Politieke Kaarte op die Tafel
Part 2 of the story of apartheid, by Japie Basson
POLITIKA (Soft cover, 195 pages, ISBN 0 620 36495 5, Price R180)
Japie Basson was one of the most colourful politicians from the pre-1994 political dispensation, and found himself in an ideal position to observe and judge the personalities and questions of importance in those times. The first part of his reminiscences, Raam en Rigting in die Politiek, was well received at its first appearance, and there is already much interest in the third volume, Steeds op die Parlementêre Kolfblad, which is presently in preparation.
Basson’s contribution to political historiography is particularly welcome since so few Afrikaans politicians of name left revealing writings. Louis Botha, JBM Hertzog, Hans Strijdom, Hendrik Verwoerd and John Vorster wrote nothing at all, and books by or about Jan Smuts, DF Malan, PW Botha and FW de Klerk are virtually useless as true insights into the thoughts and souls of these people.
Basson’s own contribution to our history is by no means insubstantial, but apart from weighty matters he also writes amusingly about lesser happenings, for example the day when the Governor-General decided, quite unexpectedly, to alight from his official White Train at Keetmanshoop, causing a panicked station-master to lock himself up in his office, and forcing Basson to receive this important guest in a tieless state. There was his brave but failed attempt at mastering bowls, and a demonstration before some youths in Norway of his astonishing cycling skills. And what about a little pub in Turkey purporting to be “Parliament”? Read all about it!
Basson writes episodically, with insight and in his unique but extremely readable Afrikaans, about persons and events in our history, yet never forces himself onto the foreground. His tales shine like pearls on a string, and will be enjoyed by a very large and diverse audience.
The contents in a nutshell
Chapter 1
We Africans (Ons, Afrikane)
A look at the mixed heritage of most Afrikaners, and a discussion about who should and could be regarded as an “African”.
Chapter 2
Perspective on Party-swapping (Perspektief op Partywisseling)
Basson has often been criticised for frequently changing his party allegiance. He provides many other examples, and propounds the theme that someone who remains true to his own principles may sometimes be forced to take such a step if his party changes its direction.
Chapter 3
Stormy Petrel on a Swing (Stormvoël op ’n Skoppelmaai)
Basson mentions that he would probably have occupied leadership positions had he abandoned his principles and remained with one party.
Chapter 4
Political Tsunami (Politieke Tsoenami)
Basson sketches the background to the decision that South Africa should take part in World War II, and the consequences thereof.
Chapter 5
General Smuts and his “Rule of Thought” (Genl. Smuts en sy “Rule of Thought”)
Basson provides insights into Jan Smuts’s thinking.
Chapter 6
Pressman in Parliament (Persman in die Parlement)
Basson sketches his early days as a Parliamentary reporter.
Chapter 7
Wheeled Youth (Jeug op Wiele)
Basson tells of his experiences as an organiser for the United Party’s Union Youth Front, and mentions a few rules that should be applied to any public meeting, which could be taken to heart even today!
Chapter 8
Pathway to Parliament (Padbord Parlement Toe)
Basson tells of his first nomination as a candidate in a Parliamentary election in Somerset East, his withdrawal, and his eventual acceptance of a nomination as a candidate in Moorreesburg.
Chapter 9
The Transgariep Calls (Die Transgariep roep)
Basson tells of his first visit to South West Africa and his involvement in the United National South West Party.
Chapter 10
North of Nakop (Noord van Nakop)
Politics in South West Africa had its very own twists and turns, and Basson sketches the matters that distinguished this territory from South Africa.
Chapter 11
Winds of Change in Windhoek (Nuwe Winde Waai in Windhoek)
In the wake of World War II, the first efforts were made to negotiate a separate political dispensation for South West Africa, and this resulted in SWA being granted six Members in the House of Assembly and four Senators in South Africa’s Parliament – quite disproportionate to its small population.
Chapter 12
Branches in the Road (Uitdraaipad, Indraaipad)
Basson joined the National Party in 1950 and was elected MP for Namib.
Chapter 13
The GG and his White Horse (Die G-G en sy Wit Perd)
Basson tells of the day that the Governor General unexpectedly decided to alight from his White Train at Keetmanshoop, and there was nobody to receive him.
Chapter 14
In the Caucus Scrum (In die Koukus-skrum)
Basson offers insights into the debate about South Africa’s republican dreams, and debates on the country’s continued ties to the Commonwealth.
Chapter 15
Caucus, Club Colours, Flags and Anthems (Koukus, Klubbaadjies, Vlae en Volksliedere)
At the time it was the divisive custom to play the British national anthem at the conclusion of every public cinema show. Basson contributing to ending this.
Chapter 16
Day in the Sun (Dag in die Son)
Basson tried to introduce a measure in Parliament to establish a single flag and anthem.
Chapter 17
Still Fine and Warm (Steeds Mooiweer en Warm)
Basson elaborates on the matter of the flag.
Chapter 18
“Baasskap” is Buried (“Baasskap” Begrawe)
Basson clashed with Premier Strijdom on the matter of Afrikaner dominance over other races, and rebelled against the concept of “baasskap” (mastery).
Chapter 19
I Doff My NP Hat (My NP-hoed Waai)
Basson gives a detailed account of the events that led to his leaving the NP.
Chapter 20
Providence or Presidency? (Bestiering – of Besturing?)
Basson dissects with great insight why Premier Verwoerd wanted a South African republic apart from the Commonwealth, and manipulated events to achieve this.
Chapter 21
Frittered Friday (Verspeelde Vrydag)
Basson briefly tells of the establishment of his National Union.
Chapter 22
A Calm Coup (’n Sagte Staatsgreep)
The Odendaal Commission suggested that South West Africa be divided into twelve separate and independent “states”. Basson discusses this absurdity.
Chapter 23
Patriots and Patriotism (Patriotte en Patriotisme)
Dutch heritage.
Chapter 24
A Partnership Achieved (Vennootskap Breek Deur)
The political future of South West Africa took a decisive turn when the territory’s own National Party went its own way.
Chapter 25
Trust Tarnished after Frolics Abroad (Vertroue Verlep – ná Vrolikheid in die Vreemde)
Basson was a member of a delegation of South African politicians abroad, but was surprised when Dr Connie Mulder betrayed a confidence.
Chapter 26
Cat out of the Bag – with a Domino Effect (Aap uit die Mou – met Domino-effek)
Basson discusses the Information Scandal from his unique perspective, and also sketches his part in the beginning of Mulder’s fall.
Chapter 27
The Long Descent (Die Lang Afdraand)
The Information Scandal had far-reaching consequences, and Basson provides insight into how the main characters in this drama were affected by it.
Chapter 28
“Secret Organisation” Synthesis (“Geheime Organisasie” Sintese)
Basson tells of the informal discussion forum he and friends instigated in order to further debate across colour lines on important matters in South Africa. “Synthesis” was far ahead of its time, and helped to foster mutual understanding.
Chapter 29
A House of Cards Collapses (’n Kaartehuis Tuimel)
Basson briefly tells of the then earth-shattering event when Mangosuthu Buthelezi danced with a white woman at a public event.
Chapter 30
Origins (Van Waar, Gehasi?)
Premier Vorster used words like “huidiglik” (presently) and “inspraak” (participation), and in so doing influenced the Afrikaans language.
Chapter 31
Balls and Bowls (Balle en Bane)
Basson was never blessed with exceptional talent on the sport field, but he was an ace at roller-skating and cycling!
Chapter 32
Benches Full of Boyshighers (Bankevol Boishaaiers)
At one stage twelve old boys of Paarl Boys High served as MPs and Senators simultaneously.
Chapter 33
Unlimited Unmercifulness (Ongenade Onbeperk)
Basson briefly tells of an unsavoury race incident in Pretoria which gives insight into why South Africa became the “polecat” of the world.
Chapter 34
Cartoons Make and Break (Spotprente Maak én Breek)
The cartoonist DC Boonzaier did great damage to the prestige Louis Botha enjoyed in South Africa by often depicting him in “Imperial” court dress. Basson sketches other cases where cartoonists exerted great influence.
Chapter 35
“Parliamentary Session” in Turkey (“Parlementsitting” in Turkye)
A brief account of an incident during a holiday in Turkey.
