The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

On 19 August 1970, the Chinese community, officially classed non-White in the past though they were admitted to White theatres, restaurants and residential areas, was granted official 'White' status for the first time, but only for sport and leisure. In 2008 years after the fall of the Apartheid Regime the Chinese have been classed 'Black' again. South Africa's high court ruled that Chinese South Africans would be reclassified as 'Black,' a term that includes Black Africans, Indians and others who were subject to discrimination under apartheid. As a result of this ruling, ethnically Chinese citizens will be able to benefit from government affirmative action policies aimed at undoing the effects of Apartheid.

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01Kalley, J.A.; Schoeman, E. & Andor, L.E. (eds)(1999). Southern African Political History: a chronology of key political events from independence to mid-1997, Westport: Greenwood.
02Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 3, p. 196.
03Harris, K.L,' a preliminary overview to 1910'.[online],Available at www.sahistory.org.za[Accessed: 15 August 2013]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012147

South African History Online (2011) 'The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012147 (Accessed: 28 August 2026).

South African History Online, The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012147, (accessed 28 August 2026).

"The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012147. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "The Chinese Community in South Africa is granted ‘White’ status." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012147.