From: The Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples/South Africans/Clifford J. Jansen
There is no doubt that, at least economically, South Africans have been highly successful in Canada, yet their immigration was not based on purely economic motives but on a wide range of concerns in the areas of politics and justice. With little or no community organization or support, the majority of South Africans came to Canada as independent immigrants, primarily to improve life for their children.
Both White and non-White immigrants (once the burden of their feelings of racial inferiority was lifted) have assimilated to Canadian life with little difficulty, making friends with other Canadians and in some instances marrying partners from other groups. Yet there have been losses for all South African immigrants. They have suffered separation from family and friends, and they have also left a country whose climate is one of the envies of the world for the harsher Canadian climate.
Not surprisingly, since they had little common identity in South Africa, and since they migrated to Canada for such diverse reasons, South African immigrants in this country have displayed a low level of ethnic commitment. However, the collaboration of special-interest groups in forming CANCOSA and events such as Freedom Day celebrations suggest that a distinct South African cultural group may be emerging.
