Our earlier article stated that Orania an Afrikaner only town was appealing to government of South Africa for COVID-19 relief funds. The story is not factually true, as the town has only expressed they are struggling to cope with the effects Covid-19 lockdown but have not asked for relief from government.
Speaking to SABC News, the Head of Orania Movement Joost Strydom says since the town is running its own economy, residents are feeling the impact of the lockdown.
“Economy can also cost lives in terms of hunger and so on. What we did in Orania is we stayed inside as the rules of the lockdown, but we also kept innovating. We got multiple people making masks. Also, the agricultural sector, which is very big here in the area, is very important for us as Orania. You know it’s a sector that’s been excluded from the lockdown. It doesn’t mean you can do what you want we need to be socially responsible but we got our people working on farms keeping social distance and producing food for the nation.”
The Afrikaner community hopes their economy will be back on its feet soon after the lockdown. Residents hope things will get back to normal, saying it’s everyone’s duty to play an integral part to combat the pandemic.
”Schools and businesses are also affected, but we have come up with innovative ways for learners to study at home.”
Orania is a white only town for Afrikaners in South Africa. Non-Afrikaners are not allowed to work unless they have skills no resident has. They have their own currency & radio station. There is no police or prison there. Over 100 businesses operate there.
It lies on the borders of the Thembelihle municipality but holds its own administration independent from the municipality. Orania town is privately owned by the Vluytjeskraal Aandeleblok company and has its own municipal administration.
The whites only town town has strict requirements for potential residents. They conduct strict vetting process and adhere to strict protocols when interviewing potential residents. Criminal record holders and gay rights activists and supporters have no place in Orania. Being an Afrikaner is a requirement for admission.
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Where is Orania Town Located?
The Orania town is in the Northern Cape province, Its located along the Orange river. The town is divided by the R369 and lies half way between Pretoria and Capetown. It has an estimate population of 1 600 people over a density of 100/km2.
The aim of the town is to ensure the survival of Afrikaners by keeping their language and culture alive. Any person who defines themselves as an Afrikaner and identifies with Afrikaner ethnicity is welcome to live in Orania. The town authority has rejected the Rainbow Nation concept.