Afrikaner Nationalism and the Ossewabrandwag

Economic depression, memories of the Boer War and conflict over South Africa’s relationship with Britain strengthened Afrikaner nationalist organisations during the 1930s. Some movements adopted authoritarian ideas circulating in Europe.

After South Africa entered the Second World War on the Allied side, the Ossewabrandwag opposed participation and members engaged in sabotage and paramilitary activity. The state interned a number of activists while nationalist politics continued to grow.