Voortrekker vow still relevant today

(Day of the Vow message: Dr. Pieter Groenewald, Perdeberg, Petrusburg, Free State)

16 December 2023

The symbolism of the 1838 Voortrekker vow makes it just as relevant today, 185 years later, for the Afrikaner and other minorities who are standing in the way of the ANC's destruction of South Africa as it was then.

So, it is time to seriously reconsider the vow and its true meaning.

In the FF Plus's view, the vow was and is a supplication to the Almighty for survival and a future in a country where everyone can live and work in peace. Without fear or oppression.

The Voortrekkers wanted to avoid a solution involving violence at all costs. Their leader, Andries Pretorius, kept sending messages to King Dingaan until shortly before the battle, requesting that they negotiate rather than wage war.

He did, nonetheless, state that the Voortrekkers were willing to fight to the death should Dingaan prefer war.

Just like in 1838, the time has come for all right-minded South Africans to take hands and oppose a government that is busy destroying their dreams and future for its own benefit.

Citizens who are united through shared ideals and values have been pleading with the ANC over the course of the last thirty years. Their pleas fell on deaf ears. Next year's elections could turn the situation around, though.

When it comes to celebrating the Day of the Vow, also known as Geloftedag, the FF Plus believes that it cannot be set against Reconciliation Day. Instead, the opportunity to create a win-win situation for all should be seized.

For the Afrikaner, the Day of the Vow is not a day created by some government or political party. A holy covenant is commemorated on this day and no government can dictate how much value should be ascribed to it.

It is government's full right to choose to celebrate reconciliation on this day. The Afrikaner has never been opposed to reconciliation with other nations in South Africa. Every person has the constitutional right to commemorate and celebrate their culture in their own way.

Just like Pretorius in 1838, the FF Plus also strives for reconciliation; true reconciliation where everyone demonstrates mutual respect for each other's differences and unique character, such as language, culture and heritage.

Without it, there can be no reconciliation, only cultural annihilation and total domination by the majority.

Afrikaners, and particularly the Afrikaner youth, are made to believe that their history is a blemish on South Africa's reputation and that they should, in fact, be ashamed of their heritage.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Generations of people who associate themselves with the heritage of Blood River built this country up from nothing to a prosperous home for all its people.

The youth should be taught that with the help of the Almighty, Afrikaners have endured difficult times and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges – and they have the right to be proud of that.

At present we are facing many challenges and threats in South Africa, but we should always put our faith in the Heavenly Father – just as the Voortrekkers did on this day in 1838.

Issued by Dr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 16 December 2023