approximately 20 000 visitors every month, fostering community-driven organisation with moments of improvisation as well as opportunistic behaviour defining its economic, religious and social activity. All this informs the shape of the built environment and is informed by it. Its ‘Indian’ character stems from heavily embedded cultures, religious compositions, wealth distribution and networks. Often, female migrants are the gendered agents of these social practices and utilise specific resources, objects and networks to bridge the distances found in their daily lives (Mohamed, 2017).

Date:9 Mar 2020 →  9 Mar 2024
Keywords:Gender, Migration, Urban Space, Neighbourhood
Disciplines:Architecture not elsewhere classified, Design innovation, Ethnicity and migration studies
Project type:PhD project