PAST EVENTS

Colonel Louis Heap, Officer Commanding Group 10, addressed our May meeting on a most topical subject and one, in which he and the troops under his command are directly involved, viz. "The Undeclared War" (the war in the townships). He apologised at the outset that this was, perhaps strictly speaking, not a military history subject; but it soon became evident that what he was talking about was certainly either already history or, certainly, history in the making. Even if the troops were not involved as combatants, but as a peace-keeping force, it was an important military responsibility. The war in the townships is waged by Blacks on Blacks and, alarmingly, involves participation by a high percentage of juveniles, even children, in the role of activists. The popular impression is that arson, murder and general violence is as between two 'factions' viz UDF and Inkatha. This is a simplistic and superficial view and does not reach deep enough to explain the conflict situation fairly and squarely. In the case of the UDF there are 17 affiliated organisations, including the powerful COSATU, and there is a strong ANC and SACP influence. The ANC sees its "struggle" against the Government as part of a socialist revolution and has stated that "the struggle of the oppressed people of South Africa is taking place within an international context of transition to the socialist system, of the breakdown of the colonial system as a result of national liberation and socialist revolutions ..." and uses the UDF as its front and co-ordinator.

While the overthrow of an existing government is the legitimate aim of any political opposition party, much depends on the method by which this is to be achieved: democratic political means or violence. The ANC has opted for violence of a particularly virulent kind. The State has to safeguard the security of its institutions and its people and has to safeguard against attacks and undermining influences aimed at economical, social, political and psychological targets. Success is hoped for by direct violent action or by the intimidation of an impassive populace. Fertile ground is provided by exploiting or creating unsatisfactory conditions in black living areas, by a shortage of housing, lack of amenities, over-regulation and a largely inefficient bureaucracy. In order to achieve their objectives of destabilisation the activists find dissatisfaction and chaos more conducive than reform, progress and good Government and brand any person or organisation supporting these last-mentioned features as collaborators and "stooges" of government and single them out for violent retribution: arson and murder being the accepted methods.

While the Police Force is and remains responsible for maintaining law and order, its resources are insufficient to provide the additional security over wide areas which abnormal conditions demand. This is where the army comes in and performs an essential task, which fact is welcomed by the vast majority of responsible Blacks, notwithstanding claims to the contrary. Not only does it provide security as a military force, but it also performs civic functions by keeping a watchful eye on general living conditions and bringing to the notice of the controlling civic authorities any defects or breakdowns in services.

Following an animated question time fellow member Cmdt Mike Adrain moved a well-deserved vote of thanks and appreciation.

FUTURE EVENTS (PLEASE DIARISE)

A 'field-day', in own cars, has been planned for SUNDAY 2ND JULY, 1989. FRIENDS AND INTERESTED PERSONS ARE WELCOME TO COME ALONG.

RENDEZVOUS on the north coast road, N2, under the overhead bridge at the turn-off to STANGER (about 75 km from Durban).
TIME 09h00.
Proceed in convoy to Fort Pearson, Ultimatum Tree and military cemetery. Proceed over John Ross Bridge (Tugela River) to battle of Tugela monument. Receive additional briefing on the Battle of the Princes (Ndondakusuka). Proceed via Gingindlovu battlefied to Eshowe. Picnic lunch. Visit Nongqayi Museum, KwaMondi (Fort Eshowe) and military cemetery. Return to Durban by 18h00. (This itinerary is flexible and may be modified during the tour, if so desired). Bring your own lunch and refreshments; clothing to meet changes in temperature; no long or rough walking is involved.

JUNE MEETING

June 8th Fellow member MAJOR DENIS SHEIL-SMALL, MC, will show video tape recordings of "THE GURKHAS IN TRAINING" and "THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO NEPAL".

The venue for the above meetings will be the functions room on the first floor of the Westville North Library, 167 Blair Atholl Road. The Library building is on the corner of Blair Atholl and Iver Roads, at the robot-controlled intersection of BLAIR ATHOLL - IVER RD - DUNKELD RD. The entrance to the library parking area and building is from Iver Road. Commencement time will be 19h45 and friends and interested persons are welcome to come along.

Ice and water JUGs will be provided, but please bring your own GLASS and bottled or canned refreshments. There is a gentle ramp and entrance door on the Blair Atholl Road side for those members who may find stairs difficult to negotiate. The functions room is air-conditioned (if desired) and TV/VCR equipment is available on request.

Tania van der Watt
Secretary: Durban Branch
S.A. Military History Society
Box 870 Hillcrest 3650
Tel. 74mmmm