The Sadf Conscript Generation and Its Search for Healing, Reconciliation and Social Justice
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THE SADF CONSCRIPT GENERATION AND ITS SEARCH FOR HEALING, RECONCILIATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Philosophiae Doctor in the Practical and Missional Theology department Faculty of Theology and Religion University of the Free State Pieter Hendrik Schalk Bezuidenhout Study leader: Prof. P. Verster Bloemfontein January 2015 Translated by Suzanne Storbeck (June 2020) DECLARATION (i) I, Pieter Hendrik Schalk Bezuidenhout, declare that this thesis, submitted to the University of the Free State in fulfilment for the degree Philosophiae Doctor, is my own work and that it has not been handed in at any other university or higher education institution. (ii) I, Pieter Hendrik Schalk Bezuidenhout, declare that I am aware that the copyright of this thesis belongs to the University of the Free State. (iii) I, Pieter Hendrik Schalk Bezuidenhout, declare that the property rights of any intellectual property developed during the study and/or in connection with the study, will be seated in the University of the Free State. i ABSTRACT The former (Afrikaner) SADF conscript generation is to a large extent experiencing an identity crisis. This crisis is due to two factors. First of all, there is a new dispensation where Afrikaners are a minority group. They feel alienated, even frustrated and confused. Secondly, their identity has been challenged and some would say defeated. What is their role and new identity in the current SA? They fought a war and participated internally in operations within a specific local, regional and global context. This identity was formed through their own particular history as well as certain theological and ideological worldviews and frameworks. The Tempe shooting incident in Bloemfontein in 1999 was due to the clash of two ideological worlds. It showed that peace and relationships between different diverse groupings were still very fragile. The responses to a questionnaire completed by this generation, indicate a certain degree of confusion, woundedness, ignorance and an unwillingness to embrace the changes taking place in this country. This Afrikaner identity (beliefs, attitudes, worldview), as argued in this study, should be Biblically and Christologically reoriented. The Church as an agent is in the unique position to facilitate a spiritual process of taking responsibility for its part in the past and present, to confess to it and thus starting the process of being healed of the scars of the past, experiencing forgiveness and being in the position to make a positive contribution to our country. It is the only way to adapt, survive and make meaningful contributions towards the new South Africa. A spiritual process, their own ‘TRC’, can contribute to real reconciliation in the country. ii SUMMARY The SADF conscript generation, as Afrikaners, is experiencing an identity crisis due to the changes that have taken place in South Africa since the early 1990s. They fought within and outside its borders against an enemy who now governs in Namibia and South Africa. The current government does not perceive the SADF in a positive light; an example would be the omission of the names of fallen SADF soldiers from the wall at Freedom Park. The SADF conscript generation participated in an armed conflict with a specific identity (image of itself as Afrikaners). This identity was formed based on certain historical events such as the Great Trek, the battle of Blood River and the Anglo-Boer War, to mention a few. Theological and ideological influences contributed to this world paradigm. This identity was strengthened during the Bush War. This identity has been challenged, some might even say defeated, in the new democratic administration. Furthermore, Afrikaners are often at the receiving end of affirmative action. This, coupled with crime and corruption, contribute to their feeling of alienation from the current administration. They might argue that they were only obedient children and soldiers during a local struggle for freedom in South Africa, a regional anti-colonial conflict in South West Africa/Namibia, as well as the global Cold War that partly took place in Angola. The SADF conscript generation, however, contributed to the maintenance and extension of apartheid. Afrikaans churches condemned this system and guilt was confessed. However, it seems like very few Afrikaners fully grasp the horrific impact the system had on the majority of South African citizens. In order to live peacefully with compatriots, it is therefore important to face this reality. This study requests a Biblical approach where responsibility for past actions is taken, remorse shown, confession made, forgiveness given and received, and restitution understood and implemented. This is true conversion. Furthermore, the Afrikaner’s opinion of others needs to be reoriented Christologically. Their current view is based on an identity, which is self-righteous and somewhat arrogant. They live in denial and withdrawal to an extent. With this identity it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for them to survive in the country. They will have to ask themselves whether they are willing to make patriotic and constructive contributions to iii the country. Too many are standing on the side-lines criticising, not really believing that an African can govern successfully. They need to realise that they too are Africans. One of the consequences of the new SANDF was the integration of former forces. On 16 September 1999 eight Whites were killed by an integrated member of the former Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA). This incident was in essence the result of a long and sad history of conflict and distrust between two ideological enemies, which never had the chance to fully come to know each other. Today, in the midst of diversity, the same challenges persist. SADF members indicated in the survey that they are willing to contribute positively towards the country, if given a chance. They have, however, certain conditions, perceptions and baggage from the past. It seems as if they have a longing for healing and closure. The Church has a huge role to play in this regard. It will not be easy though, as the Church itself lost credibility because of the role it played in the past. It seems that the SADF conscript generation in particular and the Afrikaner in general has not yet come to terms with their loss; they need their own ‘truth and reconciliation’ process. This study pleads for a spiritual process where the Triune God leads them, like in the past, to find direction and meaning again. iv KEY TERMS SADF-CONSCRIPT GENERATION IDENTITY CRISIS; QUEST FOR HEALING AND CLOSURE; SWA/NAMIBIA BUSH WAR; TOTAL ONSLAUGHT AND COMMUNISM; ‘BOETMAN’ DEBATE; TRC AND SADF; FW DE KLERK AND THE ‘NIGHT OF THE GENERALS’; BIBLICAL RECONCILIATION, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PATRIOTISM; TEMPE SHOOTING INCIDENT; SADF RESPONSES RE QUESTIONNAIRE: AFRIKANERSHIP, NEW SOUTH AFRICA, APARTHEID, FUTURE, RECONCILIATION, ROLE OF CHURCH; SPIRITUAL PROCESS AS MODEL FOR HEALING v FOREWORD This study was emotionally more challenging and draining as was intended originally. In fact, very early on I doubted whether this research should be continued. This field of study was not the first option. But Providence guided differently. My concern as to proceed or not I shared with one of the women who lost a husband in the Tempe shooting. She encouraged me with the words she herself wrote as part of her own process of healing: ‘God will show the way, it is a huge theme, emotionally laden, full of chisels that will sand and shave the soul in order to be formed into His image’. He did indeed show the way, I received an abundance of grace with a lot of things that fell into place. To Him alone the glory! To my promotor, Prof Pieter Verster to whom I have been a newcomer, my sincerest appreciation and gratitude. His guidance and style suited me as he did not interfere continuously. He ‘left’ me to work on my own, but influenced me subtly, giving advice, commenting, suggesting material and lending me some of his books. It has been a privilege to work under you. Also, to his wife who helped me with technical aspects. My father in law, emeritus professor Hattingh (University of Pretoria-Geography) assisted me invaluably. He was for all intents and purposes a co-promotor. I had many stimulating discussions over 25 years with him, tapping into his knowledge of academic, church and geography in the old and new South Africa. He worked through the writings and manuscript throughout, commented and corrected. His encouragement and support helped me to pull through. My wife Lynette supported me enormously. She showed understanding for the topic and the many hours I worked. Maybe as her own father was ‘absent’ during some of his studies. She worked through the books of Bonhoeffer which also enriched her and helped me saving time. She is in fact a more natural reader and researcher than me! Thank you for journeying with me. To my children Nicolette, Niel and Andrea. Thank you for your understanding. To my own parents who laid the foundation in my life. I will always honour you for encouraging me to obtain a good academic qualification. To the ladies at the library, Mmes Hesma van Tonder, Annamarie du Preez, Estie Pretorius and Malefu Moposho who assisted in getting material and literature, references as well as insightful discussions. Your help made the load a lot easier. Nola Redelinghuys at the Department of Sociology assisted in creating the questionnaire. Then also to Deidre van Rooyen and Amanda who helped with the processing of the data. Monique who showed me how to create a questionnaire on the internet. It was intimidating at first as I am of the technologically disadvantaged generation. To Chaplain General who supported me and who was willing to give postponement for an Army course in order to finish my research.