Wilhelm Verwoerd

Wilhelm Verwoerd
Born 1964
Education Stellenbosch University
University of Oxford
University of Johannesburg
Spouse(s) Melanie Verwoerd
Scientific career
Fields Political philosopher
Institutions Stellenbosch University

Wilhelm Johannes Verwoerd (born 1964)[1] is a South African political philosopher based at Stellenbosch University and a social activist. The grandson of Hendrik Verwoerd, the architect of the apartheid regime, Verwoerd disavowed the views for which his family is widely associated with and joined the ANC.[1]

Early Life and education

Born in Stellenbosch to the Verwoerd family in 1964, Wilhelm was born into the prominent Afrikaner family. (His grandfather is Hendrik Verwoerd). Initially raised in a family and environment which frowned against racial integration, further education and influence from his future wife would change his stance towards white domination and supremacy.[2]

He holds an MA in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University in 1989,[3] an MA in PPE from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Applied Ethics from the University of Johannesburg.[1]

Academic career and later life

Verwoerd's research focuses largely on reconciliation, forgiveness and apology - of which he has authored and co-authored articles on. He was a researcher in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

In 1992, Verwoerd formally joined the ANC, which drew a lot of criticism and threats from militant Afrikaners - given his family roots.[4] He was disowned by his parents because of his change of heart , upon learning of the atrocities of apartheid.[5]

Personal life

Verwoerd was married to Melanie in 1987, with whom he has 2 children with. They divorced in 2005.

Select publications

Edited books

  • Wilhelm Verwoerd; Charles Villa-Vicencio, eds. (2000). Looking Back Reaching Forward: Reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa. Zed Books. p. 344. ISBN 9781856498197.

Journal articles

  • Trudy Govier; Wilhelm Verwoerd (2002). "The Promise and Pitfalls of Apology". Journal of Social Philosophy. 33: 67–82. doi:10.1111/1467-9833.00124.
  • Trudy Govier; Wilhelm Verwoerd (2002). "Trust and the Problem of National Reconciliation". Philosophy of the Social Sciences. 32 (2): 178–205. doi:10.1177/004931032002003.
  • Trudy Govier; Wilhelm Verwoerd (2002). "Forgiveness: The Victim's Prerogative". South African Journal of Philosophy. 21 (2): 97–111. doi:10.4314/sajpem.v21i2.31338.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Beyond Walls: Wilhelm Verwoerd". Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Grandson Of Apartheid Prime Minister Tells How He Overcame Racist Past". Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  3. ↑ "MA thesis". Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Verwoerd's grandson joins ANC". Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Young Verwoerd is wrestling with sins of the grandfather". Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
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