African Journals Online
Historia

Volume 46, Issue 1, May 2001
Abstracts

Editorial 3-4

Abstract: Afrikaners and history in the 21st century; History at school; Cyber archives

Voëlvlug van 'n Afrikanergeskiedenis van 350 jaar
Giliomee, H. 5-24

Abstract: Bird's-eye view of an Afrikaner history over 350 years The formation of an Afrikaner people can be best understood as the outcome of certain forces: a relative balance between the sexes in the white population after 1725; the role of the church and the relatively strong position of white women. The unfolding of South African history can be understood in terms of C.W. de Kiewiet's dictum of South Africa as a country of low grade land, low grade gold and low grade people. The first refers to the fact that only a small part of South Africa is arable. It led to migrants farmers dispersing over a large area and becoming dependent on black and brown labour. Low grade gold sucked large numbers of workers to the Witwatersrand and reinforced the trend towards heavy use of migrant black labourers. By low grade people De Kiewiet meant the lack of qualifications of a large part of the labour force, including Afrikaner workers. This was the background against which the policies of segregation and apartheid were introduced.

Environmental management in South Africa : twenty years of governmental response to the global challenge, 1972-1992
Steyn, P. 25-53

Abstract: Environmental management in South Africa: twenty years of governmental response to the global challenge, 1972-1992 The article examines South African governmental initiatives in environmental management between the two historic environmental conferences hosted by the United Nations, namely the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The twenty years under discussion was an important development phase for environmental management on both national and international political levels. It was a period in which the focus gradually shifted from addressing the environment as a political issue in the 1970s, to acknowledging by 1992 that the world at large needed a new developmental model (namely sustainable development) if humankind was to survive.

Nederlandse emigrante op Wonderfontein 1928-1969 - 'n suksesvolle mislukking onder die vaandel van stamverwantskaps- en ekonomiese motiewe
Van Eeden, E.S. 54-91

Abstract: Dutch emigrants on the farm Wonderfontein, 1928-1969: a successful failure under the banner of kinsman relations and economic motives The Wonderfontein immigration project in South Africa by the Dutch related company ZASM can be interpreted as a success or a failure - depending on the way the history of the Wonderfontein project is approached. Perhaps a failure regarding the original aim of developing an agricultural oriented community and economy. By being "involved" in Wonderfontein the financial outcome for the ZASM appears to have been a raving success because of the profits they made from selling land they obtained for much less. It is unlikely that a notion of preserving a kinsman relation played an important part in any vision or political motive that might have existed with Dutch or South African leaders or even the ZASM executive. Individual motives through the decades since Dutch settlement in Wonderfontein (Carletonville) in 1928, directed the degree of involvement. Financial enthusiasm was a key word in every aspect of Wonderfontein involvement up until the selling of the outstanding property in 1969.

War, sex and politics : the South African Medical Section in Korea, 1950-1953
Van der Waag, I.J. 92-108

Abstract: South African participation in the Korean War was a complex matter: militari ly and in terms of domestic and foreign politics. Nonetheless South Africa place d an air force squadron as well as a token army element at the disposal of the United Nations Forces, including a small medical section. This study focuses in on the transience of life of about 900 South African soldiers during war. Hedonis m, searches for light-hearted pleasure and making the most of the moment have always accompanied war. The Korean War was no different. Despite South African racial politics, the South African Korea contingent suffered a STD rate of some 130 per thousand per year.

The Kennedy administration and the institution of an arms embargo against South Africa, 1961 - 1963
Van Wyk, A.Grobler, J. 109-133

Abstract: In the 1950's the Afro-Asian nations in the United Nations launched a plan for mandatory sanctions against South Africa, due to the latter's policy of apartheid. In most of the early campaigns, South Africa had enjoyed the support of the United States, although the latter had always verbally condemned the South African Government's policy of apartheid. With the onset of the Kennedy Administration in the United States in 1961, this situation was however due to change.

Voëls van eenderse vere : die totalitêre ideologieë in die twintigste eeu
Scholtz, L.Scholtz, I. 134-158

Abstract: Birds of a feather: totalitarian ideologies in the twentieth century For various reasons it has long been taboo to name communism and national socialism in the same breath or to compare them. Since the publication of Stéphane Courtois' sensational book about the crimes of communism in 1997 this is, however, being done more and more. In this article the comparison is made by looking at the systemic resemblances and differences, the natural affinity that leaders like Hitler and Mussolini on the one hand and Stalin on the other displayed towards each other, and the easy way in which they exchanged their enmity for cooperation. The conclusion is that there were indeed differences in content, but that the way in which they manifested themselves in practice, the mentality behind the ideologies, showed great similarities.

The State Theatre Dance Company and the shaping of contemporary dance in South Africa
Kriel, L. 159-188

Abstract: This article looks into the reception of contemporary dance theatre by South African audiences and critics during the last decade of the twentieth century, with specific reference to the State Theatre Dance Company (STDC), widely recognised as the best in South Africa. The success of the STDC can, to a large extent, be ascribed to European and American input as far as artistic inspiration from the works of international choreographers and the development of local dancers (technique and discipline) are concerned.

Verdediging van die Kaap in 1795 : vir kroon of patria?
Potgieter, T. 189-212

Abstract: Defending the Cape in 1795: for king or country? The strategic location of the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa made it a priced possession and vital for maritime communications to the East. With the growth of British global commercial interest control of the sea route to the East and a safe base along this route became essential. But, the Cape was in Dutch hands and in 1795 (after France invaded the Netherlands) Britain decided to prevent the Cape from falling into French hands. An expeditionary force sailed for the Cape and the Prince of Orange (then a refugee at Kew) supported the idea that the Cape be placed "under the protection" of the British. Local opinion at the Cape was severely divided. Some Orange supporters demanded immediate adherence to the Prince of Orange's request while supporters of the Patriot Party threatened to defend the Cape to the last. As the rulers of the Cape and many officers were Orange supporters and the burghers and soldiers were Patriot supporters, the Cape Military Commander Colonel Gordon, was in a difficult position. Should he defend the Cape or capitulate? Meanwhile, the British landed successfully in False Bay and because of the poor defence they forced the Dutch back. Many of the burghers and soldiers were furious with the weak defence, but when British reinforcements arrived, the military situation changed in favour of the British. The Cape capitulated.

Dr. H.F. Verwoerd se Hollandse afkoms : sy Achilleshiel?
Terblanche, H.O. 213-246

Abstract: Dr. H.F. Verwoerd's Dutch descent: his Achilles heel? In the study attention is given to the Dutch roots of Dr. H.F. Verwoerd. There is an attempt at giving a perception of the contemporary resception of the former premier of South Africa in the public sphere. Attention is also given to the effect his Ditch roots might have had on the political leader of the twentieth century who was directly responsible for the implementation of the apartheid policy.

Time and the river : observations on the Vaal River as source of water to the Witwatersrand 1903-24
Tempelhoff, J.W.N. 247-270

Abstract: In the period 1903-24 the Vaal River underwent a decisive process of change. After the founding of the Rand Water Board (1903) plans were implemented for the establishment of a water scheme for the Witwatersrand. In the article an explanation is offered on how industrial and urban development increased the demand for water. By the time the construction of the Barrage (1916-23) was completed a new era dawned for people along the river

Book reviews / boekresensies 271-284

Abstract: Readable work with existential relevance: R. Lacey and D. Danziger, The year 1000 What Life was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium: an Englishman's World (Reviewed by Geoff. Allen RAU)