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
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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