Remembering 1956 and How Africa Welcomed Hungarian Refugees

1500 Hungarians arrived to South Africa in late 1956 and early 1957. In the 1950s Hungary was ruled by a communist dictatorship. Those in power served the Soviet Union, and not only did they cruelly strike every source of criticism, but they also considered entire layers of the Hungarian society guilty. They had started political proceedings against 10 percent of the Hungarian population between 1948 and 1956. Apart from the oppressive regime, Hungarians mostly suffered from their existential uncertainty. Even the most basic food could only be purchased for food rationing coupons. The country’s economy was wrecked by the arming and heavy industry development imposed by the Soviet Union.

Their homeland had revolted against the dictatorship, but everything was lost after the demise of the fight for independence that had started on October 23, 1956. The Hungarians arriving to South Africa knew next to nothing about this wonderful country, but they learned fast. Along with the handful of Hungarians who already lived here, and later joined by others, they became at once the citizens of the host country, and remained faithful sons of their motherland.

This is not the first Africa has helped European refugees. During World War II thousands of Europeans sought sanctuary in Africa where they felt safe. For example More than 20,000 Polish people were kept safe in several African after fleeing the Soviet attacks.

For more about the Hungarian story visit this website. You will also find photos of their journey. It tells their story and expresses the respect of the descendants towards hope, patriotism, and the fight for freedom. http://www.remember1956.co.za/index-en.html