Of all the events that shaped SA’s history — the Mfecane, European settlement, and the discovery of diamonds and gold — two contrasts stand out: the peaceful elections of 1994, creating a democracy, and the violence and brutality of a war at the turn of the 19th century that ushered in the nation state.
That war influenced the country for more than 100 years and while that influence is waning it is still taught — and very differently from, say, 50 years ago.
- Subscribe to BusinessLIVE: Find the right option for you
Business Day spoke to two schools with highly regarded history departments to find out how the war is taught today. Liesel Smith of Pretoria Boys High says it remains a significant part of SA’s history in government schools for several reasons:
- It played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, leading to the Union of South Africa in 1910, which laid the foundation for the SA state.
- Its legacy in shaping the social and political landscape remains relevant to contemporary issues. Discussions about land reform, racial reconciliation and historical justice often reference the effect of the war and subsequent colonial policies on black South Africans.
- Understanding the event and its effects helps pupils to appreciate the complexities of national identity. It highlights struggles and conflicts between the different groups. Black South Africans were marginalised and their contribution overlooked in the narratives of the war but this changed after 1994. This helped to provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the country’s history, fostering greater understanding of diverse experiences and contributions of all South Africans.
- The war left a lasting legacy on the cultural and social fabric. It influenced Afrikaner and African nationalism, which played significant roles in the history, especially during apartheid.
“Teaching the war”, says Smith, “can provide lessons in resilience, the consequences of conflict and the importance of reconciliation. It provides an opportunity to reflect on past injustices and the importance of moving forward as a unified nation.
“The war is viewed by black South Africans as a period marked by significant suffering, exclusion and marginalisation, yet it is also an important chapter in the broader struggle against colonial and racial oppression. Recognising and integrating these perspectives is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of SA’s history. By learning about the war, pupils can gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of SA’s past.”
Shaun Hewett of Bishops says the war constitutes a fairly large part of the prescribed grade 10 history syllabus (in addition to coverage of the socioeconomic changes wrought by the mineral revolution of the latter 19th century, with a study of Cecil John Rhodes’ impact).
“That it’s taught as the ‘SA War’ says much for the focus of the conflict being one that affected South Africans of all races and gender. Much is made in the textbooks of the wartime experiences of women (in the concentration camps, in particular) and of black South Africans,” says Hewlett.
“There is mention in the textbooks to the ‘phases’ of the war, some of the tactics used by both sides (scorched earth, guerrilla war) and very superficial reference to some of key battles. An emphasis is placed on the post-war (1902-1913) period, regarding union in 1910 and the alliance of Afrikaans- and English-speaking white South Africans to the detriment of non-white South Africans, which links to the creation of the SA National Native Convention (forerunner to the ANC) and the Natives Land Act.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.