Die tydskrif Woord en Daad en die apartheidsbeleid, 1954-1966

Abstract

The journal Woord en Daad ("Word and Action") was founded in 1954 with the aim of discussing political and social matters from a Christian perspective. The editors believed that the apartheid policy was based on Christian principleS and generally supported the implementation of this policy. Very little criticism on government measures regarding the coloured franchise, forced removals, the pass laws, etc., appeared in Woord and Daad. The journal did, however, urge the government to accelerate the development of the so-called black homelands and warned white South Africans that the apartheid policy would fail if they were not prepared to make economic sacrifices. During the years 1954 to 1966 the journal was instrumental in convincing Afrikaners, especially members of the Reformed ("Dopper") Church, that apartheid was a just policy.