The Hellenism of Africa
"After 1960, African Hellenism is on the decline in most countries where it was established for more than 100 years," Mr. Chaldaios said at the beginning of our conversation, adding that "today, the most populous Greek communities are in South Africa , Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Nigeria."
The "difficult" road and the causes of immigration
"The political, social and economic conditions in Africa are highly variable, which has affected the presence of the Greeks throughout the last centuries. The Greeks, despite the difficulties, have shown a remarkable adaptability, are particularly active and have offered a lot to the local societies", noted the Greek historian.
Regarding the reasons for emigrating to these countries - certainly less popular compared to the USA or Australia - Mr. Chaldeos said: "The reasons that led the Greeks to Africa, as well as to other parts of the planet, they were economic and to a second degree social. The main streams of immigration took place in the period 1890-1920, with the exception of the case of South Africa, Zambia and Malawi, where it was later. They mainly concerned Greeks who lived outside the Greek state, in areas that belonged to the Ottoman Empire."
"In recent years, after the economic crisis experienced by our country, a small number of immigrants are discovering Africa. However, as the conditions are special and the difficulties are significant, it is not a popular choice for Greek immigrants", he added.
Integration in South Africa
South Africa is home to the largest Greek community on the African continent, with Mr. Chaldeos explaining that the integration of Greeks into the local society was not a particularly easy task - anything but.
"They experienced unprecedented racism from the British and Afrikaners, especially in the period 1910-1930, which reached its peak with the pogrom of the period 1915-1917, when dozens of Greek shops were looted and burned in Johannesburg, Cape Town and other major cities of the country. The Greeks made a great effort to be accepted and recognized as equal members of the local society. Despite the difficulties, today they are respected members of the country and many of them hold important positions in the economic and social life of South Africa."
Sectors of employment and Greek priority
The Greek researcher at the University of Johannesburg emphasized that the spectrum of activity of the Greeks is particularly wide, since we are talking about a continent made up of more than 40 countries. "The original occupation of the Greeks included trade and construction. Gradually, the Greeks became the pioneers in the field of industry, catering and agricultural production. Today, they operate with particular success in the entire spectrum of the economic life of the countries in which they are located," he noted.
Installation stories
"If I could single out one story, surely it is that of the forgotten Dimitris Tsafeda, who opposed apartheid and although deliberately silenced by history remains a symbol of the people of South Africa for freedom and equality," said Mr Chaldeos, clarifying at the same time that:
"The Greeks have been living in Africa for centuries. With a presence in more than 30 countries, each story is special and clearly shows the difficulties and obstacles these people experienced. From settling in the jungle and lava desert, to the uncertainty of their physical integrity after a coup or civil war breaks out. The stories of the Greeks of Africa show in the best way the power of the Greek to overcome obstacles, to fight with difficulties, to manage to stand upright but also to never forget the land of his birth, his ideas and ideals".
Source: https://www.ekirikas.com/o-istorikos-kai-syngrafeas-antonis-cha/
Photo: Courtesy of Antonis Chaldaios, Antonis Chaldaios on a visit to Burundi.