Wrapping up Orange

[P3D]

The mainly OOC stuff I promised

The Christmas Abolition of 1916 -
repelling the "Kaffir" laws and direct racial discrimination

After long behind-the-scenes talks, the libertarians forced through a resolution that abolished all existing laws based on racial origin. The enforcement and interpretation of those laws (esp. regarding 'colored' vs. 'kaffir') got relaxed after the integration of the ex-Portuguese colonies of Mozambique and Angola - the elites of those regions could be classified as 'colored' with a strict interpretation of the legal criteria.

The abolished laws limited the rights of "kaffirs"("blacks/negroes") the following way as of 1915:
a/ To provide work opportunities for immigrants, kaffirs were forbidden to work in industry. Their opportunities were limited to agriculture, mining, construction and household servants.
b/ "black" families were not allowed to permanently settle into cities, individuals could move there for selected works but only temporarily.
c/ "blacks" were excluded from the military officers corps decades ago. The education of kaffir and colored officers started around 1906, but they are limited to the tribal regiments.
d/ They were excluded from higher education.

The abolition also extends to the state/municipal level.

They were not, however, separate laws to limit their involvement in political life. Eligibility to vote on the municipal/state/federal levels are essentially based on the amount of taxes paid, which limited the numbers of 'blacks' and 'coloreds' due to their economical status. This legally allowed some local autonomy in native communities and very limited representation on state/federal level (like a single token senatorial seat).

The main reason for the abolition is the effective stop in immigration and resulting workforce shortage in the industry. However, the libertarian arguments were rather ideological besides humanitarian. If kaffirs are 'Untermenchen', then the  general 'white' population should not fear from them that much, as their inability for complex
thinking would limit their achievements. Excluding their best talents would also damage Orange economically. Also, this would remove the basis of some political attacks on Orange.

NB, the existing racial prejudice and economical inequalities guarantee that existing status quo (and segregation) won't change fast. Municipal authorities still could use economic/bureaucratic restrictions/law enforcement to limit the influx of undesired elements.

The direct consequence of the abolition is the resignation of the government and new elections taking place early 1917.

[P3D]

Bharati Refugees

In the refugee crisis before and during Bharat-French war, Orange helped to move a significant amount of religious refugees (Christians, Muslims and Sikhs/other minorities) from Southern Bharat. This operation, unlike others, were not stopped by the war, due to the Orange support provided in the war. Refugees were moved to the Orange Indian Ocean possessions - Christmas Island, Orange Chagos and Keeling into refugee camps.

A limited number of refugees were allowed to settle the islands (up to ~50,000) while the rest were allowed to settle in Southern Africa. A town and few villages were funded in Mozambique for them, but the rest were scattered around the states.

Note: the exact number of refugees is to be determined.

Rubber:

To decrease dependency of foreign resources, Orange created some experimental rubber plantations in Zambia and Angola, with the close Zambezi to provide the necessary irrigation in the dry season. First yield is expected in 1921-22. Production will require subsidies as irrigation costs money.

Kronjé disease:
Deep in the Namibian deserts, a military base establishment still preserves some strains of the deadly disease of 1904-06. Public research and studies are conducted by the Kronjé Institute for Tropical Diseases, at the University of Windhoek in the state of Namibia.