Die Politiek

When I was a child, South African politics was the almost exclusive preserve of the white population and loyalties were split very much along language lines. Up until the elections of 1948, the ruling (and English speaking) party was the United Party under the leadership of General Jan Smuts while the opposition (and Afrikaans speaking) party was the National party under the leadership of Dr D.F. Malan.
Electioneering at grass roots level was done by way of street corner meetings in the suburbs. These were always rowdy affairs with speakers being heckled and members of the audience verbally abusing those of the opposing party. Arguments frequently became heated and there would always be a number of tough guys ready, willing and very able to settle matters by physical violence. To see one or even several brawls in an evening was the attraction for us youngsters and we wouldn’t miss such a gathering held in our neighbourhood or close by.

Die Politiek

Politikebyeenkomste het ons jonges verwonder

Want deurgaans het volwasses mekaar dik gedonder

Die skeiding was duidelik tussen Bloedsap en Nat

Geen plek vir ʼn draadsitter nie jy’s dit of jy’s dat

Verrigtinge verloop kalm en die spreker kry kans

Tot hy iets omstrede sê wat die poppe laat dans

In elke gedrang skuil daar ʼn slu onrustoker

Wat kamerade kan opsweep om ander te moker

“Moer hom Koos” is genoeg vir ʼn vuurige ou

Om ʼn stommerik te laat lê met een uitklophou

Dan is dit chaos, ʼn toneel veel beter as ʼn fliek

Want almal slaan vuis terwille van die politiek