The rememory of black oppression: forging a Rasta identity with specific reference to the township of Daveyton, 1994 to the present

Abstract

The black township of Daveyton, on the East Rand, was established in 1955. Like residents of other townships on the Rand, its residents found themselves faced with social, economic and political problems, even after the liberation in 1994. The emergence, acceptance and spread of Rastafarianism as a way of life was in direct reaction to these problems. Rastafarianism originated in the Caribbean island of Jamaica as a direct reaction to slavery. Its emergence in Africa was in reaction to colonialism, while in South Africa it was due to colonialism and apartheid. In Daveyton, the organisation came into being in 1997 and was formalised in 2002. The reason for the formalisation of the Movement after 1994 was to present a united force against the government and society who seemed reluctant to recognise the Rastafarian freedom of worship. Accordingly, Rastafarianism is millennial in nature given the reasons for its emergence. Instead of choosing to suppress their experience of oppression and suffering, Rastafarians have chosen to incorporate these experiences and make them part of their worldview. These memories of oppression become evident in the way they have chosen to express them namely by forging their group identity. This is reflected in the nature of their organisation, belief systems and practice that differ from other organisations. This unique identity makes Rastafarianism unpopular with the government, some religious movements and some members of the community. However, in spite of this unpopularity, the Movement is becoming more acceptable owing to its dynamic nature and concern with contemporary problems facing society. This is shown by a change in the way the Movement is perceived by some members of society. In addition, more people have accepted their lifestyle. Therefore, Rastafarians have managed to shape a separate identity and a culture based on past and present experiences. The research methodology followed in gathering information for this study is the integration of secondary sources and written primary sources with oral history and participant observation. However, the bulk of information was gathered through participant observation.