1948, apartheid, a social philosophy that enforced social, economic, and racial segregation was introduced in South Africa. While millions saw apartheid as an injustice to blacks in South Africa, those who supported apartheid asserted that is was vital in building a stable nation because it prevented homelands from collapsing. This was what prompted one Dr. A. L Geyer, a supporter of apartheid, to give a speech before the Rotary Club of London on 19th August 1953. His speech, ‘The Case for Apartheid’, explains why apartheid was an appropriate policy for all the races in South Africa and expresses frustration about issues that are continually ignored in the apartheid debate. According to Geyer, Black Africans were continually being portrayed as victims, yet the whites were responsible for majority of the progress and development in most parts of the country[footnoteRef:1]. He, therefore, presents his opinion on why apartheid was the key to stability and gives specific reasons why it was justified. [1 A.L. Geyer The Case for Apartheid (1953), 1]
Geyer’s speech was intended to provide insight on what he thought were the motivations for the Afrikaner Nationalist Party’s decision to institutionalize racial discrimination, despite criticism from the natives and leaders across the world. In fact, he goes ahead to give three main reasons why negative criticism was unjustified and offers recommendations regarding the future of South Africa. This essay discusses Geyer’s reasons for supporting apartheid. It evaluates his evidence and recommendations, and determines whether his claims were justified.
Discussion
In the 17th century, South Africa was colonized by the English and Dutch but due to the domination of the Boers; the Dutch had to establish the new colonies of Transvaal and Orange Free State[footnoteRef:2] . When diamonds were discovered in this lands in the 1900’s, however, the English invasion began, which sparked the Boer war. What followed was a power struggle between the two groups until the 1940s, when the Afrikaner National Party gained a large following. To gain more control over the social and economic systems, the Party then invented apartheid, which increased racial segregation while at the same time maintaining white domination[footnoteRef:3]. Although racial segregation had been in force for a number of decades; the enactment of apartheid laws in 1948 saw racial discrimination become institutionalized to such an extent that marriages between whites and non-whites were banned and some were jobs that were reserved for whites only. Apartheid sparked internal resistance and violence because its opposition was banned and those against it were often imprisoned. [2: Stanford University ‘The History of Apartheid in South Africa’ Stanford Library, 2015] [3: Ibid]
At the time, Geyer was the national Chairman of South African Bureau of Racial Affairs (SABRA) and strongly supported apartheid. According to Geyer, the opposition to apartheid was uncalled for particularly because it was ironical for the black Africans to oppose a policy that would lead to a stable country; and to forget the huge debt they owed the whites. Furthermore, weren’t the whites fully responsible for majority of the development in different parts of the country? In his speech, he expressly states that the west’s condemnation of colonialism had little effect because before colonization, Black Africans had had independence for more than a thousand years and they did not utilize that opportunity[footnoteRef:4]. However, he acknowledges that the Africans had been able to control their population, fight famine and disease, and eliminate vices such as witchcraft and cannibalism. [4 A.L. Geyer The Case for Apartheid (1953), 1]
Geyer gives three main reasons why apartheid was vital in the restoration of order at the time. Firstly, both races had a right to call South Africa home[footnoteRef:5]. The second reason was that South Africa was the only independent nation in the whole of Africa and the third; it was the only independent country globally where black people outnumbered white people. He gave an example of Brazil with the ratio was 20 to 1, compared to South Africa where it was 1 to 4[footnoteRef:6]. In his defense, a great part of this was true, but the context in which it was used was inappropriate. [5: Ibid, 1] [6: Ibid, 1]
Geyer, speaking on behalf of those who were in support of a discriminatory and stratified society, had two options for the future development of South Africa: partnership or apartheid. He explained that partnership entailed cooperation irrespective of race, where there would be no discrimination in professions in the public service or in trade and industry. However, he held that this would eventually lead to a situation where blacks would dominate and cause the disappearance of the white South African nation[footnoteRef:7]. The second option, apartheid, which he was passionate about, would involve separate development that would see the Bantu develop fully as a separate people. He asserted that segregation was the only road to prosperity. [7: Ibid, 2]
Geyer’s speech, though genuine, was rather biased. As the chairman of SABRA, he was doing the opposite of what the organization was established for. SABRA, a non-profit organization, was created in 1948 with the objective of promoting harmonious relations and coexistence of different people in South Africa; and to promote political, social and economic development[footnoteRef:8]. It was evident that the organization believed that the solution to all of the country’s problems lay in the promotion of white supremacy. Geyer was also a writer and a former South African High Commissioner in London. He was, therefore, quite influential at the time and a reliable source on the thought processes of those who supported the apartheid. By addressing the Rotary Club of London, Geyer targeted its numerous professional, business, and community leaders as his audience. The members were, and still are, intent on providing humanitarian services and promoting peace, and it is accurate to conclude that he was trying to correct the negative perception that the west had about apartheid. Geyer’s assertive and authoritative tone also indicates that he was aware that his position entitled him to argue in favor of apartheid because most leaders at the time shared his sentiments that it was the best option for South Africa’s future development. [8: William Beinart and Saul Dubow. Segregation and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa (New York: Rouitledge, 1995), 212]
Geyer’s speech does not present the right facts regarding apartheid. He completely ignores the injustices Black Africans were subjected to in the hands of the whites, despite his acknowledgement that South Africa was home to both races. For instance, he failed to mention that blacks had to use passports to enter their own country and that they often had to work for the whites to survive[footnoteRef:9]. His speech is proof of the racial and political bias that was involved in the making of laws. Beinart and Dubow explain that at one point, SABRA was of the opinion that African labor was becoming too expensive for the whites, which was not good for the economy, and to correct this they planned the extrication of African labor[footnoteRef:10]. What was their strategy? Gradual withdrawal of native labor had to be accompanied by more efficient European and mechanized labor[footnoteRef:11]. Africans were also assigned homelands according to their record of origin, which were often inaccurate; and since they were seen to be of a lower class, they were often deemed subservient to the whites. It is, therefore, not surprising that Geyer stated they would not apologize for promoting racial segregation because it often worked to their advantage. [9: Beinart and Dubow, Segregation and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa, 211] [10: Beinart and Dubow, Segregation and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa, 212] [11: Ibid, 212]
In agreement with the Dutch Reformed Church back in 1950, no individual in the world would be content with little or no say in the affairs of a country in which decisions about his or her interests and future are made. Nevertheless, Geyer’s conclusion that the solution lay in keeping the Bantu’s as far as possible from the whites is as derogatory as it is misinformed because there were better ways of solving the issues that plagued the country at the time. Separate development for the blacks and the whites would increase the gap between the rich and the poor, which would increase the rate of poverty, violence, and political unrest. In the speech, Geyer referred to the Bantu as ‘immature’ before concluding that political power had to remain with the whites. His justifications, therefore, were not sufficient to cover up the fact that he felt that blacks owed the whites for the development of the country; he felt they had done little with the independence they had, and he was generally apprehensive of black domination[footnoteRef:12]. Furthermore, the Bantus were denied their basic rights and apartheid would condemn them to a life of misery under the rule of the whites, which contradicted the vision to a better and more peaceful nation. [12: A.L. Geyer, The Case for Apartheid (1953), 2]
Geyer’s enthusiasm for total segregation was shared by many other writers who tried to influence Afrikaner thinking in regard to apartheid[footnoteRef:13]. A good example is Professor G.A. Cronje, a Bantu intellectual at the time, who published his book ‘n Tuiste Vir Die Nageslag’ in 1945. He urged black South Africans to follow racial separation as the radical solution to the country’s problems, terming it their Christian duty. This, and other such documents, set the agenda for the debate on apartheid and they assumed that the natives were not aware of what was good for them and needed to be convinced that the apartheid policy was adopted for their own interests. Geyer’s speech also shared Paul Suer’s ideologies as stipulated in the Sauer Report. The report suggested wide ranging segregation between the blacks and the whites, and advocated for the ultimate removal of the blacks from white territories because it conflicted with the policy of apartheid[footnoteRef:14]. Overall, the apartheid policy was only successful in achieving its main goal of preferential treatment of whites. Given Geyer’s position and influence, he should have pushed for democracy that would have seen the rights of both races protected – this would have been more effective in achieving the shared goals of peace as well as social, political, and economic prosperity. [13: Beinart and Dubow, Segregation and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa, 221] [14: Alleta Norval, Deconstructing Apartheid Discourse (New York: Veso, 1996) 114-116]
Conclusion
Geyer’s speech to the Rotary Club in London provides first hand insight on apartheids peculiar, albeit ironical, combination of racism and rectitude. Geyer’s position as the chairman of SABRA, a former South African High Commissioner in London, and a writer proves that he is a reliable source regarding the situation in South Africa at the time. The arguments presented in the speech are clear and concise, which makes it easy to comprehend the push for apartheid. Geyer’s speech also reveals facts about South Africa that paint a picture of the whites domination of blacks back in the 1950s.
The speech, however, is biased and it portrays the Bantus as ignorant people that did little to contribute to the development of the nation. Geyer’s opinion that they had done little with the independence they had before, which made them less deserving to have it then, was outright derogatory. His argument that the Bantus were indebted to the whites for all the progress in the country and that they were not mature enough to participate in political leadership also proves that his main intention was not to improve their living conditions; it was to promote white supremacy. The speech reveals that the option of cooperation among both races, which would have been more effective at promoting peace, was ignored because it would empower the immense African majority and it would have led to the extinction of the whites. The silent message passed here is clear: if liberated, the Bantus would have been more powerful than the whites and hence oppression was necessary to maintain the whites’ place in the society. Contrary to the main message passed by the speech, therefore, apartheid was not the best policy for all races in South Africa.
Bibliography
A.L. Geyer. The Case for Apartheid .1953
Alleta Norval, Deconstructing Apartheid Discourse New York: Veso, 1996
Beinart William and Dubow Saul. Segregation and Apartheid in Twentieth-century South Africa New York: Routledge, 1995
Stanford University. The History of Apartheid in South Africa. Stanford Library, 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2015 from http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.html
Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?
- Plagiarism free papers
- Timely delivery
- Any deadline
- Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
- Subject-relevant academic writer
- Adherence to paper instructions
- Ability to tackle bulk assignments
- Reasonable prices
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Get superb grades consistently
Online Academic Help With Different Subjects
Literature
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Finance
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
Psychology
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
Nursing
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Sociology
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
Business
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
Statistics
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Law
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
What discipline/subjects do you deal in?
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
What if I don’t like the paper?
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Reasons being:
- When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
- We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.
In the event that you don’t like your paper:
- The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
- We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
- Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.
Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
What if the paper is plagiarized?
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
When will I get my paper?
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
Will anyone find out that I used your services?
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
How our Assignment Help Service Works
1. Place an order
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
2. Pay for the order
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
3. Track the progress
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
4. Download the paper
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
