SPRINGBOK CYBER NEWSLETTER
April 2001 editionOur efforts to expand the South African resistance struggle in exile are often met with opposition on two main grounds. Firstly it is argued that South Africa is a lost cause, and secondly potential friends tell us "why should we support the South African and Rhodesian Whites when they weren't prepared to maintain resistance themselves".
The first of these superficial arguments is easily counteracted. We KNOW that South Africa is lost - indeed we would argue that it was lost as far back as 1989 when the stupid electorate voted the sellout F.W. de Klerk back into power. Our struggle now is not to RETAIN South Africa however, but to REGAIN it! This is a far different battle, and one which by its very nature will be on-going until we achieve victory.
The second argument has been far more difficult to oppose however, as there have appeared to be no forms of resistance whatsoever amongst either South Africans or erstwhile Rhodesians in their beleaguered lands.
Recently there have been several very encouraging developments which tend to show that this sad state of affairs is changing however. In Zimbabwe the "Movement for Democratic Change" has clearly established itself as the government-in-waiting, and it seems only a matter of time before they replace the tyrant Mugabe. Although basically a Black political party it is encouraging to note the contributions made by Whites to the MDC - both internally and overseas. The MDC therefore has the potential to initiate a new era of mutual-respect in that land between the Zambezi and Limpopo. In South Africa there have also recently been some very interesting developments, with resistance organisations such as the "Priora Forum" (which is covered in more detail later on in this edition of the SCN), "Action Stop Farm Attacks" and the "Thabazimbi Action Group" gaining much publicity.
At last there appears to be hope therefore. Needless to say the Springbok Club wishes all these organisations well, and will continue to act as the main co-ordinating movement for the South African resistance struggle in exile.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB MARCH MEETING
The Springbok Club held a most happy and successful meeting in London during March when we were addressed by two members who have recently visited Africa. Springbok Club Chairman Peter Fisher gave a most interesting talk on his visit to the former British colony of Gambia, and told how most of the basic infrastructures of the modern world were either non-existent or collapsing there. James Lewis, who had toured South Africa itself last year, reported that the situation there was not so bad, though clearly in decline. Most Whites, he reported, seemed more apprehensive than dispairing about the future, and it was quite clear that it was their continuing presence which was keeping the country afloat.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB APRIL EVENT
Unfortunately, as most supporters probably know by now, we have had to cancel our planned "international" Springbok Club gathering in Stockholm, when we were hoping to meet our outgoing SC Australian co-ordinator, Nick Maine, who would be touring Scandinavia at that time. This last-minute cancellation has been entirely due to the fact that our Scandinavian co-ordinator, Lars Karnestam, who was to organise the whole event, is quite seriously ill at the moment. This of course has been a great tragedy and disappointment, and we apologise to everybody for any inconvenience which it may have caused. We also pass on our very best wishes to Lars for a full and speedy recovery.
In its place we are happy to announce that we have arranged a replacement meeting in London. This will be addressed by a visiting supporter from Cape Town, but in view of the rather high-profile job which he holds in that city he has asked to remain anonymous prior to the meeting. In his talk he will report on the current deteriorating situation in Western Province, which will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
Details of this forthcoming SC meeting are as follows :-
Date : Thursday 26th April 2001
Time : 19.15 hrs for 19.45 hrs.
Venue : The MORPETH ARMS (in the upstairs function room), 58 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1. (close to the Tate Gallery and Vauxhall Bridge, nearest underground station: Pimlico).
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FUTURE SPRINGBOK CLUB EVENTS
The Springbok Club is hoping to join forces with a number of other patriotic organisations in May under the "Patriotic Forum" title in order to host a meeting in London to be addressed by a visiting prominent African politician. This development means that we will probably postpone our planned Spring Braai from May till June as a result. Needless to say further details of both these events will be included in future editions of the SCN.
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BRANCH NEWS
The SC's Kent Branch will be holding a further informal "pub evening" at the Saxon Shore Wetherspoon's pub in Herne Bay (on the beachfront, opposite the clock tower) on Sunday 29th April. All those who can make the journey are most welcomed to attend (look out for the Springbok rugby jersey to meet up!).
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BOOK OFFER FUND-RAISING APPEAL
Although we have already received a number of small donations in order to take advantage of the most generous book offer mentioned in the March edition of the SCN, we still alas require to raise approximately £200.00 in order to cover both the wholesale cost of these books and the freightage charges. Needless to say, everyone who makes a sizeable donation will receive complementary copies of both books in question.
All donations should be made payable to "Patriotic Press" and sent to: Patriotic Press, BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK.
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LONDON SWINTON CIRCLE
Although the London Swinton Circle was not originally planning to stage any meetings during the next couple of months (believing that "president" Blair was to call a general election in May), the postponement of this election has meant that they may be able to arrange a further meeting at short-notice after all - and the name of John Townend MP (who of course recently gave a brave and very accurate speech on the subject of immigration) has been mentioned as a potential guest speaker. Needless to say we will inform everyone of the details if and when such a meeting has been finalised.
The periodical "Tough Talking from the Right" is produced by those closely associated with the London Swinton Circle. In the latest issue (No.10) there is furthermore an item of special interest to those connected to or interested in Southern Africa. TTFTR can be obtained from: P.O.Box 29208, London SE8 3ZU, UK - priced £4.50 for four issues.
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JOHANNESBURG UDI DAY REUNION 2001
Rodger Graeme reports that the 2001 Rhodie Reunion at the Johannesburg Social Club on 10th November is definitely being planned. Fuller details, of course, in due course.
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THE PRIORA FORUM
The Priora Forum is a new officially registered South African organisation with a seven-member management board and a team of legal advisors. Their stated aim is to call the present government to accountability regarding the unacceptable crime levels in South Africa. This will be done in a supportive way first of all, but if not satisfied with the reaction from government they will prepare a case to be submitted before the Constitutional Court. If all this fails then they intend to initiate a campaign to withhold taxes and to channnel them into a trust account which will only become available to government once necessary steps have been taken to end the unacceptable crime levels. They also intend to obtain as much overseas publicity and backing as possible. As they say is their latest press release "The time has come to stand up for our rights under the constitution. Say 'NO' to crime, and say 'NO' to government."
The Priora Forum can be contacted by e-mail at: xram@netactive.co.za, by 'phone on (082-) 49056531, (083-) 6645138 or (011-) 4751883, or by post at: P.O.Box 3511, Parklands, Johannesburg, Transvaal, 2121 or P.O.Box 4677, Cresta, Randburg, Transvaal, 2118. Their web-site address (presently under construction) is: www.priora.co.za
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THE SONG OF AFRICA
Isaac Benatar's highly-acclaimed book "The Song of Africa" - which is filled with Rhodesian nostalgia and adventure - now has its own web-site, the link being:-
http://hometown.aol.com/authorbks3/index.html
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MDC DEMONSTRATIONS
The UK branches of the "Movement for Democratic Change" of Zimbabwe staged a couple of protest demonstrations in London during March, which proved highly successful. The first, outside the Commonwealth Offices when Commonwealth foreign ministers were gathering there, was particularly well attended, and the second, outside the Zimbabwe High Commission, attracted favourable publicity in the March 26th edition of "TNT Magazine".
The MDC UK branches are now planning an even bigger protest, the details of which are as follows:-
Date : Saturday 21st April 2001
Times : 12.00 hrs to 14.00 hrs.
Venue : outside the Zimbabwe High Commission, 429 The Strand, London WC2.
(for more details contact Albert Weidemann on: 07773-385981)
The purpose of these demonstrations is to protest against the draconian and escalating human rights violations by the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe (specifically the attacks upon the judiciary and the independent press, and freedom of association and movement), and to demand that unless such abuses are halted that Zimbabwe should be suspended from the Commonwealth. All those opposed to Mugabe's tyrannical rule are invited to join these demonstrations.
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PROTEST AGAINST THE NICE TREATY
Four peers of the realm - the Duke of Rutland, Viscount Massereene & Ferrard, Lord Hamilton of Dalzell and Lord Ashbourne - presented a petition at Buckingham Palace on Friday 23rd March calling on Her Majesty The Queen to withhold the Royal Assent from any Bill attempting to ratify the Treaty of Nice.
The peers were acting under the powers granted to them by King John in 1215, when he signed the Magna Carta at Runnymede. Clause 61 provides for four barons to represent a minimum of 25 others in seeking "redress of grievances" within 40 days. This is the first time in 300 years that Peers have felt it necessary to invoke the Magna Carta in petitioning the Queen.
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CAN YOU HELP?
Fraser Chalmers worked in Durban a few years ago, and tries to re-capture the South African lifestyle back in the UK as much as the weather allows. He is particularly keen to learn whether anyone can help him find a UK supplier who stocks his favourite South African tipple - "Melon Vodka"? If anyone can help Fraser in this respect please contact him direct at: fraserchalmers007@freeserve.co.uk
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FILM PROJECT
Rob Burnett has written a thriller book entitled "Zebra Zone" based on his experiences as a wildlife ranger in Rhodesia. He is now seeking to turn this book into a feature book - and after that wishes to produce a further film highighting the contribution of the White Man to Africa (though the second will be dependant upon the success of the first). For more information, particularly if you can help in any way, visit the "Zebra Zone" web-site at: http://www.wildvision.co.uk
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HOME BILTONG MAKERS
The "Biltong Team" have developed and are manufacturing a Home Biltong Maker. It is a wonderous piece of equipment that allows you to make your own fresh biltong in the comfort of your own home. It's easy to use (available in both 110 and 220 volt models), economical, and pays for itself in a couple of batches of biltong. The Home Biltong Maker has been received with much enthusiasm by ex-South Africans around the world in such countries as the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.
To find out more information visit the Home Biltong Maker web-site at:-
http://www.biltongmakers.com
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"FREEBIES" WEB-SITE
This new "green" and environmentally friendly web-site, designed by ex-Rhodesian John Allman now based in York, is to help people re-cycle items which they no longer use or want. The idea is that others in your community will visit the site, see useful items, and claim them. No money changes hands, all transactions are free, although you have to make your own arrangements to collect the items you want. If you see something you want, just claim it. No mailings will be used for commercial purposes.
To find out more visit this "freebies" web-site at :-
http://www.freebiesrus.co.uk
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BOOK OFFER
COVOS BOOKS of South Africa are specialist publishers of Africana, and offer a wide range of most interesting and illuminating books which will appeal to many of our supporters. Amongst the new titles which they stock is:-
WE FEAR NAUGHT BUT GOD by Paul Els
The story of the South African Special Forces ("The Recces"), from inception in the 1960s to disbandment in 1993. A unique account of one of South Africa's premier units, masters in the art of reconnaissance and clandestine warfare. Pro rata, the most decorated unit during the wars in Angola and SWA. Includes a free copy of Lourens Fourie's music CD "The Recces". Softback, 222x152mm, 328 pages, 252 b/w photographs plus maps. R140.00.
MAFEKING! by Malcolm Flower-Smith and Edmund Yorke
Psychologically affected by the fact that it was from Mafeking that the Jameson Raid was launched, the Boers determined to regain this key town. The exceptional military leadership, indomitable spirit and personal charisma of Col. Baden-Powell made him the ideal officer for the British defence - the source of inspiration for the defenders of Mafeking during the epic 7 month seize. By March 1900, the garrison was famished; death and destruction had become daily fare. When, in May, Mafeking was finally relieved, the British nation was swept by a wave of patriotic hysteria, unequalled since. Softback, 222x152mm, 214 pages, 50 b/w illustrations. R100.00.
COVOS BOOKS can be contacted at : P.O.Box 6996, Weltevredenpark, Transvaal, 1715, South Africa. Tel.: +2711-4769926, fax.: +2711-4769927, e-mail : covos@global.co.za
We are happy to be able to confirm that the Springbok Club can now supply copies of "We Fear Naught but God", price £15.00 and "Mafeking!", price £10.00. All payments should be made payable to "Patriotic Press", and sent to: BCM SAPAT, London WC1N 3XX, UK. (Please add 20% for p.& p.).
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
A regular feature in which we ask whether anyone knows the current whereabouts of a friend or colleague who has lost contact.
No.30 : Mr. PAUL ROPER of Durban North
Although born in Bournemouth, Paul Roper came to represent everything which was best about British South Africa. Gifted with charisma-plus, his house in Glenashley, Durban North, was the venue for regular weekend soirees for what became known as the "Roper set". A bon vivant par excellence, he was also an outstanding sportsman, gaining Transvaal Currie Cup colours for soccer before moving to Natal and playing for Durban Collegians. He travelled in ladies underwear (i.e. he was a rep' for Gossard bras) and his fancy dress birthday parties during the 1980s were the talk of Durban society. We are uncertain whether he is still in Durban or has moved back to the UK, but in either case would be delighted to be able to re-make contact with him.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE
We have recently been informed about an excellent web-site devoted to the memory of Cecil Rhodes. The "Cecil John Rhodes" web-site states that its aim is not to provide dry, historical facts about Rhodes, but rather to evoke something of his essential spirit. Thoroughly recommended, it can be accessed at:-
http://www.cecilrhodes.net
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THE SWEDISH CONNECTION
The biggest mystery concerning the hysterical reaction of young Mr. Arthur Kemp after we exposed the fact that he was in the pay of the South African security services was how he came to learn of our exposure of him so quickly, as he was not on the SCN circulation list.
This mystery has recently been solved however, for it turns out that the person who told Kemp that his game was up was a most surprising source, and someone moreover from a most unexpected location.
His informant turned out to be an individual named Tommy Ryden from Mullsjo in Sweden. After the March edition of the SCN Ryden wrote to us asking to be "unsubscribed", and quoted as his reason our continuing exposes about young Mr. Kemp. Furthermore, although Mr. Ryden is little more than a name to us, he chose to repeat - almost word for word - the demonstratably untrue lies and pathetic personal slanders which the wretched Kemp had earlier issued during his panicking reaction to our exposure of him.
As we say, we know very little about this Tommy Ryden character. He first made contact with "S.A.Patriot" from Sweden during the mid-1980s, when he gave the impression of being an staunch Christian. He subsequently moved to South Africa, and the next we heard from him was when he was living with an NGK dominee from Bergsville in northern Natal. He ordered a batch of copies of "S.A.Patriot" from us, which of course we supplied, but alas he never paid for them, in spite of the fact that we sent him regular monthly statements. After we had sent about half-a-dozen such statements one of them was returned to us with a covering letter from the dominee's wife telling us that Ryden was no longer living with them. Reading in between the lines it appeared that he was both a self-invited and unwelcomed guest.
The next we heard from the mysterious Ryden was after we had re-located activities to the UK, when he wrote us an antagonistic letter out of the blue from Sweden, in which he revealed that he had evidently renounced Christianity and had adopted some very left-wing pro-Iraqi views - and furthermore criticised our own pro-Israeli stance!
After we established our web-site during the late 1990's he again contacted us out of the blue however, and informed us that he had now become a firm believer in eugenics, and asked to be placed on the SCN circulation list.
Now, as we say, he seems to have made a radical change in views yet again, and not only has asked to "unsubscribe" because of our attacks on the traitor Kemp, but has also once more expressed some very left-wing opinions - and has furthermore ridiculously criticised us for allegedly being anti-Semitic (in other words making exactly the opposite comments about us as he made a decade earlier!).
There is certainly something very odd and sinister about this Ryden character therefore, and we would certainly like to learn more information about him. We have heard the rumour that he once served a prison sentence in Sweden, but don't know the details. We would therefore be most grateful to receive any fuller information about this most suspicious individual and his history.
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See you again next month!
