The Native Question in South Africa 1

Abstract

IT cannot be too often repeated or too strongly impressed on the public mind of this country that by far the most difficult problem of South Africa is, not that of the relations of the white populations to one another, but that of the relations of the white population to the “Natives,” and of the Natives to one another. It involves questions not to be solved by any process of patching. The ordinary “short view” recommended by European statesmen in treating European problems will not do. To deal with these questions effectually, considerations of a far-reaching economic and anthropological character are necessary. We must understand the Native mind, we must endeavour to see things from the Native point of view, we must consider the Native prejudices and aspirations as well as what we, from our point of view, regard as the Natives' best interests, and we must take into account their physiological and mental condition, and the influence upon it of the changes which have begun and the further changes impending.