Norwegian–South African cultural resurgence during the second World War (1939–1345)

Abstract

Although residents of Norwegian birth or ancestry were never a large ethnic group in South Africa, they made determined efforts to preserve aspects of their cultural heritage. After Norway was occupied by forces of the Third Reich in April 1940, Norwegians in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban undertook a variety of endeavours to support the resistance movement in Norway, contribute to the Allied front against Germany, portray Norway positively to the South African public, provide practical relief for the people of Norway. In these efforts, they made use of certain cultural symbols, such as Norwegian architecture and Viking ships