Decolonising diversity: A case study of the modern South African census

Ekansh T

Published on: 2022-05-18

Abstract

The numerical ordering of a population according to racial and ethnic characteristics has its roots in the population census. As a political instrument developed for colonial rule it has lasting legacies in post-colonial governments and, despite well-intentioned efforts, it continues to define racial politics to this day. This case study traces the history of the modern census used in the territory currently known as South Africa since 1865 to the present day, exemplifying it as a political tool for the development of ‘race’ as a political concept in the region. Such census-like technologies are employed in racial diversity schemes throughout the world, often linked to monitoring employment opportunities; the historical development of ‘race’ as a concept within such instruments however is often left unexplored. In this paper I contend legacies of empire are reproduced through the schemes justified as offering compensation and restitution for racialised colonial oppression. Restitution schemes often place emphasis on either race or economic background, however this study demonstrates ethnicity has a larger role to play than others have considered in the past.