Die JV Stalin Works-kontroversie
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Date
2012
Authors
Hendrich, Gustav
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
During the apartheid era in South Africa many literary and creative book publications were declared
undesirable and were banned by the organs of censorship. In the interests of state security communist
publications were considered a threat in a state with a predominantly Christian-Calvinist religion
and capitalist system. Publications by political figures such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and Joseph
Stalin were banned in the early 1960s on account of their propagandist elements. In particular, strong
objection was made against the writings of Stalin contained in his Works. Following the banning of
Works this publication was out of bounds to the public for nearly two decades. As a result of internal
changes in perception, as well as the management of publication control after 1977, the way was opened
for the review of previously banned publications. Increasing pressure and pleas emanated from academic
circles for freedom to consult historical sources for study and research purposes first hand. In 1982
there was an appeal case for lifting the ban on Works, which in fact throws light on the contentiousness
around this work by Stalin. Since the ban on possession of this publication was lifted and it being fully
unbanned in 1991, the successful appeal may be considered a victory for free expression and learning.
It is the purpose of this article to describe and historically analyse the background of censorship under
apartheid.
Description
Keywords
Cencorship, Apartheid, South Africa, Publications control, Banning, Joseph Stalin, Communism, Freedom of opinion
Citation
Hendrich, G. (2012). Die JV Stalin Works-kontroversie. Journal for Contemporary History, 37(1), 65-83.