South Africa Editorial
The first Greek Cypriots arrived in South Africa in the 1930’s and
then after the independence of Cyprus at one time there was
estimated to be 25,000 and they were situated mainly in
Johannesburg and Cape Town but also in Durban and Port Elizabeth
many from the Paphos and Karpassia areas.
The first immigrants were involved in farming, factories and the
catering industry now they have their own property businesses also
involved in mining and are educated so they are in professions like
Doctors, Dentists, Lawyers and Accountants.
In recent years this population due to the political problems in South
Africa has decreased to 10,000 with several going back to Cyprus,
Australia, USA and even the United Kingdom.
The Greek Cypriots have tried to keep their Cypriot identity they have
a community Centre in Johannesburg with a School they have
churches that has a mainly Cypriot congregation and Cypriot
Community organisations. South Africa has a large Greek community
so you will find the Cypriots integrating into their community so you
will find there is a Hellenic outlook. |
