Abstract

VAN ROOYEN, Almarie; VAN DER MERWE, Johan M.  and  VAN WYK, Tanya. Transformation in the diverse Afrikaner society in the postapartheid era: Four case studies. Verbum Eccles. (Online) [online]. 2022, vol.43, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2074-7705.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v43i1.2506.

Since the end of apartheid in South Africa, Afrikaner people have been faced with disentangling their culture from Afrikaner nationalism. This article argues that the transformation of the Afrikaner people, or the lack thereof, will influence the future and place of Afrikaners in postapartheid South Africa. This article investigates the transformation within the Afrikaner community, considering four case studies: The aftermath of the death of Matlhomola Moshoeu in Coligny, the aftermath of Brendin Horner's death near Paul Roux, in the court at Senekal, the inequality in SA highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the organisation and movement called Betereinders. Unresolved racial tension was a driving force in Coligny and Senekal. In Coligny, Afrikaner individuals and other community members helped to transform the destruction left by the protests and addressed some burning issues of inequality. In the Senekal protest, some Afrikaners were responsible for most of the destruction. None of the big Afrikaner organisations or churches openly condemned these actions. The pandemic exposed how little economic transformation actually happened on ground level. The Betereinders movement is driven by Afrikaners who believe in a better future for all South Africans. They act, are hands-on, and won't give up. Unwillingness to face the postapartheid SA and turning a blind eye, have prevented Afrikaners from being part of transformational efforts. However, Afrikaners can, with intentional effort, disentangle their culture from Afrikaner nationalism and are capable of being part of the transformation needed in SA. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: The interdisciplinary implications of this article involved the subjects of church history, general history, and a dogmatic approach.

Keywords : transformation; Dutch Reformed Church; postapartheid; Afrikaner community; sustainable community development; Betereinders; Coligny; Senekal; COVID-19 pandemic; genderbased violence.

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