The end of Orania? Lesufi says whites-only town has ‘lived its time’

The controversial Orania settlement in the Northern Cape is one of the most infamous locations in South Africa. Never far away from the headlines, the town of just a few thousand inhabitants has had its existence called into question once more this week, following comments made by Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi.

Panyaza Lesufi calls for ‘an end to Orania’

He may be a provincial minister, but Lesufi has built a national profile for himself. His large Twitter following and outspoken social commentary have made him a favourite amongst social media users. However, the politician also has his detractors – and he’s never shied away from clashes with the Afrikaans-speaking community.

He’s butted heads with the likes of Solidariteit and AfriForum about the use of the language and has fought several legal battles with the groups on this particular matter. It’s likely that his most-recent statement on Orania will rile up his opponents again after he called time on the whites-only town.

Lesufi says ‘time is up’ for whites-only town

Speaking during a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of struggle icon Harry Gwala, Lesufi stated:

“We understand why Orania was established. But it must now be liberated. It has lived its time now. You cannot have an institution that is established on the colour of your skin or the language you speak.”

Panyaza Lesufi

Other politicians want to ‘review’ Orania

These utterances have sparked debate, making Orania the top trending topic on Twitter throughout Monday morning. Many have found themselves agreeing with Lesufi, but others have defended the town’s rights for ‘self-determination’. It’s an issue that highlights the deep divisions still present in South Africa.

Originally established in 1991, Panyaza Lesufi claims that the ‘experiment’ has come to a conclusion. He reckons that a non-racial South Africa cannot claim to have moved on from apartheid, if places like Orania are allowed to exist. Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul has previously stated that the town’s legal status ‘could be reviewed’.