Lodewicus du Plessis
South African minister (1897–1968)
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Lodewicus Johannes du Plessis (1897–1968) was a South African academic, alternative Afrikaner political philosopher, and Calvinist.
February 10, 1897
Lodewicus du Plessis | |
|---|---|
| Chairman of the Afrikaner Broederbond | |
| In office 1930–1932 | |
| Preceded by | Potgieter, J.W. |
| Succeeded by | Van Rooy, J.C. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Lodewicus Johannes du Plessis February 10, 1897 |
| Died | February 19, 1968 (aged 71) |
| Spouse | Engela Susanna van der Merwe |
| Alma mater | University of Pretoria |
| Known for | South African Academic and Alternative Afrikaner Political Philosopher and Calvinist. |
Roots
Education
Du Plessis matriculated in 1912, from Potchefstroom Gimnasium. He received his BA, BA Hons (Classical languages) and MA (Classical languages) at the University of Pretoria.[3] Later, he also received a master's degree in economics, as well as an LL.B. (law degree).[4]
Career
In 1918, he started as a senior lecturer in Classical languages at The Theological Seminar of the Reformed Church (Afrikaans: Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika) in Potchefstroom. After obtaining the economics and law qualifications, he was offered a professorship in economics, political science and ethics at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. In later years he focused on law. He was secretary to the commission who translated the Bible in Afrikaans and was an advisor to Totius.[5]
Calvinism
He was an alternative Calvinist, in the sense that he believed that Calvinism is not the only answer. He was open to a combination of Calvinism, Marxism, and other possible beliefs.[6]
Politics
He was actively participating in Afrikaner politics, although he never stood for office. He was chairman of the Afrikaner Broederbond from 1930 to 1932.[7] He was not scared to differ from political leaders such as J.B.M. Hertzog, DF Malan, and J. G. Strijdom. His biggest clash was with H.F. Verwoerd, which caused him to be expelled from the National Party. Then, he also left the Afrikaner Broederbond. He was not in favour of Verwoerd's racial policy and his definition of an Afrikaner.[8]