Goffal

Goffal is a term used for people of mixed race from Zimbabwe, particularly white people of British & Dutch descent with black people.

It cannot be pinpointed exactly when coloureds started referring to one another as Goffals but it is widely accepted that it evolved in the late 1980s to early 1990s in goffal communities around the country.

Racial composition of goffals

Goffal can refer to a mixture of any race but is predominantly a mixture of local black tribes (Shona and Ndebele), and white settlers. Goffal surnames are of European origin e.g. Soutter, Mckop, Hassam, Green, Van Helsdingen, and Van Heeden. They have also been nicknamed "vazukuru", which means nephew or niece born of a sister, by ethnic Shona people, referring to the wide belief that they were mostly born of relationships between white men and black women.

Goffal communities

During the white minority rule in then Rhodesia all children resulting from inter-racial relations were separated from their families and put into race-specific schools and restricted to living in coloured designated neighbourhoods. As a result the mixed race offspring began to marry and have families within their racial group which already included the Cape Coloureds. The Goffal community began to grow and gain an identity. Specifically suburbs mainly in Bulawayo (Thorngrove nicknamed Groove, Barham Green nick named B.G., Queens Park, Morningside and Harare (Arcadia, Braeside) began to grow and gain a significant population but in recent years many have gone in diaspora with large groups in London,Milton Keynes, Dublin, Canada in cities and towns like St.Catharines/Hamilton/Burlington/Toronto and New Zealand.

In addition, goffals traditionally worked in jobs that were below those reserved for white people but just above the menial jobs reserved for black people in colonial times. Post-independence male goffals were found working predominately "grease jobs"; e.g. mechanics, boiler makers, welders, fitter and turners and females as secretaries in the governments, particularly the lower courts.Ironically it is these trades that are in high demand in most first world countries leading to success for many goffal mena nd women who have the needed experience.

Goffal communities are characterised by very jovial way of life which are characterised by loud parties,extremely social attitudes, loud and fast cars, colourful attire and of course, the love for street fighting amongst the younger members of the communities. It was not uncommon to see groups of Goffal youngsters going to nightclubs just to get a thrill out of fighting with others to prove their superiority. They also love Fundays, Car Races, beerfests and soccer games along with the communities having places set up for games like bingo and darts for the elderly.Goffals have had to prove their identity to Southern Africa and therefore have pride in their background and sense of culture.Goffal women are known to be amongst the most beautiful in the world due to their distinct and unique looks, hair and body shapes which are said to capture the beauty of almost every race in the world.

Language

Unlike their South African counterparts who speak Afrikaans, the main language is a mixture of mainly English with some Afrikaans, local Bantu and slang made up over the years to produce a unique accent which is easily identifiable.

Goffals can also be identified by their accents that are very distinctive with the word "eksee" (Afrikaans "Ek sê" or "I say") used at the end of each phrase or sentence e.g. "How's it, eksee?" to which the reply is "lekker, eksee". Goffals are proud to be from Africa.

Ancestors

In terms of anthrological classification a goffal is a British African

Goffal Slang

[http://www.goffal.com/nuke/modules.php?name=Dictionary Goffal Dictionary]

[http://www.frokwon.net/slang.asp Zimbabwean Slang Dictionary]

External links

* [http://www.goffal.com goffal.com]
* [http://www.goffalsabroad.com goffals abroad trust]
* [http://www.whatstheonion.blogspot.com whats the onion]
* [http://goffalraps.informe.com/portal.html Foggal Raps]