Die kommunikasie van Afrikanernasionalisme deur Stellenbosse studente, 1902-1948

Abstract

This study describes the communication of Afrikaner nationalism within the Stellenbosch student community from 1902-1948 - a period which started with the defeat of the Boer republics by Great Britain, and ended with a watershed election victory by the National Party. After briefly noting the evolving contexts in which the students of each sub-period (1902-1924, 1925-1938 and 1939-1948) communicated their nationalism, the content of their verbal and nonverbal ritual communication of nationalism is described in detail. In an effort to achieve clearer understanding, the content is analysed by using an adapted version of Schillinger's "dynamic theory for the press". It was found that the dominant motive in the period 1902- 1924 was survival, with ideology (implying domination) not yet that prominent. In the next period (1925-1938) ideology moved to the fore, replacing survival as the dominant motive, as the Afrikaner became stronger, both economically and culturally. During the period 1939-1948, which was overshadowed by World War II, ideology dominated. It is noted, however, that survival in the long term was always an important aspect of Afrikaner nationalism, which makes a consistent and clear-cut distinction between these two dominant motives difficult. In the end, this limits the use of Schillinger's theory, although it is of some use. The material is also analysed in terms of the development model for the media. It was found that the students' communication of Afrikaner nationalism could indeed be described as a form of development communication. The use of this particular model in describing communication, is thus extended beyond its contemporary Third World context. Particular attention is also given to various forms of communication utilised by the students. It was found that they communicated extensively via cultural activities ( e.g. plays, music and clothes), which is understandable as they had little other means. By identifying these different ("alternative") forms of communication - which are also described as woord-en-daadkommunikasie (communicating by word and action) - a broad concept of communication is used and championed in this thesis. Finally, the study is offered as a contribution to communication historiography as a distinct approach. In terms of this approach, theory can be used in explaining historical material, but the importance of unique events are stressed. It is suggested that different approaches to the study of communication are necessary and should be seen as enriching, supplementary ways in studying the ways and means in which people create meaning.