Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr : die Baptiste Kerk en apartheid

Abstract

This article touches on the life of Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr, his connections with the Baptist Church and his opposition to Apartheid. Some of his unparalleled academic achievements are referred to. The article refers to the fact that he was brought up in a Baptist Church and that his Baptist upbringing had a great influence on him throughout his life. His Christian principles brought him in direct conflict with the apartheid policies of the National Party. He can truly be called a prophet against Apartheid. He was a defender of the Jews and always championed their cause. Although he was minister of different portfolios at different times, as long as he was a member of the cabinet, he was always Minister of Education. He laid a foundation for equal education that was later uprooted by the National Party government. He was Deputy Prime Minister under General Smuts who said at his graveside that it was his desire that Hofmeyr should have continued the work that he (Smuts) had started. Hofmeyr believed that the Christian ideal would ultimately triumph in South Africa’s race relations. It is clear that many of Hofmeyr’s ideas have been validated in recent years and that Hofmeyr was way ahead of his time.