Conclusion

The Boers of the Boer Republics and the Cape Afrikaners were two distinct groups with divergent political orientations and identities.

While the Boers prioritized independence and republicanism, the Cape Afrikaners, embraced their colonial status and sought unity under the British Crown.

These differences underscore the complexity of Afrikaner identity and highlight the varied historical trajectories of these groups within South Africa.

Divergent National Characters

The Cape Afrikaners’ national character was shaped primarily by their colonial experience within the Cape Colony. They identified as a “core ethnic community” distinct from the communities in the Boer Republics.

This identity was rooted in their experiences as British subjects rather than in a shared "Afrikaner" ethnic nationalism.

The Afrikaner Bond’s efforts to unite Dutch-speaking Afrikaners and English-speakers further illustrate the Cape Afrikaners’ colonial orientation.

Their focus was on building a unified colonial society rather than pursuing the ethnic exclusiveness or self-determination championed by the Boers.

Boers and the Quest for Freedom

In stark contrast to the Cape Afrikaners, the Boers of the Boer Republics — the ZAR (also called the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State — were characterized by their fierce commitment to self-determination and the independence of their Republics.

While Cape Afrikaners sought accommodation with the British Empire, the Boers resisted it vehemently, fighting wars to preserve their republics and way of life.

The dichotomy between these groups is captured in the saying, “The Cape and Orange are two. The Afrikaner here is different from the one there.”

Cape Afrikaners were described as living “under the broad and soft wings of the British Queen,” while the Boers resided where “the wind of freedom blows.”

This sentiment reflects the Boers’ republican ideals and their rejection of colonial subjugation.

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