Definition of the word kraal

The word "kraal" is of Afrikaans origin, derived from the Dutch word "kraal" which means "enclosure" or "corral". It was adopted by the Dutch settlers (known as the Boers) into their language as they migrated and settled in Southern Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. In the context of Southern African history, a kraal was a compound or fortified enclosure where cattle and farms animals were kept overnight for protection against predators such as lions and hyenas. The enclosure also served as a living space for farm workers or their families, particularly Nguni-speaking people who were employed by the Boers as labourers. The word "kraal" eventually became associated with South Africa's history of apartheid and segregationist policies, as it was used to refer to the residential areas of black South Africans, who were forcibly removed from urban areas and relocated to segregated townships during the mid-20th century. Here, their homes were often constructed in barrack-style fashion, again resembling the traditional kraals of bygone years. Today, the term "kraal" is less commonly used, as more modern, Anglicized vocabulary has replaced it in common usage, particularly in urban areas. However, it remains a significant part of Southern African history and is still acknowledged as a forgettable reminder of the region's difficult colonial past.