“De gelofte is half gereed” is a famous Afrikaans phrase that translates to “The vow is half complete” in English. This phrase refers to a significant moment in South African history when Boer leaders took a solemn vow to God during the Great Trek in the 19th century.
The Great Trek was a mass migration of Boers (Dutch settlers) from the Cape Colony to the interior of South Africa in search of land and freedom from British rule. As they faced numerous hardships and conflicts with indigenous tribes along the way, the Boers sought divine intervention for guidance and protection.
On December 16, 1838, around 470 Boer men, women, and children gathered at the Ncome River in present-day KwaZulu-Natal. There, they made a vow to God that if He granted them victory in the upcoming battle against the Zulu warriors, they would build a church in His honor and commemorate the day as a religious holiday.
The Battle of Blood River ensued the next day, with the heavily outnumbered Boers successfully defending themselves against thousands of Zulu warriors. This decisive victory solidified the Boers’ belief in divine intervention and the importance of fulfilling their vow.
True to their word, the Boers built the Dutch Reformed Church in Pietermaritzburg and established December 16 as a public holiday known as the Day of the Vow (later renamed as the Day of Reconciliation). This significant event in South African history symbolizes the Boers’ faith, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.
In essence, “De gelofte is half gereed” serves as a reminder of the Boers’ unwavering commitment to their beliefs and the importance of honoring their promises. It is a phrase that continues to resonate with many South Africans, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.