Culture, tradition, custom, law and gender equality

African culture has experienced rapid change since the colonial invasion.
Contemporary African culture is a mixture of traditional elements and alien features.
Local African culture was oppressed for many years by white South Africans, who
find their cultural roots in western countries. Western cultures tend to be more
individualistic and focused on individual achievements and personal interests,
whereas African cultures are collectivistic, group-oriented, and concerned with the
welfare of their community.
Native law was officially recognised in 1848, but only insofar as it did not infringe on
the humanitarian principles of ‘civilised society’ – understood to be ‘white society’ in
that day.9 The aim was to maintain control over African people.

Publisher: University of North West
Year of Publication: 2012