Upsetting the applecart :government and food control in the Union of South Africa during World War II c. 1939-1948

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis attempts to evaluate the influence of the Second World War on the South Africanfood position in the years 1939 to 1948 by studying a selection of specific foodstuffs andtheir availability on domestic markets during the war. The food control measures which wereimplemented were in a unique South African wartime context where both surpluses andshortages had developed, and the effectiveness of the implementation of these controls isevaluated. In regard to the surpluses of certain foodstuffs, the effect of relevant controls onnew industrial development is discussed. The impact of public opinion on the Government'sagricultural policy during the war is also assessed, and account is taken of how this impactedon the decision not to implement a formal system of rationing, despite the severe shortages ofspecific foodstuffs. Leading on from this, it is important to the argument to acknowledge theracially segregationist policies of South Africa, and thus a part of this story will discuss thevarious reasons why a conventional rationing system would not have worked in the wartimecontext of the Union.This research seeks to open up a new vantage point from which to view the political positionof South Africa after 1939 as its legislature and war policies reflected the country's prevailingcomplexities in subtle ways. It was politics which largely determined the extent of foodcontrol and the agricultural policy which was followed. In exploring this, press coverage ofthe food control measures is utilised, as well as the use of austerity campaigns in masspublicity. These sources present a distinctive view of public opinion in political life and thusprovide an atmospheric understanding of the national mood at a major point in history.Furthermore, the coverage of food campaigns illuminates ways in which food control and theacceptance of those measures were promoted in order to encourage compliance andparticipation by consumers. Of equal relevance was the position of agriculture as support forthe Union war effort and the imposition of food controls as a catalyst for resistance byconsumers. Discussion of these themes provide further understanding of the underlyingtensions which were given impetus by the stresses of war and restrictions on commodities onthe home front.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University