A Socio-Political History of Griqua Women in Griqualand East, c. 1950 – 2005

This thesis examines the social and political history of Griqua women in Kokstad, South Africa, between 1950 and 2005. It explores how women shaped, resisted and were shaped by the political structures of their time. Although the East Griqualand Pioneers Council (EGPC) emerged as the leading organisation in Griqualand East between 1950 and 2000 and became known for its role in land claims and Griqua identity, this thesis argues that Griqua women who were often marginalised in official narratives, played an equally important role in Griqua identity, culture and politics. Drawing on archival sources, interviews, newspaper articles and oral history, this study highlights the contributions of Griqua women. It also investigates how women were actively involved in the community and the Griqua National Independent Church but remained excluded from any leadership positions. This study also engages with the post-apartheid politics of land restitution and the recognition of identity, showing how the EGPC often pursued land claims at the expense of the community. Ultimately, this thesis challenges triumphant narratives that either erase or romanticises Griqua women’s experiences. It contributes to the growing body of literature that centres women, critiques patriarchal nationalism and it also rethinks how gender and indigeneity intersect. It also opens new avenues for further research on Griqua women’s religious roles, intergenerational knowledge promotion and the gendered impact of post-apartheid restitution procedures.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Manuel, Deveney Astrid

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Swart, Sandra

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136262

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136262