Hegemony and survival

Previously we observed that, as the ecology of the Protectorate began to slowly recover after 1899, the rigorous enforcement of Hut Tax payments became an increasingly important factor in assuring a steady flow of migrant workers from the territory to the mines and farms of South Africa.

Those gazetted as chiefs had potential motives other than colonial pressure to see that taxes were collected. From 1899 they were allowed to annually pocket up to 10% of all the Hut Tax money in their reserves.

Many also imposed special levies and expected gifts from returning migrants. Some of this revenue was used for public projects, but probably most of it before the 1938 introduction of Tribal Treasuries was used by dikgosi for their personnel upkeep.

Editor's Comment
Mob justice isn't just

A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up