BROEDERBOND Meaning and
Definition
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Broederbond is a Dutch term that literally translates to "brotherhood" in English. It is a term predominantly used in South African history to refer to a secretive and highly influential Afrikaner organization that operated from the early 20th century through the apartheid era. The Broederbond can be seen as a right-wing, nationalist, and racially exclusive group that aimed to advance the interests of Afrikaners, particularly in the political, economic, and social spheres of South Africa.
Members of the Broederbond were primarily male Afrikaner elites who held positions of power and influence within the government, military, and other important institutions. They advocated for Afrikaner nationalism, the ideology that promotes the preservation of Afrikaner culture, language, and political dominance. The secret nature of the Broederbond allowed its members to forge important connections, share information, and promote their socio-political agenda discretely.
Membership in the Broederbond was highly sought-after and heavily restricted, with candidates being carefully selected based on strict criteria, including ethnicity, language proficiency, and political alignment. This exclusivity and secrecy, combined with the organization's influence, gave the Broederbond significant control over decision-making processes in South Africa. Many key figures involved in apartheid policies, including several South African presidents, were members of the Broederbond.
The Broederbond played a pivotal role in the formation and execution of apartheid policies, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination against non-white South Africans. However, its influence began to wane with the end of apartheid and the transition to a democratic South Africa in the early 1990s.
Etymology of BROEDERBOND
The word "broederbond" is of Dutch origin and translates to "brotherhood" in English. It is a compound word consisting of two parts: "broeder" meaning "brother" and "bond" meaning "union" or "association". The term "broederbond" gained prominence in South Africa during the late 19th and 20th centuries, particularly referring to a secretive, exclusively Afrikaner male organization known as the Afrikaner Broederbond. This organization played a significant role in promoting and defending Afrikaner interests during apartheid and had a profound influence on South African politics.
