Abstract
M.Ed.
This study was conducted with the central task of investigating the Bakgaga Bakopa
community's experiences of forced removal from their ancestral settlement at
Maleoskop. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of forced removal on the
lives of the community members. It was an opportunity for the community members to
reveal their experiences.
In this study a qualitative research design was used, with the main data collecting
technique being the interview. Eleven members of the community representing
different sectors were chosen at random. In-depth interviews and observations were
conducted to investigate the research problem.
This research discovered that the community members had experienced psychological
and socio-economic problems during the removals, and throughout their entire lives.
The findings also indicated that there is a need for programmes to educate and
empower the community members to be able to overcome their poverty. Recommendations have been forwarded on how the community members can be selfreliant
to improve their lives educationally, socially, and economically. The
interviewees indicated that the land at Maleoskop is economically viable because of the
high rainfall. It is a potential area for tourism which can benefit the community
financially. Returning to their ancestral settlement will restore the culture of the
community. That is the main reasons why the community still wishes to return to
Maleoskop.