Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1941 - 1955 (Creation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
1 box
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Ossewa Brandwag was a movement started in South Africa by Colonel J.C. Laas about 1938. It was semi-military in its organisation and the more active group was represented by the Stormjaers. It appealed to Afrikaner sentiment, being strongly in favour of severing the tie with the British Empire and forming a Republic.
Their aim was to make Afrikaans the only official language and to have a benevolent dictatorship, rather on the lines of Nazi Germany. Not only were they anti-imperial but also anti-communist (for fear it would lead to the end of separated societies according to race) and yet at the same time anti-capitalist. During World War II the O.B. was declared illegal and as they did not offer any clear policy the movement gradually disintegrated and the Nationalists won over their members.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The papers contain memoranda which illustrate the organisation of the Ossewa Brandwag, how it was set up and functioned. There are photographs (unidentified) of parades and festivals. In the printed section there are newsletters and periodicals which amongst other cover the split with the Nationalists as well as the aims of the movement.