Motive of Brotherhood in Russian – South African Relationships. From the personal accounts of Russian volunteers, military observers, doctors and nurses in Anglo-Boer War.

ABSTRACT / SAMEVATTTING

The Russian people displayed a sincere and passionate interest in the epic battle of the Boers, and showed unlimited compassion for Boer’s victories as well as downfalls, equally. Two medical detachments were organized, financial and humanitarian aid collected, and approximately 220 volunteers went to then South African Republic (Transvaal).
Their mission was to assist the two Boer republics withstand the might of the British Empire and to protect the freedom of these small, young nations. They also wished to further their military knowledge by gaining experience of the British’s army new methods of war, with an eye to a possible confrontation with their historical foe in the future. During their stay and engagement in the war, the Russians observed and experienced South Africa first hand, heralding the world in their impressions of this new nation of Afrikaners and about a unique period in Africa’s history – the battle of two white races for domination in South Africa during the formative stages of the most powerful African country for the coming century.
This dramatic account of the deeply patriarchal rooted, daring new nation on the one hand, and cutting edge, new world order, business approach of the established first world on the other, in fighting for fairness and freedom became a signature for South Africa’s development. Russia’s brotherhood and aid remained consistent throughout this period, leading to confrontation on a third country’s land later, in Angola. During the de montage of colonial system the Soviet Union was supporting African brothers in freedom fighting.

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