Johannesburg Slums

The State President of the Republic of South Africa commissioned an enquiry into Scientology on 28 March 1969. The Commission, named after the chairman, G. P. C. Kotzé, heard oral testimony; collected publications, documents, correspondence and other evidence; consulted subject-matter experts; and produced its final report in 1972: Report of the Commission of Enquiry into Scientology for 1972 [outlink].

Although not specifically looking at Scientology's attitudes toward the government or apartheid, the Commission did collect documentation that indicated a generally favorable opinion among Church members and Hubbard in particular.

There exist in the public domain a number of documents and letters from the Church of Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard himself, detailing the way in which they tried to ingratiate themselves with the government of H. F. Verwoerd [offsite]. That government has frequently been regarded as the originator of "grand apartheid", the system which became notorious in the 1960s for its rigid "pass laws", physically separating blacks and whites, and for the forcible relocation of the black population from the cities to the frequently ghastly conditions of the squatter camps and townships. The documents indicate the firm and sustained support of Hubbard and the Church for the Verwoerd government and for apartheid policies.

-Chris Owen, Scientology's Fight for Apartheid [outlink].

One such letter to Dr. Verwoerd describes Hubbard's opinion of the government's slum clearance projects and is part of the documentation submitted to the Kotzé Commission. The final report includes the following observations [outlink].

5.32. In the public field Scientology directs considerable effort and energy towards persons able to give it financial and other support or towards persons whom it believes are able so to do. The following examples may be cited:

  1. Note: HCO Executive Letter of 16 August 1966.

    Footnote: In an affidavit dated the 8th day of July 1969 at Pretoria submitted to the Commission, Dr. Naudé negatives [sic] any suggestion that he was impressed by any aspect of Scientology.

    Mr. Hubbard circulated to Executives in Scientology Organizations a report from Mr. John McMaster re progress in South Africa. This document inter alia refers to Dr. Meiring Naudé whose interest Mr. McMaster allegedly roused in regard to Scientology and states: "Well, as he is the Head of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research … we have now pervaded a vital area in South Africa, and you will have many friends there." [see note] The same report extols the activities of one Mr. Du Plessis on behalf of Scientology such allegedly including interviews by Mr. Du Plessis with the late Dr. H. F. Verwoerd, Prime Minister, Union of South Africa, as the Republic of South Africa then was and also the Admiral of the South African Navy. The report concludes:

    "You asked for strong Orgs in South Africa. You will get them and there will be a friendly reciprocity of flow with the Government." [HCO Executive Letter of 16 August 1966]

  2. Mr. Hubbard, according to copies of correspondence submitted to the Commission, revealed no diffidence during his sojourn in South Africa in addressing the late Dr. Verwoerd and bestowing praise on him, e.g.:

    1. "Having viewed slum clearance projects in most major cities of the world may I state that you have conceived and created in the Johannesburg townships what is probably the most impressive and adequate resettlement activity in existence. Any criticism of it could only be engaged upon by scoundrels or madmen and I know now your enemies to be both." (-L. Ron Hubbard, letter to The Hon. Dr. H. F. Verwoerd, dated November 7th, 1960, Johannesburg])

    2. "Those who understand are never swayed by vicious writings in the English press.

      To cope with those who could be swayed we work ceaselessly to secure communication lines to create an image closer to the fact.

      We are doing everything we can to change the complexion of the English language press and in a very few months we hope to have the means of completely altering this public image.

      Peace with strength can yet save, with your undaunted leadership, South Africa.

      Meanwhile we sincerely hope that vileness such as that in last week's Sunday Times does nothing to dismay your dedication.

      I apoligise that we were not yet able to prevent such a travesty, but can promise a better future in such things." (-L. Ron Hubbard, letter to the Hon. the Prime Minister Dr. H. F. Verwoerd, Pretoria, dated October 17th 1960, Johannesburg)

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"I will reform it so that Natives will be taught from childhood to realize that equality with Europeans is not for them."

-Hendrik Verwoerd ("a great guy")