The development of diversified conglomerates: Federale Volksbeleggings - a case study

Abstract

Leaders of the Afrikaner community, from church leaders, cultural leaders through to the few emerging business leaders, met in Bloemfontein in 1939 for an "Ekonomiese Volkskongres" (an economic conference for the nation). The main driving force was persistent poverty and powerlessness of Afrikaners in the country. Despite attempts by the National Party government since 1924 to address the question of the "poor whites" by means of labour legislation, poverty had not been eradicated completely and the question of economic power remained unaddressed.