Afrikaners and Zulu communities want to work together

Source: Adapted from AfriForum

A commemorative event for the former Zulu King, King Dinuzulu (1868-1913), was held on the Farm Rietfontein (Kwa Thengisangaye on Friday 18 October.

The reigning Zulu King, King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, invited AfriForum (an institution of the Solidarity Movement to the event. For these two parties this marks the beginning of formal discussions on cooperation between the Zulu communities and the Afrikaners.

King Misuzulu Zwelithini wants the talks to focus on cooperation in the fields of the economy, community safety, land management and cultural exchange, as well as other matters of joint interest.

This occasion was celebrated on the farm where King Dinuzulu died in exile on 18 October 1913, exactly 111 years ago.

 

A brief background on the Afrikaners and the Zulus

Many people who are not all that familiar with the history, are under the impression that the Afrikaners and the Zulus have a history of conflict and that, to this day, they live in animosity. This perception dates back to the times of the Great Trek.

Under the rule of King Dingaan, a cruel Zulu king, thousands of Zulus massacred innocent women, children and families during the Battle of Bloukrans. The Trekkers took revenge at the Battle of Blood River, a battle that claimed the lives of almost 10 000 Zulus.

In the aftermath of these events and King Dingaan’s death, the Voortrekkers, today’s Afrikaners, made peace with the Zulus. The Afrikaners even attended the inauguration of Dingaan’s successor, King Mpande. The Afrikaners and Zulus subsequently fought side by side on numerous occasions and cooperated whenever the opportunity presented itself.

This cooperation and peace clearly manifested in the he relationship King Dinuzulu had with the Afrikaners.

During the Bambata Rebellion against the British colonialists, King Dinuzulu was imprisoned in Newcastle. When South Africa became a Union the new Prime Minister, Louis Botha, ordered the release of the Zulu King.

After his release, King Dinuzulu was allowed to settle on the Farm Rietfontein where he spent his last years. Botha knew him well because, as a young man, Botha was a member of Comdt Lucas Meyer’s commando that supported King Dinuzulu in the victory over the Mandlakazi, a Zulu faction, during the Battle of Spookberg (Tshaneni) in 1884.

During the memorial event this month reference was made to the relationship between General Louis Botha and King Dinuzulu.

King Misuzulu KaZwelethini.
King Misuzulu KaZwelethini.

What does the future hold?

In his speech, the King emphasised among other things that the “historical alliances” that existed between the Afrikaners and the Zulus are “a reminder of the complexities and nuances of our past.”

“The relationships that existed between King Mpande, King Dinuzulu and the Boer leaders remind us of the intricate web of diplomacy and steadfastness that characterised our history,” King Misuzulu KaZweletini said.

According to Mwalela Cele, deputy head of research and innovation at Amafa, the KwaThengisangaye Site is a confirmation of the role that heritage can play in promoting peaceful coexistence.

“The site and the history and the heritage associated with it confirm that that there is more that unites us than what divides us in this beautiful country. It is very important to Amafa that sites such as this one are preserved and that memorials and plaques are erected so that they can be preserved for generations to come and so that people will be able to know their history,” Cele explained.

Barend Uys, head of intercultural relations and cooperation at AfriForum mentioned at the event that the present generation, like previous generations have the responsibility to ensure a future for generations to come. He maintains, that all peoples in the country are facing major challenges but that solutions beckon

AfriForum believes that all cultural communities should work together on a basis of mutual recognition and respect on matters that are important to us. The historical issue our generation has to resolve is the peaceful co-existence of all the peoples calling the southern tip of Afrika their home. What is happening here today can serve as a good start to ensure a peaceful co-existence. We are building trust. We are engaging in difficult talks that are necessary to achieve genuine reconciliation between peoples.”

Uys welcomed King Misuzulu’s positive response to a request for dialogue with the Afrikaans community.

“We are keenly looking forward to engage in talks with the king about issues that affect our respective communities, and to cooperate with the king,” Uys explained.

“AfriForum and Afrikaners choose to continue to exist with a sense of justice. We choose mutual recognition and respect. We choose a peaceful coexistence. What we are experiencing is that the other peoples in the country and especially the traditional leaders have also made the choice, and today’s celebrations were an exceptional example of that. We are also very grateful for the privilege of having King Misuzulu attending the occasion where he acted as keynote speaker.

Barend Uys of AfriForum, Frikkie Meyer (interpreter) and king Misuzulu KaZwelethini.
Barend Uys of AfriForum, Frikkie Meyer (interpreter) and king Misuzulu KaZwelethini.

 

 

Opportunities for collaboration

If you admire the work the Solidarity Movement do and want to contribute or are searching for opportunities for collaboration  in some way, but don’t know how, this article is for you. We know that no community, institution or country can function on its own. Your contribution may feel small to you, but it can make a big difference to us and South Africa as a country.

 

Why is international support important?

The international community’s support for Afrikaners in South Africa is about more than just protecting a single group; it is about promoting minority rights, preserving cultural diversity and contributing to the stability and progress of South Africa as a whole. By supporting the Solidarity Movement, the international community supports a broader vision of a world where diversity is respected and cherished.

  1. Preservation of cultural diversity

Afrikaners have a unique cultural identity that has developed over more than three centuries. Their language, Afrikaans, and their cultural practices, including traditions, music and literature, form an important part of South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry. The international community, which values the preservation of cultural diversity, can play a role in supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting this culture together with all other cultures.

  1. Human rights and minority protection

Like any minority group in a multicultural society, Afrikaners are at risk of discrimination and marginalisation. In the present-day South Africa, where policies such as affirmative action and land reform are controversial issues, there are instances where Afrikaners feel that their rights are threatened. International support can help ensure that the rights of Afrikaners are protected as a minority group, and that they have equal access to economic opportunities and basic services.

  1. Education and economic development

Education is one of the pillars of any society’s progress. Afrikaners, like all other communities, strive to have access to quality mother tongue education. Institutions such as Sol-Tech and Akademia offer training and education in Afrikaans, contributing to the empowerment of the Afrikaner youth. International support can help these institutions to expand their capacity and to make quality education available to more people, ultimately promoting the economic development of the entire community.

  1. Protection against economic marginalisation

In the current South African context, there is an ongoing debate about affirmative action and land reform, which are intended to correct historical injustices. Although these policies are well-intentioned, they harm South Africa as a whole and create opportunities for corruption. International support can help ensure that merit, and not skin colour, becomes the basis of economic growth.

  1. Peace and stability in South Africa

The stability of any country depends on the harmony and cooperation that exist between its different population groups. By supporting Afrikaners in their efforts to build a sustainable and just future for themselves, the international community can contribute to the greater goal of peace and stability in South Africa. This includes support for dialogue and cooperation between the different cultural and ethnic groups in the country.

 

Here is how you can support the Solidarity Movement:

  1. Donations

Any contribution helps us to expand our projects and to build a better, prosperous South Africa. To support our cause, you can make a donation towards any institution or project of your choice through the Afrikaner Foundation (Afrikaner.org.za), or through the Solidarity Movement’s website (solidaritymovement.co.za/donations/).

  1. Recognition

Giving recognition to our initiatives may seem to be a small gesture to you, but to us recognition brings credibility and respect in the local and national political circles where we are trying to establish collaboration. Official international recognition will strengthen the stance the Solidarity Movement takes in South Africa.

  1. Spread awareness

Unfortunately, a large part of the world is still ignorant about state failure in South Africa, and easily believes the lies and appearances the government tries to put forward. By spreading awareness of the real situation in South Africa, you are not only helping our institutions, but you are also helping all the people of South Africa that suffer due to the poor governance in the country.

  1. Apply political pressure

By applying political pressure on South Africa’s government, you confirm that their actions are not approved by all international institutions, and it forces them to reconsider the impact of their choices.

  1. Friendship and co-operation

The Solidarity Movement is open to new opportunities to learn from and engage with our international friends. Our friendship bonds help to contribute our knowledge to the world and also to learn from other institutions.

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Jaco Kleynhans (Head of International Liaison): jacok@solidariteit.co.za

Jaco Kleynhans
Jaco Kleynhans

Ernst Roets (Head of Policy and Executive Director of The Afrikaner Foundation): ernst@solidariteit.co.za

Ernst Roets
Ernst Roets

Browse  our website and read our stories for more information and the latest updates.

 

Meet the Afrikaners

The Afrikaners are a nation in South Africa, mainly descendants of Dutch, French Huguenots and German settlers who had immigrated to the Cape of Good Hope from the mid-17th century. They have developed a unique cultural and linguistic identity, which is centred around the use of the Afrikaans language and Calvinism as their religious belief.

 

Origin and identity

Afrikaners’ identity is deeply rooted in a complex history of colonisation, conflict, self-determination and adapting to an African context since 1652. The origin of the Afrikaners can be traced back to the establishment of the refreshment station in the Cape by the Dutch East India Company, or the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC), in 1652. During the centuries that followed, this unique community named itself after Africa and developed a language, Afrikaans, which originated from Dutch and which also inherited influences from other languages such as Malay, Portuguese and the indigenous languages of the Khoi and San.

The freedom struggle of the Afrikaners in South Africa is a deeply interwoven narrative that spans across more than three centuries. It is a story of resilience, identity and the constant quest for self-determination during various types of oppression. This analysis will examine the most important moments and phases of this struggle, and will attempt to unravel the Afrikaners’ complicated path to freedom in South Africa.

 

The settlement at the Cape: The beginning of a new nation (1652 – 1795)

The arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, and the subsequent establishment of the refreshment station at the Cape of Good Hope, laid the foundation for the development of the Afrikaner identity. The settlers, who were mainly of Dutch, French Huguenot and German origin, settled at the southern tip of Africa, initially to supply the needs of the VOC’s ships. However, these European settlers soon began to develop a unique identity, modelled on their European heritage, but also adapted to the challenges and circumstances of their new home.

In these early years, the Afrikaners, who were known as “Boere”, adopted a way of life that depended on self-reliance, livestock farming and a strong Calvinist faith. They settled in remote areas and made a living through hard work and a strong belief in their religious calling. This self-reliance and faith played an important role in the development of a strong Afrikaner identity, which would later play a key role in their struggle for freedom.

The Dutch Governor, Jan van Riebeeck, settled in Cape Town, South Africa in 1652.
The Dutch Governor, Jan van Riebeeck, settled in Cape Town, South Africa in 1652.

The Great Trek: A quest for self-determination

The American War of Independence, also known as the American Revolution or the American Revolutionary War, which took place between 1775 and 1783, inspired Afrikaners to rebel against British colonial rule and establish independent republics in the interior.

By the early 19th century, the British annexation of the Cape Colony led to increasing tension between the British authorities and the Afrikaners. The abolition of slavery in 1834, together with British interference in the Afrikaners’ way of life, led them to believe that their freedom was threatened. In response, thousands of Afrikaners began the Great Trek in 1836, a massive migration into the interior of South Africa, in search of freedom and self-determination.

The Great Trek was not only a physical movement, but also a symbolic action of secession from British rule and a quest for the establishment of independent republics. Those participating in the Great Trek (known as the Voortrekkers) established their own governments and laws in the new republics such as the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) and the Orange Free State Republic. These republics provided a space where Afrikaners could maintain their way of life and realise their cultural and religious beliefs without outside interference.

 

Hundreds of Dutch settlers, also known as "Voortrekkers", travelled from the Cape Colony into the interior of modern South Africa.
Hundreds of Dutch settlers, also known as “Voortrekkers”, travelled from the Cape Colony into the interior of modern South Africa.

The First Anglo-Boer War (1880 1881)

The First Anglo-Boer War (the first War of Independence) was of short duration, but provided an important build-up to the Anglo-Boer Wars. Afrikaner farmers were locked in a complicated, bona fide struggle with imperialism. The British government made unfair demands on the Boers, who became increasingly rebellious and insisted on self-government.

After the Great Trek, the Boers felt that the British would re-annex any establishment of self-government and infringe on the local residents’ freedom. In the end, the Boers united and took up arms against the British government, having a tremendous advantage in combat technique.

The war was of short duration, and in 1881 a peace treaty was signed. However, the tension between the British authorities and the local Boers only increased which ultimately would give rise to another war.

 

The Anglo-Boer Wars: A struggle for survival and sovereignty (1899 – 1902)

The discovery of gold and diamonds in the Boer Republics in the late 19th century drew the British Empire’s attention to the mineral wealth in the interior. This led to increasing tension between the British authorities and the Boer Republics, which eventually led to the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer Wars. These wars took place from 1899 to 1902 and were a desperate attempt by the Afrikaners to maintain their independence and sovereignty against the powerful British Empire.

The wars were particularly brutal, with the British authorities adopting a scorched earth policy, which led to the scorched farms and the internment of women and children in concentration camps. These camps claimed the lives of over 22 000 children, claiming 33 000 lives in total. The wars left a deep scar on the Afrikaner psyche. Despite the heroic resistance from the Boers, British’s force of numbers eventually prevailed, and the Republics were annexed as part of the British Empire.

Children running around in Turffontein concentration camp.
Children running around in Turffontein concentration camp.

 

Boers during the war.
Boers during the war.

Rising from a scorched earth (1902 – 1948)

After the Anglo-Boer Wars, the Afrikaners found themselves in a difficult position, defeated and humiliated, but with a renewed drive to restore their cultural identity and freedom. During the post-war years, the Afrikaners reorganised themselves, focusing on rebuilding their communities and promoting their language, Afrikaans, and their culture.

The Helpmekaar Movement is the first practical example of how a cultural community stood together to rise from poverty. The Helpmekaar Movement was a fundraising effort after the Anglo-Boer War. Impoverished Afrikaners each donated cents to establish a fund. The movement grew nationwide. The results were astonishing. This money was used to establish a study fund, and the fund is used to this day to fund scholarships for young people.

Furthermore, the establishment of Afrikaner institutions such as the Mine Workers’ Union, the Federation of Afrikaans Cultural Associations (the FAK) and many others, as well as the development of Afrikaans education contributed to the rise of Afrikaner nationalism. This movement aimed to protect the Afrikaners’ political and economic interests and to preserve their cultural heritage. The main political vehicle for this nationalism was the National Party, which won the general election in 1948, and introduced apartheid as a policy to protect Afrikaner interests.

A ruined farm after the war.
A ruined farm after the war.

The struggle for self-preservation during the Cold War

Apartheid, introduced in 1948, was a systematic attempt by the National Party government to implement racial segregation and protect Afrikaners in a country where the overwhelming majority is black. However, the policy not only provoked local opposition, but was also denounced internationally. The international community used economic sanctions and political pressure to end the apartheid system.

During this period, the Afrikaners faced increasing isolation and growing instability within the country. The fear of losing their culture and freedom fuelled the government’s harsh suppression of any resistance, but eventually it became clear that apartheid was unsustainable. This isolation was reinforced by the growing liberation struggle of black South Africans, led by movements such as the African National Congress (ANC), which the apartheid government viewed as a communist threat.

The Afrikaners’ influence on the Cold War during the period of 1945 to 1990 was significant, especially within the context of South Africa’s strategic location, its domestic policy of apartheid and its foreign relations. During this era, the apartheid government of South Africa, led by Afrikaner politicians, was not only managing internal tensions, but also navigating the complex global relations of the Cold War, characterised by tension between the capitalist West, led by the United States, and the communist Eastern Bloc, led by the Soviet Union.

Despite the sanctions and unrest in the country, industrialisation peaked during this period. South Africa was one of the leading countries in the world in terms of infrastructure. South Africa’s railways and its transport network were among the best in the world. Air transport and ports were modernised to promote trade. During this period ESCOM was established which independently generated energy for South Africa and other African countries. Oil and gas infrastructure, including refineries and storage facilities, were developed and expanded. Water and urban development were also among the other successful projects. In South Africa’s history, this period was certainly the apex in the country’s progress and development.

 

South Africa as a bastion against communism in Africa

During the Cold War, the apartheid government positioned itself as a bastion against the expansion of communism in Africa. In this period, many African states gained independence and several of them opted for socialist or Marxist ideologies, often with support from the Soviet Union and Cuba. The Afrikaner government in South Africa saw these developments as a direct threat and consequently forged strong ties with Western countries, especially the United States, which saw the government as a useful ally in the fight against communism.

This anti-communist position led to South Africa’s direct involvement in several conflicts in the region, including the Angolan Civil War (1975 – 2002), in which the South African Defence Force fought against the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the Marxist government, which was supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba. South Africa supported UNITA (The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) rebel movement, led by Jonas Savimbi, as an opponent to the MPLA. This involvement formed part of a larger regional policy known as the “Total Onslaught” according to which the apartheid government believed it was surrounded by communist forces focused on destabilising the country.

 

Nuclear weapons

One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, aspects of the Afrikaners’ influence on the Cold War was South Africa’s development of nuclear weapons in the 1970s and 1980s. The apartheid government developed a secret nuclear weapons programme, which eventually resulted in the production of six nuclear weapons. This development was prompted by the government’s fears about a communist threat and a lack of confidence in Western support in an emergency situation.

This nuclear weapons programme placed South Africa in a unique position as the only state in Africa to develop nuclear weapons, and it highlighted the complex nature of the country’s participation in the Cold War.

 

The end of the Cold War and the consequences for South Africa

The end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s had profound implications for South Africa and the Afrikaner government. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the declining threat of communism, the apartheid government lost an important component of its international justification for apartheid. Due to increasing internal and external pressures, FW de Klerk’s government in 1990 began a process to dismantle apartheid and started negotiations that led to the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.

Afrikaners fulfilled a complex role during the Cold War, positioning themselves as anti-communist advocates and the protectors of Western interests in Africa, while at the same time facing international condemnation for their apartheid policies. This period had profound consequences for the country’s political, economic and military strategies, and played a significant role in shaping global perceptions of South Africa during the late 20th century.

The modern Afrikaner community is more diverse than ever, with some actively preserving their cultural heritage, while others are adapting to the changing realities of a global and multicultural world. Despite the challenges they face, Afrikaners remain committed to the principles of freedom, self-determination and the preservation of their unique identity.

The Afrikaners’ struggle for freedom in South Africa is a rich and complex narrative of conformation, resistance and survival. It is a history shaped by struggles against oppression, the quest for independence and the constant efforts to secure a place for themselves in a dynamic and often hostile environment. In the post-apartheid era, the question of what freedom means to Afrikaners remains relevant as they reconsider their identity and role in a changing South Africa and world.

 

Afrikaners’ place in Africa – 30 years after 1994

Afrikaners’ own perception of their place in Africa must be assessed as a search to find a balance between a strong sense of community and adapting to a changing social and political landscape in South Africa.

Historical commitment to the country:

Afrikaners regard South Africa as their home, the country where their ancestors toiled the land, fought wars and built a unique culture and community. This strong historical connection to the country gives Afrikaners a sense of having a right to the land and the nation, which strengthens their identity and defines their place in South Africa.

Self-determination and cultural preservation:

Many Afrikaners place a great value on self-determination and the preservation of their culture within the broader context of a multicultural South Africa. This pursuit of self-determination manifests itself in the preservation of Afrikaans schools, universities and cultural organisations that promote and protect the Afrikaner heritage.

Adapting and cooperation:

In the post-apartheid era, Afrikaners also showed a need to adapt to the new South Africa and to seek cooperation with other cultures and communities. This adaptation is seen in the way many Afrikaners work to build bridges across racial and cultural boundaries, while still valuing and promoting their own cultural heritage.

Challenges and opportunities:

Afrikaners face several challenges in modern South Africa, including economic transformation, affirmative action and the preservation of their language and culture in an ever-increasing globalising world. However, many Afrikaners see these challenges as opportunities to redefine their place in Africa and to make a positive contribution towards the country’s development and progress.

Afrikaans as a way of life in Africa:

For many Afrikaners, Afrikaans is more than just a language; it is a way of life that connects them to their African soil and their communities. They see themselves as being part of the larger African context, while at the same time maintaining their own cultural identity. This connection to the continent is reflected in the way they express their culture and see their place in South Africa – not just as a European legacy, but as a unique Afrikaner heritage rooted in Africa.

The Afrikaners’ view of their place in Africa is one of deep historical bond, cultural pride and adaptability. While they have a troubled history of colonialism and apartheid, Afrikaners today are looking for a way to preserve their identity and culture while actively participating in a diverse and dynamic South Africa. They consider themselves an indigenous community in Africa, making a unique contribution to the rich tapestry of the continent’s history and culture.

 

A strategic future vision of Afrikaners’ role in South Africa

Flip Buys, Chairman of the Solidarity Movement
Flip Buys, Chairman of the Solidarity Movement

The Solidarity Movement is an Afrikaner organisation in South Africa that originated from the trade union Solidarity, which over the years has developed into a broader movement that focuses on the protection and promotion of Afrikaner interests, and their language, culture and economic independence. The Movement has several subsidiaries and initiatives that aim to support and strengthen the Afrikaner community in a changing South African society.

The Solidarity Movement’s main objective is to ensure that the Afrikaner community continues to exist at the southern tip of Africa in a manner that is sustainably free, safe and prosperous. It focuses on self-reliance, cultural preservation and creating a strong, self-sufficient community capable of promoting and protecting its own interests. The Movement also promotes solidarity between its members, and works to ensure a safe and prosperous future for Afrikaners in South Africa.

Flip Buys, chairperson of the Solidarity Movement, has a clear and strategic vision of the place and role of Afrikaners in contemporary South Africa. His approach is based on the principles of self-reliance, community development and the protection of the Afrikaner identity within the context of a multicultural society. Below follows an outline of his strategy and views:

Independence and economic power

Buys emphasises the importance of economic independence for Afrikaners. He argues that in order to ensure a sustainable future, Afrikaners must focus on the development of their own institutions, businesses and communities. Under his leadership, Solidarity has created a network of education, training and community initiatives that enable Afrikaners to empower themselves and their children through quality training and skills development.

 

Community development

Buys strongly believes in building strong communities as a basis for survival and success in South Africa. He emphasises that Afrikaners have to strengthen their community organisations, such as schools, churches, cultural organisations and businesses, in order to create a safe and supportive environment in which their culture and language can prosper. The Solidarity Movement plays a central role in this by offering support to Afrikaner businesses and community projects.

Helping Hand helps to secure a future for children and adults who suffers from poverty.
Helping Hand helps to secure a future for children and adults who suffers from poverty.

The preservation of identity

One of Buys’ core focuses is the preservation and promotion of Afrikaner identity and culture. He considers it essential to protect the language, history and traditions of Afrikaners, especially in a country where they are a minority group. This preservation is not just a nostalgic effort but a strategic step to build a sense of community and solidarity among Afrikaners, enabling them to be stronger and more united in the face of challenges.

 

Political self-preservation

Although Buys and the Solidarity Movement are not explicitly party politically inclined, they are aware of the importance of political self-preservation and influence. Buys supports the idea that Afrikaners should apply themselves to protect their interests by engaging with all levels of society, including political parties, but with an emphasis on maintaining an independent and self-reliant position. Solidarity’s strategy focuses on legal action, advocacy of policies and the promotion of labour rights as ways to protect and promote the rights of Afrikaners within the framework of the Constitution of South Africa.

 

Solidarity and cooperation

A core aspect of Buys’ approach is the idea of solidarity – not only within the Afrikaner community, but also with other communities facing similar challenges. He advocates for the cooperation between different groups to promote common interests, especially in areas such as education, security and economic development. Buys considers it to be essential to build bridges and form alliances to promote a stronger and more united South Africa.

Volunteers work together to fill potholes.
Volunteers work together to fill potholes.

Vision for the future

Buys’s strategic view of the Afrikaners’ place in South Africa is based on a long-term vision that focuses on sustainability and independence. He believes that by focusing on education, economic development and cultural preservation, Afrikaners would not only secure their place in South Africa, but would also make a positive contribution to the wider society.

Overall, Flip Buys views the Afrikaner community as an entirely independent, organised and empowered group that is fully capable of determining its own destiny, while at the same time being part of the South African society at large.

Most Afrikaners feels sentiment towards South Africa and has hope for the future of the country.
Most Afrikaners feels sentiment towards South Africa and has hope for the future of the country.

The Solidarity Movement’s main components

  1. The trade union Solidarity: The trade union forms the core of the Solidarity Movement. The trade union is one of the oldest trade unions in South Africa, and has its roots in the Mine Workers’ Union which was established 1902. The trade union focuses on defending labour rights, improving working conditions and supporting its members, mainly coming from the Afrikaans community.
  2. AfriForum: This organisation is a civil rights organisation that functions under the banner of the Solidarity Movement. AfriForum focuses on the protection of minority rights, with specific attention being given to the Afrikaans community. This includes the promotion of Afrikaans education, the preservation of cultural heritage and legal action against discrimination and corruption.
  3. Sol-Tech and Akademia: These are educational institutions founded by Solidarity to empower Afrikaners by offering technical and higher education in Afrikaans as medium of instruction. Sol-Tech focuses on technical and vocational training, while Akademia offers higher education, with both institutions functioning in an Afrikaans environment.
  4. Solidarity Helping Hand: This philanthropic organisation within the Solidarity Movement focuses on poverty alleviation and community development. Solidarity Helping Hand’s projects include lending support to poor families, making scholarships available to indigent students and various other initiatives that are undertaken to support communities.

 

Why is international support important?

The international community’s support for Afrikaners in South Africa is about more than just protecting a single group; it is about promoting minority rights, preserving cultural diversity and contributing to the stability and progress of South Africa as a whole. By supporting Afrikaners, the international community supports a broader vision of a world where diversity is respected and cherished.

  1. Preservation of cultural diversity

Afrikaners have a unique cultural identity that has developed over more than three centuries. Their language, Afrikaans, and their cultural practices, including traditions, music and literature, form an important part of South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry. The international community, which values the preservation of cultural diversity, can play a role in supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting this culture together with all other cultures.

AfriForum gives training to a tradional African community.
AfriForum gives training to a tradional African community.
  1. Human rights and minority protection

Like any minority group in a multicultural society, Afrikaners are at risk of discrimination and marginalisation. In the present-day South Africa, where policies such as affirmative action and land reform are controversial issues, there are instances where Afrikaners feel that their rights are threatened. International support can help ensure that the rights of Afrikaners are protected as a minority group, and that they have equal access to economic opportunities and basic services.

  1. Education and economic development

Education is one of the pillars of any society’s progress. Afrikaners, like all other communities, strive to have access to quality mother tongue education. Institutions such as Sol-Tech and Akademia offer training and education in Afrikaans, contributing to the empowerment of the Afrikaner youth. International support can help these institutions to expand their capacity and to make quality education available to more people, ultimately promoting the economic development of the entire community.

Graduates of Akademia
Graduates of Akademia
  1. Protection against economic marginalisation

In the current South African context, there is an ongoing debate about affirmative action and land reform, which are intended to correct historical injustices. Although these policies are well-intentioned, they harm South Africa as a whole and create opportunities for corruption. International support can help ensure that merit, and not skin colour, becomes the basis of economic growth.

  1. Peace and stability in South Africa

The stability of any country depends on the harmony and cooperation that exist between its different population groups. By supporting Afrikaners in their efforts to build a sustainable and just future for themselves, the international community can contribute to the greater goal of peace and stability in South Africa. This includes support for dialogue and cooperation between the different cultural and ethnic groups in the country.

 

Conclusion: Afrikaners are here to make a difference

The following words are from a well-known folkloristic Afrikaans song: “Afrikaners is plesierig, dit kan julle glo.” (“Afrikaners are jolly, that you can believe …”) It simply feels right to answer the question “Who is the Afrikaner?” by concluding with these words.

Afrikaners are friendly, fun-loving people who work hard in their communities and want to build a better future for their children. They are not the oppressors of the past, and they strive not to be the oppressed of the future either. Afrikaners are people who do things themselves – they are builders of the future and a valuable cultural group in South Africa.

To conclude with the words of Danie Langner: “No one is blind to the mistakes of our Afrikaner cultural household. We see where the paint is peeling, we hear the floorboards creaking and we know the garden needs attention. No matter what the cultural house looks like today, it is your language and your culture, part of who you are. It is within the house that you are needed. Embrace your role as a steward, be proud of your people for who they are, and (be there) where you have to realise a difference to the future. Your home is where your heart is”.

The Solidarity Movement, Afrikaners and the challenges we face

Flip Buys | Chairperson: Solidarity Movement

Afrikaners are the only indigenous Western community in Africa, and they have named themselves (Afrikaners), their language (Afrikaans) and many of their institutions after the name of the continent.

As a community of 2,7 million people, Afrikaners have often been called the “white tribe of Africa”. Afrikaners want to make a lasting contribution to the well-being of South Africa and of all its people. For this reason, the Solidarity Movement is trying to create the conditions for Afrikaners to remain in South Africa, being sustainably free, safe and prosperous. The majority of Afrikaners are involved in the Solidarity Movement, a network of community organizations with more than 600 000 members. The Movement’s strategy is to provide services there where the state cannot, does not want to or should not provide services.

Most Afrikaners are Christians, subscribing to conservative values such as:

  • A belief in the Rule of Law;
  • A free market economy;
  • Democracy and individual rights;
  • Federalism;
  • Good relations with black compatriots and African states;
  • Maintaining strong ties with the West; and
  • Preserving the Afrikaner’s language (Afrikaans) and culture.

The main challenges we are currently facing are:

  • SA has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, namely 33%; (The reason for it lies in the ANC’s leftist policies in particular. The ANC is still formally in alliance with the South African Communist Party and with socialist trade unions.)
  • The ANC-led government of national unity’s ties with states such as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, as well as organizations such as Hamas, and the ANC’s increasingly dismissive attitude towards the West.
  • State decay as illustrated by this map

 

Municipal water and sanitation compliance
Municipal water and sanitation compliance
  • The ANC did not abolish the racial dispensation after 1994 but simply reversed it and put it under new management. Few people know that research by the Free Market Foundation (FMF) and the South Africa Institute of Race Relations found that 116 new racial laws have been passed since the ANC came into power 30 years ago
South African race laws
South African race laws

 

  • Violent crime;
  • Official policies such as expropriation without compensation which undermine economic confidence;

The Solidarity Movement is currently building the cultural infrastructure so that Afrikaners can stay on in South African and can make a sustainable contribution towards the well-being of the country and all its people.

State decay and racial legislation have forced Afrikaners to become more state-resistant and self-reliant. That is why the Movement has more than 20 self-help organizations providing services such as education, training, a proper “state of work” (job security), safety, municipal infrastructure, heritage conservation and the promotion of the Rule of Law. We also assist black communities with agricultural projects also for the sake of better food security.

Our current flagship project is a comprehensive project to build a university campus for our fast-growing Christian university, Akademia. We are also planning an independent Afrikaans schools’ network in response to the government’s policy to centralize control over schools even more.

This is but one example of the ANC government’s breach of the country’s Constitution and the historic 1994 Agreement.

The purpose of the Solidarity Movement’s international liaison is to create awareness about the state of affairs in South Africa and to garner support for our views and self-help projects.

Afrikaner Foundation, AfriForum raise support in USA

Source: Maroela Media

The international community is increasingly becoming aware of the challenges confronting minorities such as the Afrikaners in South Africa, as well as the kind of solutions the institutions of the Solidarity Movement come up with to address these challenges. This is the overall observation of the representatives of the Afrikaner Foundation and AfriForum who have recently returned from a support-raising tour to the USA.

During this visit, Ernst Roux, executive director of the Afrikaner Foundation, and Ernst van Zyl, head of public relations at AfriForum, participated in various conferences, functions and networking discussions. Two highlights of the visit were the NatCon conference in Washington, D.C. (also known as NatCon 4), at which Roets was a speaker, and the launch of the Afrikaner Foundation in New York at an event hosted by the New York Young Republicans. On both occasions Roets referred to the South African government’s reckless policy framework and the solutions that Afrikaners come up with under these circumstances to create a free, safe and prosperous future at the southern tip of Africa. In this regard, the emphasis fell on the establishment of a network of community institutions.

Ernst Roets at an event of the New York Young Republicans 

Ernst Roets at an event of the New York Young Republicans

Roets stated that it is necessary to bring the kinds of problems that minorities such as the Afrikaners in South Africa are confronted with to the attention of the international community, especially because there has been a perception for some time that the South African political dispensation has become a kind of gold standard that should be followed by the rest of the world, while the opposite is true in many respects. “However, it is far more important to talk about solutions than to talk about problems. We have experienced that it is especially through our approach to solutions and our optimism about the future that Afrikaners are being rediscovered by the international community, but in the Western world in particular,” he added.

Van Zyl said the sincere interest in and admiration for Afrikaners’ state-resistant solutions have increased dramatically abroad, especially among Americans and Europeans. “The saying ‘’n boer maak ‘n plan’ (which literally means a farmer makes a plan) has expanded from being a local saying about Afrikaners’ ability to come up with a plan for everything, to an international saying. It is encouraging to know that our successes and what we are building not only inspire and give our people in South Africa hope, but also do so for people abroad,” Van Zyl concluded.

The Afrikaner Foundation is a new institution in the broader Solidarity Movement and is focused on mobilising international support.

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Geskiedenisfonds

ʼn Fonds wat help om die Afrikanergeskiedenis te bevorder.

FAK

Die Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge (FAK) is reeds in 1929 gestig. Vandag is die FAK steeds dié organisasie wat jou toelaat om kreatief te wees in jou taal en kultuur. Die FAK is ’n toekomsgerigte kultuurorganisasie wat ’n tuiste vir die Afrikaanse taal en kultuur bied en die trotse Afrikanergeskiedenis positief bevorder.

Solidariteit Helpende Hand

Solidariteit Helpende Hand fokus op maatskaplike welstand en dié organisasie se groter visie is om oplossings vir die hantering van Afrikanerarmoede te vind.

Solidariteit Helpende Hand se roeping is om armoede deur middel van gemeenskapsontwikkeling op te los. Solidariteit Helpende Hand glo dat mense ʼn verantwoordelikheid teenoor mekaar en teenoor die gemeenskap het.

Solidariteit Helpende Hand is geskoei op die idees van die Afrikaner-Helpmekaarbeweging van 1949 met ʼn besondere fokus op “help”, “saam” en “ons.”

Forum Sekuriteit

Forum Sekuriteit is in die lewe geroep om toonaangewende, dinamiese en doeltreffende privaat sekuriteitsdienste in

Suid-Afrika te voorsien en op dié wyse veiligheid in gemeenskappe te verhoog.

AfriForumTV

AfriForumTV is ʼn digitale platform wat aanlyn en gratis is en visuele inhoud aan lede en nielede bied. Intekenaars kan verskeie kanale in die gemak van hul eie huis op hul televisiestel, rekenaar of selfoon verken deur van die AfriForumTV-app gebruik te maak. AfriForumTV is nóg ʼn kommunikasiestrategie om die publiek bewus te maak van AfriForum se nuus en gebeure, maar ook om vermaak deur films en fiksie- en realiteitsreekse te bied. Hierdie inhoud gaan verskaf word deur AfriForumTV self, instellings binne die Solidariteit Beweging en eksterne inhoudverskaffers.

AfriForum Uitgewers

AfriForum Uitgewers (voorheen bekend as Kraal Uitgewers) is die trotse uitgewershuis van die Solidariteit Beweging en is die tuiste van Afrikaanse niefiksie-, Afrikanergeskiedenis- én prima Afrikaanse produkte. Dié uitgewer het onlangs sy fokus verskuif en gaan voortaan slegs interne publikasies van die Solidariteit Beweging publiseer.

AfriForum Jeug

AfriForum Jeug is die amptelike jeugafdeling van AfriForum, die burgerregte-inisiatief wat deel van die Solidariteit Beweging vorm. AfriForum Jeug berus op Christelike beginsels en ons doel is om selfstandigheid onder jong Afrikaners te bevorder en die realiteite in Suid-Afrika te beïnvloed deur veldtogte aan te pak en aktief vir jongmense se burgerregte standpunt in te neem.

De Goede Hoop-koshuis

De Goede Hoop is ʼn moderne, privaat Afrikaanse studentekoshuis met hoë standaarde. Dit is in Pretoria geleë.

De Goede Hoop bied ʼn tuiste vir dinamiese studente met Christelike waardes en ʼn passie vir Afrikaans; ʼn tuiste waar jy as jongmens in gesonde studentetradisies kan deel en jou studentwees met selfvertroue in Afrikaans kan uitleef.

Studiefondssentrum

DIE HELPENDE HAND STUDIETRUST (HHST) is ʼn inisiatief van Solidariteit Helpende Hand en is ʼn geregistreerde openbare weldaadsorganisasie wat behoeftige Afrikaanse studente se studie moontlik maak deur middel van rentevrye studielenings.

Die HHST administreer tans meer as 200 onafhanklike studiefondse namens verskeie donateurs en het reeds meer as 6 300 behoeftige studente se studie moontlik gemaak met ʼn totaal van R238 miljoen se studiehulp wat verleen is.

S-leer

Solidariteit se sentrum vir voortgesette leer is ʼn opleidingsinstelling wat voortgesette professionele ontwikkeling vir professionele persone aanbied. S-leer het ten doel om werkendes met die bereiking van hul loopbaandoelwitte by te staan deur die aanbieding van seminare, kortkursusse, gespreksgeleenthede en e-leer waarin relevante temas aangebied en bespreek word.

Solidariteit Jeug

Solidariteit Jeug berei jongmense voor vir die arbeidsmark, staan op vir hul belange en skakel hulle in by die Netwerk van Werk. Solidariteit Jeug is ʼn instrument om jongmense te help met loopbaankeuses en is ʼn tuiskomplek vir jongmense.

Solidariteit Regsfonds

ʼn Fonds om die onregmatige toepassing van regstellende aksie teen te staan.

Solidariteit Boufonds

ʼn Fonds wat spesifiek ten doel het om Solidariteit se opleidingsinstellings te bou.

Solidariteit Finansiële Dienste (SFD)

SFD is ʼn gemagtigde finansiëledienstemaatskappy wat deel is van die Solidariteit Beweging. Die instelling se visie is om die toekomstige finansiële welstand, finansiële sekerheid en volhoubaarheid van Afrikaanse individue en ondernemings te bevorder. SFD doen dit deur middel van mededingende finansiële dienste en produkte, in Afrikaans en met uitnemende diens vir ʼn groter doel aan te bied.

Ons Sentrum

Die Gemeenskapstrukture-afdeling bestaan tans uit twee mediese ondersteuningsprojekte en drie gemeenskapsentrums, naamlik Ons Plek in die Strand, Derdepoort en Volksrust. Die drie gemeenskapsentrums is gestig om veilige kleuter- en/of naskoolversorging in die onderskeie gemeenskappe beskikbaar te stel. Tans akkommodeer die gemeenskapsentrums altesaam 158 kinders in die onderskeie naskoolsentrums, terwyl Ons Plek in die Strand 9 kleuters en Ons Plek in Volksrust 16 kleuters in die kleuterskool het.

Skoleondersteuningsentrum (SOS)

Die Solidariteit Skoleondersteuningsentrum (SOS) se visie is om die toekoms van Christelike, Afrikaanse onderwys te (help) verseker deur gehalte onderrig wat reeds bestaan in stand te (help) hou, én waar nodig nuut te (help) bou.

Die SOS se doel is om elke skool in ons land waar onderrig in Afrikaans aangebied word, by te staan om in die toekoms steeds onderrig van wêreldgehalte te bly bied en wat tred hou met die nuutste navorsing en internasionale beste praktyke.

Sol-Tech

Sol-Tech is ʼn geakkrediteerde, privaat beroepsopleidingskollege wat op Christelike waardes gefundeer is en Afrikaans as onderrigmedium gebruik.

Sol-Tech fokus op beroepsopleiding wat tot die verwerwing van nasionaal erkende, bruikbare kwalifikasies lei. Sol-Tech het dus ten doel om jongmense se toekomsdrome met betrekking tot loopbaanontwikkeling deur doelspesifieke opleiding te verwesenlik.

Akademia

Akademia is ’n Christelike hoëronderwysinstelling wat op ’n oop, onbevange en kritiese wyse ’n leidinggewende rol binne die hedendaagse universiteitswese speel.

Akademia streef daarna om ʼn akademiese tuiste te bied waar sowel die denke as die hart gevorm word met die oog op ʼn betekenisvolle en vrye toekoms.

AfriForum Publishers

AfriForum Uitgewers (previously known as Kraal Uitgewers) is the proud publishing house of the Solidarity Movement and is the home of Afrikaans non-fiction, products related to the Afrikaner’s history, as well as other prime Afrikaans products. The publisher recently shifted its focus and will only publish internal publications of the Solidarity Movement from now on.

Maroela Media

Maroela Media is ʼn Afrikaanse internetkuierplek waar jy alles kan lees oor dit wat in jou wêreld saak maak – of jy nou in Suid-Afrika bly of iewers anders woon en deel van die Afrikaanse Maroela-gemeenskap wil wees. Maroela Media se Christelike karakter vorm die kern van sy redaksionele beleid.

Kanton Beleggingsmaatskappy

Kanton is ʼn beleggingsmaatskappy vir eiendom wat deur die Solidariteit Beweging gestig is. Die eiendomme van die Solidariteit Beweging dien as basis van die portefeulje wat verder deur ontwikkeling uitgebrei sal word.

Kanton is ʼn vennootskap tussen kultuur en kapitaal en fokus daarop om volhoubare eiendomsoplossings aan instellings in die Afrikaanse gemeenskap teen ʼn goeie opbrengs te voorsien sodat hulle hul doelwitte kan bereik.

Wolkskool

Wolkskool is ʼn produk van die Skoleondersteuningsentrum (SOS), ʼn niewinsgewende organisasie met ʼn span onderwyskundiges wat ten doel het om gehalte- Afrikaanse onderrig te help verseker. Wolkskool bied ʼn platform waar leerders 24-uur toegang tot video-lesse, vraestelle, werkkaarte met memorandums en aanlyn assessering kan kry.

Ajani

Ajani is ‘n privaat geregistreerde maatskappy wat dienste aan ambagstudente ten opsigte van plasing by werkgewers bied.

Ajani is a registered private company that offers placement opportunities to artisan students in particular.

Begrond Instituut

Die Begrond Instituut is ʼn Christelike navorsingsinstituut wat die Afrikaanse taal en kultuur gemeenskap bystaan om Bybelse antwoorde op belangrike lewensvrae te kry.

Sakeliga

ʼn Onafhanklike sake-organisasie

Pretoria FM en Klankkoerant

ʼn Gemeenskapsgebaseerde radiostasie en nuusdiens

Saai

ʼn Familieboer-landbounetwerk wat hom daarvoor beywer om na die belange van familieboere om te sien deur hul regte te beskerm en te bevorder.

Ons Winkel

Ons Winkels is Solidariteit Helpende Hand se skenkingswinkels. Daar is bykans 120 winkels landwyd waar lede van die publiek skenkings van tweedehandse goedere – meubels, kombuisware, linne en klere – kan maak. Die winkels ontvang die skenkings en verkoop goeie kwaliteit items teen bekostigbare pryse aan die publiek.

AfriForum

AfriForum is ʼn burgerregte-organisasie wat Afrikaners, Afrikaanssprekende mense en ander minderheidsgroepe in Suid-Afrika mobiliseer en hul regte beskerm.

AfriForum is ʼn nieregeringsorganisasie wat as ʼn niewinsgewende onderneming geregistreer is met die doel om minderhede se regte te beskerm. Terwyl die organisasie volgens die internasionaal erkende beginsel van minderheidsbeskerming funksioneer, fokus AfriForum spesifiek op die regte van Afrikaners as ʼn gemeenskap wat aan die suidpunt van die vasteland woon. Lidmaatskap is nie eksklusief nie en enige persoon wat hom of haar met die inhoud van die organisasies se Burgerregte-manifes vereenselwig, kan by AfriForum aansluit.