Communal Identity Creation in Rural Makgabeng

The Makgabeng area, Limpopo Province, South Africa, was successively occupied by almost all population groups of South Africa: the San, Khoikhoi, Bantu-speakers and the Europeans at various times. All those groups left their rich legacy, history and heritage in the Makgabeng area. The magnificent rock art paintings on the Makgabeng Mountains are clear evidence that the San and the Khoikhoi once occupied the area. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Bantu-speaking communities of the Batau, Bakone, Babirwa, Bat¿hadibe, Bahananwa, and even the Venda, once lived - and some still live - around Makgabeng. Records show that European travelers, hunters, traders, missionaries (especially German), and later the Boer and British colonial settlers also have their traces in that area. The area is therefore a microcosm of the South African society as representatives of all population groups have historical connection to it. As those successive groups lived and interacted in the Makgabeng area, new forms of different identities were created. This book traces communal identity creation in the rural Makgabeng area which came about in years of interaction of those successive communities.