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Abstract In a country set deeply in racial classifications, of a society once socially engineered on the basis of race, it is beyond embarrassing as a scholar, a South African Muslim of Indian origin not to have explored the essence of identity; of social identity; racial identity; ethnic identity, amongst others in such analytical detail until now. More than understanding and critically engaging with relatively new concepts, this exercise has turned into autobiographical experience of discovery. The most interesting feature of this experience has been a significant re-thinking of my identity (as perceived by myself), yet it has involved understanding what identity actually meant at the same time. Moreover, I have taken a step back and pondered over my identity; my Indian history (known as our ‘rich Indian heritage’), the development of a deep affection for India moulded only through narratives, music, art and movies; my exposure yet (imagined?) intimidation in predominantly white ex-model C primary and secondary schools; the University experience- the primarily homogenous experience; the sudden development and transferral of affection towards ‘South Africa’; and most saliently, the birth of new ‘identifying criteria