Dr. H.F. Verwoerd se Nederlandse afstamming: Persepsies en realiteit

Abstract

Dr HF Verwoerd (1901-1966) was one of the most controversial South African statesmen of the twentieth century. His Dutch descent (he was born in Amsterdam) is a/actor that could not be ignored. Many historians and political commentators were of the opinion that Vetwoerd's thinking and concerns were typically Dutch. Verwoerd obsessively identified himself with the Afrikaner people, being inevitably aware of the fact that his foreign birth had set him apart. Despite his foreign origins. he epitomised Afrikanerdom. The fact that Verwoerd has been born in the Netherlands was a sensitive issue to the Dutch. Because Verwoerd was regarded as the architect of apartheid, many Dutchmen were highly critical of him. 11rey regarded him as one of the most hated politicians of his time. However, there were also Dutchmen who felt very positive about Venvoerd. Some even thought that it was a pity that he had never beem invited to visit the country of his birth. Venvoerd was deeply aware of the special ties of kinship between the NeJherlands and South Africa. He expected more sympathy from the Dutch government as regards his racial policies and he strongly condemned their anti-apartheid stance.