The Cape Liberal Tradition: Myth or Reality?

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Periodical article

Title:	The Cape Liberal Tradition: Myth or Reality?
Author:	Lewsen, Phyllis
Year:	1971
Periodical:	Race
Volume:	13
Period:	July
Pages:	65-80
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	race relations Politics and Government
Abstract:	The author exposes the origins, the growth and decline of Cape liberalism as distinct from the colour-bar tradition of the North of South Africa. Liberalism was an alien import, as a result of the philanthropic and humanitarian movement in England. In 1828 Ordinance 50 made Hottentots and other people of colour equal before the law with Europeans. The chief challenge to liberalism came with the annexation of tribal Native territory. As for the land question, the Cape was both liberal in respect of individual ownership and in the amount of land set aside in the reserves. Educational opportunities were also much higher in the Cape, as well as the chances for industrial training. After Union, however, Cape values were isolated, and Cape liberal influence was cancelled out in the new political power structure. Notes; ref.