A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

Popular in all respects, courteous, and with expert knowledge of the law, Francis Reitz transformed the Orange Free State into what the British regarded as a ‘model republic’, says Graham Jooste.

- Graham Jooste

Francis William Reitz was born in 1844 on his family’s farm, Rhenosterfontein, on the banks of the Breede River near Swellendam. One of 12 children, he was taught intially by a governess, then went to the Rouwkoop Boarding School in Rondebosch at the age of nine. He stood out for his academic achievements and was subsequently elected as the Queen’s Scholar by the senate of the South African College in Cape Town.

He received a broad education, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in arts and science, and developed into a well-balanced young man with obvious leadership qualities.

CALLED TO THE BAR

By now, Reitz had developed a keen interest in law and continued his studies in Cape Town. He then travelled to London to study at the Inner Temple, one of several institutions that train barristers in England.

Reitz’s father had been hoping for his son to return to the farm, but Reitz completed his studies and was called to the bar at Westminster. During his time in England, he became interested in politics and regularly attended sessions of the House of Commons.

In 1868, Reitz returned to Cape Town and set up his own practice as a barrister. Initially, he found it difficult to make a living, as competition among lawyers was quite severe at the time. Nevertheless, he was noticed by the Cape Judiciary and appointed to the Circuit Court of the Cape Colony. This enabled him to gain considerable knowledge in a short time.

He also wrote articles for the Cape Argus newspaper, acted as deputy editor, and reported on the proceedings of the Cape Parliament.

DIAMONDS!

Whispers about diamonds found along the Vaal River turned into a roar, and prospectors headed for the diggings at Klipdrift (Barkly West) and Wesselton, Du Toitspan and Bultfontein (Kimberley) in 1870.