Nogeens: Die agtergrond, inhoud en implikasies van die Gelofte van 1838

Abstract

Once more: The background, contents and implications of the Vow of 1838. The vow taken by the so-called Voortrekkers before the Battle of Bloodriver in Natal on the 16th December 1838 against the Zulu impis remains a much-debated topic. In this article the author enters into dialogue with some results of recent research. Themes such as the degree to which the vow is binding on descendants, the sabbaical character of the day of commemoraion and the implications of the Hews behind the vow for reconciliation in the present South Africa, are discussed. The conclusion is that the vow is based on sound Chrisian principles, morally binding on Chrisian Afrikaners and those who see fit to associate with them, and in principle not a stumbling block in the way of reconciliaion in a South Africa based on Christian values.