New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) New Contree No. 62 (November 2011) A journal of Historical and Human Sciences for Southern Africa New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) New Contree is an interdisciplinary focussed peer reviewed journal within the Historical and Human Sciences published by the School of Basic Sciences, Vaal Triangle Campus, North-West University. To accommodate more articles from a variety of Historical and Human Sciences disciplines (that especially reflects a fundamental historical approach), this Journal has slightly altered its name from 2008. Opinions expressed or conclusions arrived at in articles and book reviews are those of the authors and are not to be regarded as those of the North-West University or the editorial staff of New Contree. Two editions of New Contree are annually published. Articles appearing in New Contree are abstracted and/or indexed in Index to South African periodicals, Historical Abstracts, and America: History and Life. The Journal is also listed in The Bowker International Serials Database(New York), The Serials Directory (Birmingham, USA), The International African Bibliography (London) and Ebsco Host. New Contree, A journal of Historical and Human Sciences for Southern Africa, is mainly published in English though all the officially accepted languages in South Africa are accommodated in all editions. From November 2011 abstracts will only be in English. Notes for contributors Manuscripts, in any of the official languages, not exceeding 15 pages (approx, (one and a half spacing, 12 font) and on a CD disk or sent via electronic mail to the editor as an attachment in WORD are welcome. A summary/abstract must also be included in English, irregardless of the language of the manuscript. Contributors are asked to write in a clear and reader-friendly style. Please note: The language of both the abstract and the manuscript must be professionally edited before submitting the final approved manuscript to New Contree. Required proof must be provided in this regard. Also provide six to ten keywords (For more information, see template guideline for manuscript and footnotes on the last pages of this journal). Approach to article (also see guidelines on the last pages of the journal) The use of informative subheadings is important. No numbering is required. For general style and reference techniques of manuscripts, contributors are recommended to refer to the last pages in any recent copy of New Contree. One free copy of the edition in which a contributor(s) article has been published will be sent to the contributor(s). Page fees are necessary. As New Contree is an accredited journal, the cost of an article can be recouped from the earnings on research outputs. Authors employed by South African Universities and other national tertiary institutions should approach their institutions regarding subsidising their page cost for articles. Authors are not expected to pay for articles themselves. Approach the institution on your behalf. New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) Editorial Advisory Committee Prof. Patrick Furlong (Alma College, USA); Prof. Albert Grundlingh (University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape); Prof. Louis Grundlingh (University of Johannesburg, Aucklandpark); Prof. Karen Harris (University of Pretoria, Pretoria); Prof. Ackson M Kanduza (University of Botswana, Botswana); Prof. Bernard K Mbenga (North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mafikeng); Prof. Robert C-H Shell (University of the Western Cape & Commissioner of Truth and Justice for Mauritius); Mr. Nick Southey (University of South Africa, Pretoria). Layout and Publishing Editor Prof. Elize S van Eeden (North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, Vanderbijlpark). Book Review Editor Prof. Archie Dick (IT Department, University of Pretoria). Assistant Control Editor Prof. Eric J Nealer (North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom). Layout & Coverdesign Artz Studio: +27 (0)82 553 6463 / +27 (016) 423 5412 / Email: [email protected] Printers Bontshi Business Services Pty (Ltd), Wierda Park, Centurion, Pretoria Tel: +27 (0)12 653 7263 Postal address - New Contree The editorial staff New Contree School of Basic Sciences North-West University PO Box 1174 Vanderbijlpark 1900 New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) Telephone: (016) 910 3451 or (016) 910 3469 Email for enquiries or article presentations: [email protected] Subscription fees for 2012 (A subscription form is available on the last page of this journal) R 250.00 (Individual members - local) R 300.00 (Local institutions) R400.00 (Africa) Overseas subscribers R660.00 ISSN Particulars 0379-9867 New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) EDITORIAL This issue of New Contree offers an interesting kaleidoscope of articles about Southern Africa, ranging from social history to political issues like land reform and women’s rights. Environmental issues in certain regions of South Africa, like water pollution in Potchefstroom and the impact of environmental pollution on human health in parts of Gauteng, are also covered. Apart from the fact that a space for local environmental history from a broad research context is acknowledged, its inclusion also efficiently liaise with the COP17 United Nation’s climate talks in Durban between 28 November to 9 December 2011 and suggestions for more integrative thinking on environmental issues. This requirement certainly also concerns environmental related research in the humanities and human sciences. The two book reviews are particularly interesting. The first appraises a noteworthy regional and language history contribution entitled The Afrikaans of the Cape Muslims from 1815 to 1915, written by the late Achmat Davids and edited by Hein Willemse and Suleman E Dangor (published in 2011). In the review of Scott Couper’s Albert Luthuli: Bound by Faith (published in 2010), there are some thought-provoking and compelling alternative and critical reflections on former African National Congress (ANC) president, Albert Luthuli. Readers are reminded of contributions for the special edition of New Contree to be published by approximately the end of February 2012. With this special edition the Editorial Team will commemorate 35 years of the journal’s existence (see call for articles in this issue). The Editorial Team I New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) A II New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) Editorial I Invitation to contribute in a special edition VI CONTENTS Articles Louis Grundlingh “In what way are gay men actually harmful to society?” 1 Exploring the evidence on the feasibility of amendments to the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957 Gerald Groenewald Dynasty building, family networks and social capital: 23 Alcohol pachters and the development of a colonial elite at the Cape of Good Hope, c. 1760-1790 Mark Ingle Taking stock of land reform in Namibia from 1990 to 55 2005 Ackson M Kanduza Steve Biko and Kenneth Kaunda: Sampling youth in 71 history Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad & Tshombe M Lukamba The status and political participation of women in the 91 Democratic Republic of Congo (1960–2010): A critical historical reflection Elrista Annandale & Eric Nealer Exploring aspects of the water history of the Potchefstroom 111 region and the local management of it III New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) Mariette Liefferink Assessing the past and the present role of the National 125 Nuclear Regulator as a public protector against potential health injuries: The West and Far West Rand as case study Gustav Hendrich Vereniger en opheffer: Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde 155 Kerk in Rhodesië (1890-2007) Book reviews Scott Couper’s Albert Luthuli: Bound by Faith 179 Reviewed by Nicholas Southey Achmat Davids’s The Afrikaans of the Cape Muslims from 1815 182 to 1915 Reviewed by Gerald Groenewald New Contree info Guidelines for New Contree book reviewers 187 Template guidelines for writing an article 189 Reference guidelines for writing an article 191 SASHT 2012 annual conference, University of Stellenbosch 197 New Contree subscription for 2011 198 A IV New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) V New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) A VI New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) ATTENTION! Invitation to contribute in a special New Contree edition In 2012 the New Contree Journal will be 35 years old. To commemorate this milestone a special edition (apart from the two annual editions) will be published by the end of February 2012. To also accentuate the New Contree’s associations with research in local/regional related history (as well as any other local/regional research with a firm historical foundation in other Human and Social Science disciplines) researchers are invited to submit an article for peer reviewing by early January 2012 latest. A feedback will be done within two weeks, after which the approved articles will follow a final editing process from 20 January 2012. Please follow the New Contree reference guidelines. Visuals also are more than welcome. Send your contributions to: [email protected] VII New Contree, No. 62 (November 2011) A VIII In what way are gay men actually harmful to society? “In what way are gay men actually harmful to society?” Exploring the evidence on the feasibility of amendments to the Sexual Offences Act 23 of 1957 Louis Grundlingh Department of Historical Studies University of Johannesburg [email protected] Abstract Prompted by a perception that a gay sub-culture developed in the major urban areas of South Africa, and that this formed a threat to state security and to the established mores of society, the Minister of Justice, PC Pelser, appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee in 1968. The essence of the task given to the Select Committee was to provide clarity to the Department of Justice about a definition of homosexual acts as well as the causes, manifestations and extent of these practices. In addition, the Committee had to ascertain whether South African society was ready to decriminalise sodomy and “unnatural” sexual practices. A major concern was whether gay men were a danger to minors. The Committee received numerous written submissions and held regular meetings to hear oral testimonies, which covered a wide spectrum of opinions and issues.