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Foreword

This is the first publication to attempt a comprehensive overview of Dr Anton Rupert’s career and life since his early childhood. Although books about aspects of his activities and his view of life had been published, he remained unwilling that a biography should be written. When Hannes van Zyl, then head of Tafelberg Publishers, who had over a long period expressed an interest in Dr Rupert’s story, mentioned the idea again at the turn of the century, Dr and Mrs Rupert finally agreed.

In 2001, shortly after my retirement from active journalism, the publisher approached me to undertake this task, one that proved both daunting and demanding, yet thoroughly fascinating. Despite his public profile, Anton Rupert is a very private person who has wide-ranging interests, while his career also partly overlaps with the rise of the Afrikaner in the economy.

Prof. Willie Esterhuyse of the University of Stellenbosch Business School, who had written a short volume on Rupert as an ‘advocate of hope’, was asked to cooperate. He assisted with both the research and with analysis. Together, we decided that it was best that one author should write the final text.

Research and writing spanned nearly four years and a broad spectrum of people and a variety of sources, both in South Africa and abroad, were consulted.

Although the Rupert family cooperated with the authors, their wish, as well as that of the authors, was that this should not be an authorised biography. Such an approach to biography sometimes creates credibility concerns as well as other problems, and for a biographer it is certainly advisable to maintain some distance from the subject. Also, to the extent that one can strive for complete objectivity, to provide a perspective that will withstand the test of time. In a few cases where details were divulged to the author in confidence, this confidentiality was honoured.

Sincere appreciation goes to all who assisted with the research, especially members of the Rupert family as well as their friends, acquaintances and colleagues whose assistance was invaluable. Throughout the publisher provided strong support. Equally supportive were Willie Esterhuyse and his wife, Anne-marie, not only because of his valued contributions, but also because of their insight and support. Three respected adjudicators who read the manuscript, PA Joubert, Koos Human and Danie van Niekerk, provided valuable advice and suggestions on earlier drafts.

Lastly, a special word of thanks to my wife, Daléne, for her love, patience and increasing understanding that retirement need not mean doing nothing or gardening.

EBBE DOMMISSE

Cape Town 2005

The second edition of this biography appears after the first edition had four reprints. In the second edition events up to and after the death on 18 January 2006 of Dr Rupert, who passed away three months after his wife, Huberte, died, are brought up to date.

EBBE DOMMISSE

Cape Town 2007