Bram Fischer: Celebrate and remember a good and decent man

Yvonne Malan

Despite desperate and pathetic attempts by a few "ou krokodille" adv Abram (Bram) Fischer was awarded the degree DPhil honoris causa on 9 December 2004.

The "Fischer debate" has been intense and sustained, not only on LitNet but also through numerous letters and articles in various newspapers. As for the Convocation meeting at Stellenbosh, Annie Gagiano accurately described the fracas in an article in the Mail and Guardian. The so-called Delport motion, which called for the honorary degree to be reviewed, was withdrawn at the last moment and replaced by a new "compromise", the Botman-Delport motion. It took the focus off the honorary degree and concentrated on the divisions within the Convocation. Botman was given the first opportunity to explain the motion and he did so in a spirit of understanding and reconciliation. Delport was the second speaker and his fiery speech gave no indication of any desire for common ground. This set the tone for the evening as well as speakers such as for Maree and Gilomee who attacked both Fischer and the university. It seemed to be the old guard's last stand - even though they knew that the degree would be awarded regardless of anything they did.

Stellenbosch University's management was strangely silent during the debate. Instead of celebrating the Fischer degree, they seemed to be hiding under their desks, happy to use other people as cannon fodder. Brink's letter to the Sunday Times was a step in the right direction, but it spoke mainly about 'process' and not about the principles at stake - and it was too little, too late. Furthermore, nothing has been done about the serious leaks surrounding the process at the Stellenbosch University.

Still, there was some welcome support. The chairperson of Council, Edwin Hertzog, as well as his deputy, businessman Gerhard van Niekerk, and his predessor, Desmond Smith, wrote a letter to the newspapers, stating that correct procedure had been followed in awarding the honorary degree and that the decision would stand. One of the most remarkable contributions was a leading article in Die Burger and Volksblad by University Council member and Naspers managing director, Koos Bekker, in which he unequivocally stated his support for the honorary degree and his admiration for Bram Fischer. It showed not only commitment, but also courage. This was in stark contrast to the deafening silence which for the most part was all that came from the University's management.

The debate was valuable in the sense that a number of closet conservatives and reactionaries "outed" themselves once and for all. They ranged from the aggressive grouping of Giliomee, Maree and Delport, whose polemics seemed filled with an almost venemous hatred of Fischer, to the self-absorbed "yes, but" brigade of Gerrit Brand and Johann Rossouw. They had in common a selective understanding of South African history, mind-boggling self-righteousness, a strong dose of "Afrikaner selfbeheptheid" and a complete disregard for Fischer's extraordinary and courageous life. It is significant that the anti-Fischer crew included Broederbonders and former National Party apartheid-era politicians and were all white and almost exclusively male. Their melodramatic modus operandi was to moan about "die ontbinding van die Afrikanervolk" while resurrecting the "Rooi Gevaar' (although they more likely meant the "Swart Gevaar") with great gusto. Their account of South African history makes one wonder if they slept through the whole Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.

Compare that to the people who knew and loved Bram Fischer: Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, George Bizos, Brigalia Bam, Arthur Chaskalson, Joel Joffe - all people of integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to justice. In his book on Fischer, Stephen Clingman recounts the comment by the Treason Trial judge, Rumpff, who said that Fischer would be remembered long after anyone else is forgotten. This is still true. History and grateful future generations will remember Bram Fischer. I doubt that those who so readily demonized him - when he could no longer defend himself - will even be a footnote. Bram Fischer's personal and moral stature in committing himself to justice for all in South Africa is what his accusers apparently cannot bear. The fact that he showed a different way of being an Afrikaner also seems intolerable to them

The process has been marked by other significant gestures and events: The University's library, through their own accord, organized a Bram Fischer exhibition. The younger generation (racially varied, in contrast to the anti-Fischer union) claimed Bram Fischer as hero and icon, and even declared it by attending the Convocation meeting in "Bra Fischer" t-shirts. It was not some publicity stunt, but part of genuine and deep appreciation of Fischer and his sacrifice. The people who wore the t-shirts are reading his statement from the dock and the Fischer biographies. We will not forget Bram Fischer. We will not allow our children to forget either. He stood up for us long before most of us were even born. We have a responsibility to now stand by him and his legacy.

An unfortunate consequence of the debate was that the focus was shifted away from where it should have been all along: on Bram Fischer. Yet 9 December was a celebration of his life. The tone was set by the graduation address by dr Brigalia Bam, whose family is closely connected to the Fischers. When Ilse Fischer Wilson received the degree on behalf of her father, the Council members stood up in respect. It was a remarkable gesture. There were no walkouts, no protests, but sustained applause by the close to 1000 people attending the ceremony.

At the graduation luncheon the two other honorary degree recipients, dr Brigalia Bam and Cameron Bruce, declared that they were as honoured by sharing the event with the memory of Bram Fischer as by their awards. Fittingly, the last word belonged to Ruth Fischer Rice. She spoke with great warmth and gentleness of her father. Her short speech reminded everybody why the degree was awarded in the first place and overshadowed the commendatio read at the ceremony. After the luncheon someone commented that the Fischer family were the most dignified and gracious guests that the University has ever received. It is a very appropriate comment. Their grace and generosity were simply extraordinary - and this after a sustained and vicious campaign against their father and the decision to award the honorary degree. The Fischer family's warmth and dignity stands in complete contrast to those who demonized Fischer. It is only right that in the end the day was marked by a celebration of the life and courage of Bram Fischer.

At the Convocation meeting a number of people signed a huge card for the Fischer family. The wording of the card sums up the sentiments of those who supported the degree: "We thank Bram Fischer for his remarkable role in establishing a free and democratic South Africa. We are grateful for his legacy and honour his memory". And this is what will remain, long after the anti-Fischer mob is forgotten. Dr Bram Fischer's name will be listed alongside the infamous (Vorster, Verwoerd, Botha) and the famous (Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Antjie Krog) in the list of Stellenbosch University's honorary degree recipients (and as the first posthumous degree ever to be awarded). But more than that: Bram Fischer will always be remembered by the majority of South Africans as an exceptional and brave person who sacrificed his life so that others could be free.



LitNet: 13 December 2004

boontoe / to the top

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