By 1872, the South African Republic (also called the Transvaal) was almost bankrupt. The communities of Lydenburg, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, and Pretoria disagreed on numerous issues, and the cantankerous farmers refused to pay their taxes.
President Marthinus Wessel Pretorius had resigned the year before, and the burghers were at a loss to name a suitable candidate for president; they wanted someone who had not taken any part in their internecine struggles or even had friends or relatives involved.
This meant that they had to search beyond the boundaries of the Transvaal. So desperate was the Volksraad that it even advertised for the post!
Finally, thanks to various recommendations, it approached Thomas François Burgers, a 38-year-old Dutch Reformed minister in Hanover in the Karoo
A STORMY START
Burgers was born in 1854 on the farm Langefontein in the Cambedoo District of Graaff-Reinet. He studied theology in the Netherlands, was ordained in 1858, and in the same year married a Scottish woman, Mary Bryson, by whom he was to have 10 children. He and his wife returned to the Cape Colony, and he became the parson of Hanover at the age of 25.
Burger was a fine orator with an understanding approach to problems and life in general. He was a liberal thinker, even becoming a freemason later in life, and did not believe in the literal truth of the Bible.
This brought him into conflict with the Dutch Reformed Synod, and in 1864 he was accused of heresy and suspended. Undaunted, he took his case to the Supreme Court, won it, and was reinstated.
His victory was certainly no recommendation to the fundamentalist Doppers of the Transvaal and got him off on the wrong foot with Paul Kruger (then the country’s commandant-general), and his followers, who were all Doppers.
Burgers was elected president of the Transvaal by 2 964 votes to 388. He embraced nationalism, with a good dose of liberalism thrown in, which ruffled more feathers.
One of his first actions was to travel to Cape Town to raise a loan for recruiting and paying public servants. But this represented only a fraction of the funds the new president’s plans called for.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Sustaining a community-owned game reserve in tough times
COVID-19’s disastrous impact has necessitated change and adaptability in even the most rural parts of South Africa. The management of Somkhanda Community Game Reserve spoke to Lloyd Phillips about their efforts to keep this jewel of conservation and ecotourism alive and moving forward in the face of adversity.
Why vaccines are so important for your animals
Many medications are available for treating diseases and other problems, such as worms, in livestock. But by far the most important treatment you can give your animals is vaccinations against the diseases that occur in your area. Shane Brody explains why vaccines are different to other medicines, and why they are so effective.
Controlling the cat's claw creeper
The leaf-tying moth has been released as a biological control agent against this invasive alien plant.
Unlocking the potential of solar energy
With solar energy becoming increasingly affordable and reliable, more and more farmers are using it to reduce their electricity costs and dependence on Eskom power. Claude Peters of RenEnergy spoke to Glenneis Kriel about this trend.
Why an integrated approach is best
Farmers are finding more and more natural enemies to keep tomato leaf miners in check instead of resorting solely to chemicals, says Bill Kerr.
Empowerment through education
Young Bonsmara farmer Keneilwe Raphesu knew the path to achieving her dreams lay in further training, so she joined a development programme for emerging farmers. She spoke to Siyanda Sishuba about the lessons she has learnt so far.
Land rights of SA's forgotten people
In this article, Prof Philippe Burger, pro-vice-chancellor of Poverty, Inequality and Economic Development at the University of the Free State, writes that South Africa is failing the poorest of the poor by not developing legislation that would strengthen the land rights of people who are living in communal areas.
The Boer goat mentor who's changing lives
Stud Boer goat breeder Desré Ferreira from Vryburg in North West provides a valuable support network to developing and commercial Boer goat farmers. She started mentoring a group of about 30 farmers a decade ago, and now supports 150. Annelie Coleman reports.
Dealing with external parasites on chickens
These pests can cause severe problems for small-flock poultry producers (and occasionally large-flock producers) by disturbing the birds and affecting their growth and egg production. They can also spread disease.
Avoiding slippery mistakes with bananas
The humble banana is usually taken for granted by consumers, but growing this popular fruit can be tricky, expensive and involve considerable risk. Having top-performing banana plantations starts with the proper establishment of the crop. Brothers Riaan and WJ Heystek shared their experiences of setting up their banana enterprise with Lloyd Phillips.
