Hundreds of years ago the first Chinese came to the far-flung southern tip of the African continent; most of them originally from southern China. In the centuries since, they’ve made homes there.
They’ve managed to thrive over the decades. And they are not leaving anyone behind. In downtown Johannesburg you can find the Hong Ning Chinese Aged Home. In Chinese culture, families take care of the elderly.
“We try and preserve the cultural feeling of home. The food is Chinese food because it is home. We also have various festivals like Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival,” said Winking Leon, Vice chairperson, Hong Ning Chinese aged home.
The histories of the people who call the place home are diverse – filled with both struggle and joy.
“I was born in South Africa in 1934…” said Joan Sing, resident, Hong Ning Chinese aged home. Adding, “That’s right…We had hard times…Family of six…I went to a township school. The Chinese school was small, but far so we couldn’t go, we lived in Alexandra Township. I was very happy there at the school…”
The history of the Chinese in South Africa is a long one, and Dianne Man would know all about it. She quite literally wrote the book, with help from her co-authors.
“First arrivals around 1660…Chinese working in Jan van Riebeeck’s market gardens…Big wave of immigration came with the gold rush…”Gold Mountain”. Johannesburg the third big one….” said Dianne Man, author.
There are in fact two Chinese communities in Johannesburg. One – the new generation of people who come from China to work and two – the Chinese who are South African citizens.
“We are diverse…to keep culture is difficult…second and third generation already integrated…now people can buy property anywhere…We would like more integration…Language barrier even though we are all Chinese…” said Francis Lai Hong, treasurer, Chinese Association of Gauteng.
There are other persistent challenges too for both these Chinese communities. Some businesses have been targeted in recent waves of xenophobic attacks.
But Chinese communities in South Africa also do their part to help the country they’ve grown to love. Donating to the children’s homes, for instance – and helping firefighters during recent disasters. Making a difference where they are able.
“It’s so heart-warming for us to be able to have the Chinese community here locally. They’ve gone above and beyond…” said Mandy Spies, Corporate Fundraiser, SOS Children’s Villages.
South Africans too have been getting to know China better. Chinese New Year has in recent years become an event for ALL South Africans. The most important cultural event on the social calendar for China.
For Chinese who have lived in South Africa for generations.
“We went to America, and to Canada but he didn’t like it, so he says no South Africa is his home, and we came back,” says Joan Sing, Resident, Hong Ning Chinese aged home.
It is home, for Chinese who are seeking new opportunities and for South Africans who are keen for closer contact with an ancient culture.
