After the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1993, the caste system among the Indian community in Durban has been on the decline too, claims Deputy Mayor of Durban Logie Naidoo. Durban has a population of 3.5 million, of whom 1.2 million are, like Naidoo, of Indian origin. Naidoo was in Delhi this week to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

“When apartheid was abolished, we realised that we could not continue with the segregating aspect of the caste system,” said Naidoo. Contrary to other diasporas in the world — whose traditions become more orthodox than in their motherland — the caste system in Durban has weakened. “During the apartheid regime, we South African Indians knew what it felt like to be discriminated against. As we lived through this discrimination, we did not want to apply it to our own community anymore after the end of apartheid,” added Naidoo.

Not only has the caste system diminished in South Africa, but also the discrimination against Indians, he said, adding, “Prior to 1993, the streets were dotted with Fish and Chip stalls. Nowadays those have been replaced by Chicken Tandoori stalls.” There have been other cultural shifts within the Indian diaspora. For instance, there has been a slight increase in inter-religious marriages. “Earlier, the guests at our weddings were mainly Indians, nowadays Whites, Blacks, Christians, Hindus, Muslims are taking part in our wedding receptions. The dances have changed too — the traditional Bharatanatyam and Kathak dances have merged with the Zulu dance,” said Naidoo.

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