Goffal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Goffal is a term used for people of mixed race from Zimbabwe particularly white with black.
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.
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[edit] 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" by ethnic shona people which means nephew or niece born of a sister, referring to the wide belief that they were mostly born of relationships between white men and black women.
[edit] 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.) 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. Therefore, post independence male goffals were found working predominantely grease jobs e.g mechanics,boiler makers,welders,fitter and turners and females as secretaries in the governments, particularly the lower courts.
Goffal communities are characterised by very jovial way of life with characterised by loud parties, loud and fast cars and colourful atire. Fundays, beerfests and soccer games along with the communities having places set up for games like bingo and darts for the elderly.
[edit] 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.
