Greek pioneers in Mozambique-Struggling for a better life in the 1890s

(Excerpt from the book ‘The Greek community in Mozambique’)

During the first years of their settlement in Mozambique, Greeks who were involved in farming lived in huts equipped with only a bed and table in it. The heat was unbearable. Tropical diseases like malaria and wild animal attacks made everyone’s daily life a true hell. However, Greeks worked hard and did it. You can read interesting stories in the relevant book.

 

The tragic story of a few Greek miners in Tanzania in the 1930s

 

In 1923 gold deposits were found in the Lupa River to the southwest of Tanzania. A gold rush developed in the area and some pioneer Greeks arrived. In 1938, there were at least 120 Greek ‘diggers’. But, conditions were harsh and only few of the Greeks were able to make money. The majority died as a result of the primitive and unhealthy conditions.