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Item Open Access Op weg na die politieke draaipunt van 1948: drie eeue van vrees as faktor in die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Du Bruyn, Derek; Wessels, AndreThe desire to safeguard themselves, and the aims of preserving and protecting an own identity, are central themes in the history of the Afrikaner. There is no doubt that the concomitant fear in white ranks is firmly rooted in history. Fear of both racial and political domination has had a permanent impact on the psyche of the Afrikaner, even before he had become aware of himself as a separate nation. It was the fear of the growing threat of a numerically superior indigenous black population in particular that would become an independent variable, not only in Afrikaner politics, but also in the broader context of white politics. The source of fear for Afrikaners in particular changed as time passed – from a fear of Anglicisation by the British to a fear of equality and mixing with blacks. The “right-wing line”, as well as the “fear line”, has been motivated, stimulated, or at least influenced by historical events and tendencies which strengthened white fears in some way or other, and as a result fostered right-wing sentiments. This study makes clear that fear as a political instrument may be manipulated to achieve specific political objectives.Item Open Access An historical perspective on the influence of the military environment on chaplaincy, with special reference to the Namibian War of Independence, 1966-1989(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Bredenkamp, Izette; Wessels, AndreAbstract not availableItem Open Access Black South African initiatives and the land, 1913-1948(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Feinberg, Harvey M.Abstract not availableItem Open Access Lord Kitchener en die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899-1902): 'n evaluering van sy opperbevelhebberskap(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Wessels, AndreThe purpose of this study (which is primarily based on archival sources) is to provide a critical reappraisal of the work done by Lord Kitchener as commander-in-chief of the British forces during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). From the study it is clear that Kitchener was a remarkable, albeit complicated and controversial military officer who left an enduring legacy in South Africa, as is the case in Sudan and to some extent in India. When he took over from Lord Roberts as supreme commander in South Africa at the end of November 1900, the war against the Boers was supposed to have been almost over, but in practice the conflict soon escalated both geographically and in intensity. Kitchener had no other option but to expand the scorched earth policy (which was started by Roberts), with very negative consequences for both the white and black civilians in the war zone. Eventually Kitchener was ruthlessly successful; and during the peace negotiations with Boer delegates at Pretoria, he proved to be an excellent negotiator and diplomat.Item Open Access Lord Roberts: Koningin Victoria se "ander generaal"(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Wessels, AndreIn the course of the 64 years that Queen Victoria reigned over the British Empire, from 1837 to 1901, her army was involved in no fewer than 230 wars, punitive expeditions and other military campaigns. This afforded many British officers the opportunity to build “heroic” careers. Lord Roberts of Kandahar (and later, inter alia, also of Pretoria) was probably Victoria’s most famous and most beloved field marshal. In this article, his career is critically analysed, with special reference to the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), in an effort to better understand how and why he became so famous, and to ascertain to what extent his success can be attributed to his own abilities and decisions; or rather, to luck. His earlier campaigns will also be compared with his role during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), before – in the concluding sections – his role as Commander-in-Chief at the War Office and career until his death in 1914 will be discussed. Throughout, mention will also be made of his “competition” with Sir Garnet Wolseley – regarded by some as Victoria’s “only general”, while Roberts’ supporters referred to their champion as Victoria’s “other general”.Item Open Access Om die toekoms van ons verlede te verseker: fasette betreffende die aard en uitdagings vir die geskiedenis-as-wetenskap vandag in Suid-Afrika(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Wessels, AndreAt the beginning of the third millennium, history as a subject at school level and as an academic discipline at universities is facing several challenges in South Africa. Are we, as a country, suffering from historical amnesia? Do we really know who we are, where we came from, and where we are heading? In this study, a brief review of what history is (or should be) is provided, and it is indicated what value the study of history has, what the task of the professional historian is, and a few comments are made with regard to, for example, people’s history and a multiperspective approach to history. Throughout it is indicated what must be done to ensure the future of our past, for example that historians must equip society with a truly historical perspective, so that it will be saved from the detrimental effects of exposure to political and ideological propaganda and historical myths. People must come to terms with their past, so that they can understand themselves (and others) better, and can learn to forgive, without the pressure that all must be forgotten.Item Open Access Die probleme en waarde van eietydse historiese navorsing(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Coetzer, PieterIn the new South Africa the importance of contemporary history cannot be overemphasised. The South African history since 1948 and the struggle towards democracy in 1994 and the period of the extension of this democracy came to prominence particularly among historians and journalists. In the period before 1988 contemporary history focused mainly on white history, while the general history (black and brown history) was neglected. This article focuses on the problems and value of contemporary historical research and the new concept in this regard.Item Open Access Die wanresepsie in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg van die gemeenregtelike beneficia vir onvermoënde debiteure(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Henning, JohanIn addition to cessio bonorum (the forerunner of voluntary surrender) and seureté du corps (safeconduct or vreygeley suspending arrest or detention, DG Van der Keessel, one of the great and last Roman-Dutch authorities, identified three beneficia available to impecunious debtors in the ius commune in the eighteenth century rescripta inductionis, rescripta moratoria and surchéance van betaalinge. Rescripta inductionis provided an effective procedure whereby creditors of an impecunious debtor could be induced to agree to a moratorium. Rescripta moratoria and surchéance van betaalinge in essence involved the declaration of a moratorium on a petition showing that a postponement of obligations was equitable in the circumstances and necessary to restore the liquidity of a debtor. In this contribution the various beneficia and the important and valuable role they could have played in South African law are analysed. The three South African decisions at the turn of the nineteenth century, all by judge Kotzé, resulting in the unnecessary abrogation of the beneficia, are evaluated and criticised as contextually incorrect and historically unsensitive. It is emphasised that South African courts have continued to rely on principles and concepts underlying these common law beneficia in the interpretation of modern moratory legislation.Item Open Access Die politieke bemagtiging van vroue: 'n globale perspektief(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Wessels, DaanSheila Meintjies, a commissioner with the Commission on Gender Equality, inter alia says “It is clear that women are actually very interested in politics. They want to participate.” Beatrice Ngobo, also from the Commission, adds “We have women in Parliament and we have good laws to protect women … (but) … when it comes to implementation, people at the frontline are mostly men. They won’t give up power so easily.” Against the background of the preceding statements the question still remains why women who make up half of the world’s population and perform two thirds of the world’s working hours, globally still account for only 16% of all lawmakers. South Africa’s definition of and goals towards achieving gender equality are guided by a vision of human rights which incorporates acceptance of equal and inalienable rights of all women and men. This ideal is a fundamental tenet under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996). It emerged from a long period of struggle for a democratic society that respects and promotes the rights of all its citizens irrespective of race, gender, class, age, disability, etc. (Bill of Rights, Sections 9.1 to 9.4) (RSA Gender Policy 2008 1).Item Open Access The Hellenic school in Bloemfontein(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Katoleon, Georgios; Wessels, AndreAbstract not availableItem Open Access The formation of the Congress of the People (COPE): a realistic challenge to the ANC?(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Twala, ChitjaAbstract not availableItem Open Access The effect of central and local governmental policies on the lives of the aged and infirm in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, 1940-1986(Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State, 2009) Le Roux, CharlAbstract not available