Abstract
Towards a balanced view of H.F. Verwoerd. Doctor H.F. Verwoerd is possibly the most controversial political figure in South African history. In life he was revered by his followers, but even critics acknowledged his stature. Today he is mostly depicted as a brutal symbol of racial suppression. This article first gives insight into various, contradictory views expressed in the press on Verwoerd during his life, immediately after his death and in recent years. This is discussed in view of some media-theoretical perspectives. It is followed by an overview of views expressed on Verwoerd in literature, including recent works by eminent historian Hermann Giliomee. Against this background of diverse and sometimes one-sided views, J.J. (Ponti) Venter’s analysis of Verwoerdian thought, as published in a 1999 issue of Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, is presented as an example of a balanced intellectual contribution to an ongoing debate. It is argued that Venter’s contribution was important as it provides incisive criticism of Verwoerd not found elsewhere. Venter’s article, which was based on texts of speeches, however lacks some context. This is provided by other publications and press coverage. It is suggested that no assessment of an important historical figure is ever definitive, least so by consulting only the press. As is the case with Verwoerd, contemporaneous press coverage needs to be supplemented by solid research on the subject. In particular the sober analysis of public intellectuals such as J.J. Venter is needed and should be included in assesments of Verwoerd.
Highlights
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Hierdie artikel gee ten eerste insig in die soms teenstrydige standpunte wat in sy lewe, pas na sy dood en in later jare deur die pers oor Verwoerd uitgespreek is
Verwoerd is possibly the most controversial political figure in South African history. In life he was revered by his followers, but even critics acknowledged his stature
Summary
Affiliation: 1School of Communication Studies, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa. (Ponti) Venter se artikel oor Verwoerd se denke, wat in 1999 in Koers – Bulletin for Christian Scholarship gepubliseer is, bespreek as voorbeeld van ’n gebalanseerde intellektuele bydrae tot die voortgaande debat. In die besonder is sober analises deur openbare intellektuele soos Venter nodig en dit moet ingesluit word in die beoordeling van Verwoerd. Verwoerd is possibly the most controversial political figure in South African history In life he was revered by his followers, but even critics acknowledged his stature. This article first gives insight into various, contradictory views expressed in the press on Verwoerd during his life, immediately after his death and in recent years This is discussed in view of some media-theoretical perspectives. Hierdie artikel handel oor Verwoerd as voorbeeld daarvan hoedat soms onkritiese verering, skewe uitbeeldings en ongebalanseerde aannames (positief en negatief) deur navorsers (insluitende filosowe) tot orde geroep moet word. Daardeur word hierdie aspek van Venter se lewenswerk uitgelig en sy bydrae tot ’n intellektueel-genuanseerde oordeel oor Verwoerd belig
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