The establishment of the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), 1955-1975 : a centrepiece in education of a modernising Afrikaner livelihood

Abstract

RAU was established close to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 1968 to realise, among other goals, a white Afrikaans-speaking academic presence in the heart of Johannesburg. From the inception of the idea of the founding of the university till its establishment commenced in 1955 under the leadership of Dr PJ Meyer, the inspiring process was fuelled by the determination of influential Afrikaans-speaking leaders in educational, cultural and economic circles. However, bringing the idea of the new university to fruition presented numerous challenges. Some issues to contemplate included the possible relocation of the University of South Africa (UNISA) to Johannesburg; the finding of a suitable site for the RAU; and the institution’s conscience clause. There were many more, but lessor complexity. The history of the establishment of RAU explores the creation of a centrepiece in education for modernising the livelihoods of Afrikaners, especially on the Witwatersrand. This study specifically explores the modernisation and intellectualisation of mainstream, white Afrikaans-speakers in a predominantly English-speaking Johannesburg during the period of 1955 to 1975. In doing so the first topic under discussion features a historiographical exploration of trends in university establishment globally and locally. The discussion then moves on to interrogate the key role players in the creation of RAU which is followed by a discussion of the political and cultural obstacles encountered in the establishment of RAU. The study investigates modern trends of the time in teaching, and the impact of and the architectural design based on the philosophical and ideological visions of the founding fathers. There follows an investigation into the way in which instruction in the mother-tongue and Christian values informed the overall ideological and philosophical ideals of RAU’s founders. In Chapter Seven the construction of RAU as a centrepiece of education with regard to modernising the Afrikaner livelihood on the Witwatersrand is critically reviewed. In Chapter Eight the institution’s role and function in the Afrikaner project is explored, and issues of contestation and debate that existed between RAU and the wider Afrikaner nationalist community identified. Lastly RAU as a centrepiece in education for a modernising Afrikaner livelihood is assessed, and the dream for doing so critically reviewed