Afrikaner Journey

_Andre_van_Wyk__in_a_Springbok_jersey.JPG        

        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.

 Dutch_Reformed_Church__Graaff_Reinet.jpg
 
     
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.


The_Blood_River__Ncome__Memorial.jpg
 

        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 Dutch_Reformed_Church__Paarl.JPG
of some South Africans as they have watched
the change in name of the national holiday
celebrated on 16th 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