India-South Africa India-South Africa 2019 | Page 42

SPECIAL REPORT
affi rmative action policies by the South African
Government. However it is important to note
that the intelligentsia in Indian diaspora works
incessantly against all racist forces while their
successes in the South African society, economy
and politics subdue the issue of discrimination
against them.
New socio-political conditions in South Africa
as well as India’s emergence and engagement as
a promising economy, make the diaspora more
conscious of their roots. The connection between
them and their land of origin, as well as their
network with Indians in other parts of the world is
growing. India,through high-level visits and the
activities of its High Commission and Consulate
Generals is also making an eff ort to rejuvenate
its cultural and economic ties with the Indian
diaspora in the country. It is not just one-way
traffi c an increasing number of South African
42 • India-South Africa • 2019
Indians want to connect as cultural imagination
about their roots never left their minds.
Conclusion
The role of the Indian diaspora in South
Africa has been pivotal as well as complex in
nature due to historical legacies. The diaspora
has participated in building the country both
as a nation and economy. They have been high
achievers as well as innovators in all spheres. The
leaders of South Africa duly acknowledge the
contribution of the Indian diaspora in building
the soul and body of the ‘Rainbow Nation’. The
diaspora is also gradually acquiring a new role
in connecting India and South Africa better than
ever before. 
* The author is a Research Fellow (Africa),
ICWA