Synopsis This study seeks to examine the perceptions of and responses to transformation among the people of Indian origin, in the context of the debates around race, class, ethnicity and civil society in post-apartheid South Africa. Focusing on the issues of historical and contemporary interest, it discusses at length the problems of informal settlements, the business opportunities that gave rise to the ongoing feud between Indian bus owners and African Taxi owners, the alleged deterioration in education, and the increased want by youngsters to work overseas, or of families to emigrate in order to escape a deteriorating political situation.