The $30 million toe in the water

Orania, South Africa's whites-only Afrikaner enclave, is celebrating 35 years of existence, with a new college drawing young people back to the town. The college, which has an intake of 250 students , is planning for an expansion to 800 students within four years, with dormitories under construction.

According to Joost Strydom, the town's spokesman, the college is a major draw for young people, who are attracted by the sense of home and community that Orania offers.

The town's small-town feel has won over 19-year-old Divan van der Westhuizen, who moved to Orania from Johannesburg. 'It's been a big change coming from where you mingle with a lot of people,' he said. 'It did me good to be back with my own peope, the Afrikaners.'

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Orania's population has slowly grown, and with the new college, it is attracting more young families. For many, Orania represents a return to roots in a country where crime and economic uncertainty are common concerns.

The sense of safety and communal support is a major draw. Residents leave their doors unlocked and children play freely in the streets. the town also has a low unemployment rate, as most adults are employed locally or run their own businesses.

However, the idyllic image is tempered by the reality of isolation. There are no chain stores, no hospitals, and limited entertainment options. But for those who choose to stay, Orania offers a lifestyle that is increasingly rare in modern South Africa: a close-knit community where everyone knows each other and shares the same language and beliefs.

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Orania's inhabitants make up only a fraction of South Africa's Afrikaner population, estimated at arounnd 2.6 million of 62 million people in 2022. But its reinforcement of identity appeals to young Afrikaners in much the same way as MAGA conservatives in the United States and European far-right parties, both attracting a youngger demographic .

The town operates its own currency, the Ora, and has its own flag and anthem. Residents are expected to adhere to Christian principles and speak Afrikaans. The community prides itself on self-sufficiency, with its own farms, businesses, and a local government that handles everything from waste management to education.

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Critics accuse Orania of being a racist experiment that undermines South Africa's post-apartheid democracy. However, supporters argue it is a cultural preservation project, not unlike ethnic enclaves found in other parts of the world.

The town's future remains uncertain, but for now, it continues to be a magnet for Afrikaners seeking a safe haven in a changing world. As one resident put it, 'We are not against anyone. We are just for ourselves.'