A filmmaker has explored the intriguing life within a ‘whites-only’ enclave.
Located just an hour away from Johannesburg, South Africa, is the peculiar community of Kleinfontein. This settlement is home to approximately 1,000 people and includes amenities like a bank, a school, and a shopping center.
However, Kleinfontein is not open to everyone; there are specific requirements for those wishing to live there.
To be a resident, individuals must be Protestant Christians, speak Afrikaans, descend from Voortrekkers, and be white.
Documentary filmmaker Ben Zand has uncovered the realities of this community in his YouTube series, Human.
For Zand, who is of mixed-race British-Iranian heritage, gaining access to this community was challenging. Nevertheless, he was driven to uncover the truth about Kleinfontein.
The town was established in 1992, two years after apartheid ended under South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela.
Yet, Kleinfontein still honors apartheid-era figures, such as former Prime Minister Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd, who is known as the ‘father of apartheid.’
Despite appearances, Ben Geldenhuys, the town’s spokesperson, claims their community is not motivated by racism.
“There was nothing wrong 300 years ago when the Germans lived by themselves, or the Franks lived by themselves, but now it’s a problem as somebody decided that multiculturalism is the way to go,” he told Zand.
“The people who want to integrate, let them, and the people who don’t, let them.”
However, Zand himself faced an immediate barrier when it came to being accepted into the community, as he was told he would likely not be allowed to settle there permanently.
Upon his arrival, a resident informed him that he would not ‘fit in.’
Despite the initial chilly reception, Zand later noted the residents’ surprisingly warm hospitality as they showed him around.
“They were so excited that I was there, and kept saying to me that they felt misunderstood. They think they’re right, but they just haven’t been heard yet,” he shared with The Metro.
“They were nice to me, because they probably wanted me to cover them nicely, and also, people find it very difficult to be horrible, even if they’re a complete racist, when one-on-one.”
Despite the cordial interactions, Zand felt uneasy when residents dubbed him the ‘Prince of Persia.’
“I laughed it off, and Ben said, ‘No, I looked you up and your great-great-grandfather was the king,'” Zand recalled. “I have never even said that publicly. It’s something my family think is the case, but they don’t know for sure. I Googled it afterwards, and you can’t find the link, which makes it even crazier.”
Zand also encountered other surprising comments, such as questions about alcohol consumption based on the assumption he was Muslim.
Regardless, Zand found the experience enlightening, ultimately reminding him of the importance of community and love.
“In Kleinfontein, they were so protective and kind to each other. They’ve created a well-functioning area, and the collectivism is such that they all contribute money to fund the schools and hospitals.”
“There’s a lot that can be learned, like if you work together, you can do great things. But that has a darker side, as by caring for themselves, they’ve banded together against other people whom they hate. We need a sense of identity that goes beyond our race and culture, as people on Earth.”