In the early 20th century, the rise of Afrikaner nationalism marked a defining moment in South African political and cultural history. Emerging from a context of colonial rule, war trauma, and a desire for cultural preservation, Afrikaner nationalism became more than just a political movement. It was a profound assertion of identity by a people seeking control over their future in a rapidly changing society. Understanding the rise of Afrikaner nationalism helps explain the roots of apartheid, the formation of key political institutions, and the sociopolitical ideologies that influenced decades of South African policy.
Historical Background of the Afrikaners
Afrikaners are descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who arrived in the Cape Colony during the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, they developed a distinct identity, shaped by their language (Afrikaans), religion (Calvinist Protestantism), and experiences under British rule. The British takeover of the Cape in the early 1800s led to resentment among the Afrikaners, particularly due to policies like the abolition of slavery and the imposition of English in public life.
The Great Trek and Boer Republics
One of the earliest expressions of Afrikaner resistance was the Great Trek in the 1830s and 1840s, where thousands of Afrikaners moved inland to escape British control. This led to the formation of independent Boer republics such as the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. These republics became symbols of Afrikaner self-determination and laid the groundwork for future nationalist sentiment.
The Impact of the Anglo-Boer War
The Second Anglo-Boer War (18991902) played a critical role in shaping Afrikaner nationalism. The brutal tactics used by the British, including the scorched earth policy and concentration camps, left deep scars. Over 26,000 women and children died in the camps, and many Afrikaners were left with feelings of bitterness and loss.
After the war, the British reasserted control, but Afrikaner leaders began working toward reconciliation and political empowerment. The trauma of the war and the desire to preserve their language, religion, and traditions became central to the emerging Afrikaner nationalist movement.
The Formation of the National Party
The official political rise of Afrikaner nationalism began with the formation of the National Party (NP) in 1914 by J.B.M. Hertzog. The party was established as a response to the growing dominance of English culture and language. Hertzog’s vision was for a South Africa governed by Afrikaner values, with Afrikaans recognized as an official language.
Key Objectives of the National Party
- Promotion of Afrikaans as a national language alongside English
- Protection of Afrikaner culture and Calvinist values
- Political independence from British imperial influence
- Support for economic advancement of the Afrikaner population
The National Party gradually gained political power, particularly among poor and rural Afrikaners who felt economically marginalized. The Great Depression of the 1930s further deepened their grievances, contributing to the growing support for nationalist ideologies.
The Role of the Broederbond
A powerful but secretive organization, the Afrikaner Broederbond, played a vital role in coordinating and spreading Afrikaner nationalist ideas. Formed in 1918, the Broederbond was composed of influential Afrikaner men from politics, education, the church, and business. It operated behind the scenes to ensure the promotion of Afrikaner interests in all sectors of society.
The Broederbond worked tirelessly to place Afrikaners in leadership roles, foster a sense of unity among them, and create educational and religious institutions that reinforced nationalist ideology.
Language and Cultural Movements
Afrikaans, once considered merely a dialect of Dutch, was elevated as a distinct and proud language through the efforts of nationalist scholars and poets. By 1925, Afrikaans was officially recognized as one of South Africa’s national languages. Cultural organizations such as the FAK (Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge) promoted Afrikaner music, literature, and traditions.
Education and Identity
Afrikaner nationalist leaders understood the power of education in shaping identity. Schools and universities became key tools for transmitting nationalist ideology. Textbooks emphasized Afrikaner history, glorified the Voortrekkers, and portrayed British imperialism as oppressive.
Rise to Power: 1948 Election Victory
The turning point for Afrikaner nationalism came in 1948 when the National Party, under D.F. Malan, won the general election. The NP’s platform openly promoted apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that was justified by nationalist arguments about racial purity, cultural preservation, and divine will.
This victory marked the beginning of formalized Afrikaner rule and set the stage for decades of apartheid policies that would shape South African society until the early 1990s. Afrikaner nationalism was now the dominant political ideology, backed by government policy, education, media, and religion.
Impact and Legacy
The rise of Afrikaner nationalism had deep and lasting effects on South Africa. On one hand, it unified a once-divided community and empowered them to lead a modern state. On the other, it created a system of racial discrimination that led to immense suffering and inequality for non-white South Africans.
Afrikaner nationalism was also marked by a strong sense of destiny and chosenness. This belief system drew heavily from Calvinist theology, which taught that the Afrikaners were a people chosen by God to fulfill a divine mission in Africa. This religious element gave nationalist ideology a moral justification, even in the face of international condemnation.
Decline of Afrikaner Nationalism
By the 1980s and 1990s, Afrikaner nationalism began to wane due to internal resistance, international pressure, and the unsustainability of apartheid. Reformist leaders like F.W. de Klerk initiated negotiations with Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress, leading to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a multiracial democracy in 1994.
Many Afrikaners had to redefine their identity in a new South Africa. While some clung to old symbols, others embraced a broader, more inclusive national identity. The fall of Afrikaner nationalism as a political force marked the end of an era but left behind a complex legacy that continues to influence South African politics and culture.
The rise of Afrikaner nationalism was a powerful and multifaceted movement that transformed South African society. It originated in the need for self-preservation and cultural pride but ultimately led to a system that excluded and oppressed the majority of the population. To understand modern South Africa, one must explore the historical context and ideological roots of this movement. The study of Afrikaner nationalism not only sheds light on the past but also offers valuable lessons about the dangers of ethnocentric politics and the importance of inclusive nation-building.