Van Wyk’s an Afrikaner

        Reared for Broederbond fame

        In the shadow of grand apartheid

        And the trek-boer Blood River claim,

        Celebrating in green and gold

        With a drop-goal to end the game

        And flash-backs to Dingane’s Day

        A victory he’d rather not name.

 

 

     
Van Wyk’s ascended the pulpit

Surveying every pew
In the steps of selective Calvin,

Preaching to the privileged few

That they’ve a sacred duty

To remember and renew

Their promised Day of the Vow

That's disappeared from view.



 

        Van Wyk’s now switched allegiance

        Wanting to show the way

        To build respect in a nation,

        Yet unwilling to betray

        And forget a glorious past

        That still wants to have its say

        As he celebrates national unity

        On Reconciliation Day.

 

December 2009

Thoughts on the evolution of the thinking
of some South Africans as they have watched
the change in name of the national holiday
celebrated on 16^th December .

Paarl is regarded as the home
of the Afrikaans language. It is where
Die Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners
(The Guild of True Afrikaners) first met.

Paul was born not far from
the Dutch Reformed Church
that dominates Paarl's Main Street.

Andre van Wyk, pronounced fun-vake, was 
Paul's non de plume during the 1970s. 
It means 'gives way'.
 

Photo Credits:

• Andre van Wyk in a Springbok jersey - © du Plessis 2009
• Graaff Reinet Dutch Reformed Church  - © Jonker Fourie - Port Elizabeth Daily Photo
• Blood River / Ncome Memorial - © du Plessis 2006
• Die Toring Kerk - The Dutch Reformed Church in Paarl - © Travel Creek