Shaping Diasporic Identity: The Impact of Indian Media on Indians in South Africa

Various researchers have discussed at length the story of Indians migrating to South Africa. There is quite a body of literature tracing the journey of Indians migrating to South Africa through different means. Through the different studies the question of ‘identity’ especially for Indians in South Africa, has been addressed time and again. South African Indian identity is the product of many different factors. Among the various factors that have led to the formation of this South Africa identity, perhaps the most significant is the media. Indians have been influenced with the Indian media, since the beginning of migration as indentured labour. This essay purports to analyze three types of Indian media that have been paramount in shaping Indian diasporic identity in South Africa: print media, especially newspapers; cinema, Bollywood; and social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.