This paper explores the contradictions and complexities of the themes Diaspora, Sanctuary
and Estuary.
Diaspora has historically referred to people and communities who have been displaced from
their native, shared homeland through movement as a result of migration, immigration, or
exile. African Diaspora tells the story of displacement throughout the continent and how
Africans managed to retain their traditions and restructure their identities in a western
dominated world and modern urban city. Through this paper I will explore how these
diasporic communities maintained a sense of belonging through the notion of sanctuaries.
Where these communities and sanctuaries overlap and, much like natural estuaries, how
these interactions create uniquely dynamic systems.
I will address themes within the urban context of Johannesburg and their influence on the
nature space. It concludes by addressing the need for a new form of accommodation in
response to the transient communities and fluid nature of the city.
Key words: Diaspora, Sanctuary, Estuary, Transience, Accommodation.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/17587 |
| Date | 30 April 2015 |
| Creators | Valasis, Peter |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf, application/pdf |
Page generated in 0.0021 seconds