The main objective of this study was to document, systematize and analyse
the contributions of some leading Physical Educationists to the establishment
and development of Physical Education in South Africa.
The main methodological approach used to realise this objective was the
historical-analytical method, by which the data were systematized and
analysed thematically and chronologically. With a view to the
systematization of data, tilt! following main aspects were chosen according
to which the contributions were analysed:
• Training and instruction
• Research and publications
• Administrative and organisational aspects - in particular to Physical
Educational and sports associations and professional journals.
Although several factors were considered in determining the value of the
contributions, the emphasis fell on the nature, extent and quality of the
contributions made in the fields already mentioned.
To do research on only a few Physical Educationalists, a selection had
to be made from 35 leading persons in this field in South Africa. Information
on the work, approaches and involvement of these 35 persons
were obtained by personal interviews and correspondence, and by
studying documents, annual reports, minutes, journals, newspapers,
dissertations and theses.
After the relevant information had been gathered, the following criteria
were applied to analyse the contributions of the chosen persons and to
select three of them for further study:
1. Training and instruction
1.1. Establishment and development of the subject
1.1.1. Administrative control over training and instruction
1.1.2. Institution of courses and subjects, as well as the compilation
of syllabuses
1.1.3. Implementation and expansion of facilities and equipment
1.1.4. Methods of presentation and aids used
1.2. Personal influence
2. Research
2.1. Own research
2.2. Project leadership and assistance to students
2.3. Publications
2.4. Papers presented
3. Administrative and organising aspects
3.1. Associations for Physical Education
3.2. Sports associations
3.3. Physical Educational journals
3.4. Festivals and public appearances
3.5. Other projects, such as fitness programmes and film production
The application of this set of criteria to the nature, extent and quality
of the work by the previously mentioned 35 persons facilitated the selection
process, but still could not succeed in pinpointing only three
persons for the study. For this reason, additional criteria were chosen
according to which three persons could responsibly be selected.
These criteria were connected with aspects such as the geographical regions
where the persons worked for the longest periods of time; the
particular subjects or fields of interest in which they specialised; the
specific fields in which they made their most important contributions; and
the period in which they made the contributions.
On the basis of these additional criteria, the following three persons were
selected: J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith
The contributions of these three persons to the development of the subject
of Physical Education in South Africa were dealt with under the
following headings:
1. Biographical sketch
2. Views on Physical Education and sport
3. Contributions to training and instruction
4. Research contributions
5. Contributions particular to Physical Educational and sports associations
and professional journals
To provide the necessary background information and to get a dear
picture of the position these three persons had in the history of Physical
Education in South Africa, as well as the conditions in which they had
to work, one chapter was set aside for a survey of the development of
Physical Education in South Africa between 1900 and 1982. Following
that, the contributions of J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and O.P.J. Smith to
the development of the subject were dealt with in separate chapters.
During the study the following conclusions were drawn with regard to
the contributions of J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith to the
development of Physical Education in South Africa.
J W POSTMA
Postma's contribution should be viewed in the light of the circumstances
in which Physical Education was presented at that time. These were the
formative years of Physical Education and Postma had to do pioneering
work in various fields. Whereas certain aspects of the subject are nowadays
being taken for granted, Postma then had to fight for the subject's
right of existence.
Postma's most important contribution with regard to the training of students
of Physical Education was his management and the development of
the Department of Physical Education at the University of Stellenbosch.
He made a special contribution to the institution and development of
courses and subjects, as well as the drafting of syllabuses. He was
responsible for the institution of the section of Tests and Measurements
in the Physical Education course at the Department. The importance of
including this section in a Physical Education course has since been
realised by other educational institutions. It is therefore largely owing
to Postma (as well as Smith) that Tests and Measurements (later called
Evaluation) was included in the courses for Physical Education students
in South Africa.
Besides Tests and Measurements, Postma also contributed to other theoretical
sections of the subject such as Anthropometry, Principles, Method
and Organisation, and Administration. He expanded factual knowledge
on these subjects at Physical Education Departments throughout South
Africa by means of publications and papers.
Postma also strove for the implementation of better training facilities,
especially in research. He also saw to it that the most vital scientific
reference works and journals were made available to Physical Education
students. Postma was an enthusiastic lecturer• and inspired his students.
Postma's most important contribution in the field of research lies in the
fact that he was one of the first Physical Educationalists in South Africa
to begin research on the subject. Not only did he personally undertake
many research projects, but he also inspired his students to do research
and gave them valuable critical guidance in their work.
The fact that Postma was an expert in the field of Physical Education as
a whole, led to several publications on a wide spectrum of subsections
within the subject. The large number of publications for which he was
responsible, ensured that his views on the subject were propagated
throughout South Africa. His book Inleiding tot die Liggaamlike
Opvoedkunde should be seen as his biggest and most important research
contribution to the development of the subject.
Postma's involvement with Physical Educational journals and organisations
in South Africa ensured growth in these two fields of the subject.
Postma made a particularly valuable contribution to the development of
the South African Association for Sport Science, Physical Education and
Recreation. He was responsible in various capacities and in several fields
for the establishment and development of this organisation. He can be
seen as one of the most important founder members of this body, which
came to be known as SAASSPER, and which is highly esteemed.
C.M. SMIT
As was the case with Postma, Smit had to pioneer and found the subject
and had to fight for its development and survival. His contributions
were especially in the following fields: the establishment and development
of Physical Education at schools and Physical Educational organisations;
the establishment and development of Physical Education and sport at the
University of Pretoria; the development of the subject by means of research
and publications, as well as through services rendered to Physical
Educational and sports associations.
With regard to the development of training and instruction as part of
Physical Education, Smit did important work in two aspects. In the first
instance, he did pioneering work as the first organiser of Physical Education
at the Union Education Department and the National Advisory
Council for Physical Education (NACPE). He had the gigantic task of
establishing Physical Education at the widely diffused schools of the Union
Education Department and to advise all voluntary physical culture clubs
throughout the country. To succeed in this, he had to design new
systems, present training courses, give professional advice, decide on
the purchase and supply of Physical Educational and sports equipment,
and manage several administrative affairs. One of Smit's biggest assets
was his ability to instill in teachers and instructors his own knowledge,
love and enthusiasm for Physical Education.
During his involvement with the Union Education Department and NACPE
Smit was responsible for the compilation of the national syllabus for
Physical Education in South Africa. This can rightly be seen as one of
Smit's most important contributions to improve the instruction of Physical
Education in South Africa.
Secondly, Smit made a great contribution to promote the training and
instruction of Physical Education in South Africa by the work he did as
professor at the Depa1•tment of Physical Education and as Director of the
Institute for Physical Education at the University of Pretoria. He had
to establish and manage both these departments. He was responsible for
the creation of sport structures at the University of Pretoria, the planning
and development of sport grounds, the purchase of equipment and
for adv1sing sport clubs. As head of the Department of Physical Education, he had a big part in the instituting and developing courses and
subjects, as well as in making adjustments and changes to upgrade the
quality of training of Physical Education students. The standard of
training was improved further by Smit's constant efforts to increase the
quality of the facilities used in training. In this regard, special mention
has to be made of the construction of the building in which the Department
of Physical Education is housed, and the building of the L. C. de
Villiers Stadium and sport grounds.
The efficient way in which Smit managed the Department of Physical Education
led to the expedient and effective training of students.
Apart from the efficient control which Smit had over the Physical Education
building and its staff, he also made an effort to maintain good
relation between the personnel and students. For example, he took the
initiative in organising Physical Education tours and forming a Physical
Education Society at the University of Pretoria.
Because of the heavy work load that Smit had to bear during his employment
at the University of Pretoria and the Union Education Department,
he had little time left for research work and publications. He tried
to expand his knowledge of the subject by studying publications,
undertaking study tours and attending conferences on Physical Education.
His contribution to research on the subject consisted of some research
projects he completed on his own, as well as guidance to
post-graduate students. With regard to publications, he was responsible
for some books (mostly as co-author) and several articles published in
journals such as Physical Education and Vigor.
Smit contributed his services to outside organisations. He was involved
in the South African Association for Sport Science, Physical Education
and Recreation from r its inception. During this time he acted as
chairman (1952) and worked on several of the organisation's committees.
Apart from being involved in several branches of sport at the University
of Pretoria, he also offered his services to national and provincial sport
bodies.
D.P.J. SMITH
As was the case with Postma and Smit, Smith's contributions to the development
of Physical Education in South Africa should be seen against
the circumstances surrounding the subject at that time. Because the
subject was not given recognition, Smith had to do pioneering work in
many fields. He was one of the few Physical Educationalists who succeeded
in making a balanced contribution to each of the following aspects
of the subject: training, research and services rendered to outside
organisations.
Smith's contributions in the field of training are mainly related to his
involvement with the Potchefstroom Teachers' Training College and the
Potchefstroom University. He was the first person to be permanently
appointed as lecturer of Physical Education at the Potchefstroom University.
In this capacity he was not only responsible for the training of
Physical Education students, but also for the organis11tion and presentation
of advancement classes for teachers. In both cases Smith did pioneering
work, especially in the establishment and development of Physical
Education courses and subjects, as well as the compilation of syllabuses
for these subjects. Because of his efforts to improve the quality and
quantity of Physical Educational facilities and equipment at the College,
the standard of instruction improved. During this time Smith was also
responsible for the organisation and presentation of several exhibitions
related to Physical Education. In this way the public was introduced to
the nature, content and methods of instruction of the subject, and prospective
students were motivated and recruited. Smith's work as lecturer,
marked by enthusiasm, energy and purposefulness in presenting
the subject, played a definite role in improving the standard of training
at the College's Department of Physical Education.
The contributions Smith made to training during his involvement with the
Potchehtroom University, can be summarised as follows: In the first
place he established and developed the Department of Physical Education
at the University. Due to his capable administration of the Department,
the training of students could be effected successfully and effectively.
In the second place Smith did pioneering work in the institution of
courses and subjects, as well as the compilation of syllabuses. He saw
to it that the contents of the courses were scientific, applicable and
practical. In the third instance, the quality of instruction which Smith
offered his students was exceptionally high. Not only were his lectures
well prepared, systematic and of a high standard, but his method of
presentation was also stimulating, interesting and very effective. His
example had a positive influence on his students. In the fourth instance,
the standard of instruction was improved due to the acquisition of better
facilities and equipment, which was largely the result of Smith's efforts.
Smith's contributions in the field of research in Physical Education can
be summarised as follows:
He did pioneering work in establishing research in Physical Education
at the Potchefstroom University.
He provided expert and inspired guidance to students in their own
research projects.
He maintained good contact with experts and remained informed on
new developments in the subject by attending conferences and symposia.
He was responsible for several publications which were scientific,
orderly and polished.
With regard to services rendered to outside organisations, Smith made
large and valuable contributions. Apart from his involvement with
organisations such as the Road Safety Council and the Church, Smith
did extremely valuable work for Physical Educational and sports associations.
He was involved in the research section and several committees
of the Physical Educational organisation SAASSPER, and made valuable
contributions during discussions at its conferences. In the field of sport,
he offered his services in various capacities, such as coach, administrator,
selector, official and president, on club and national level. Although
he was principally concerned with athletics and tennis, his assistance
was valuable to sportsmen across the board. For him it was his life's
work to be of service to sportsmen and sports women. He was also of
service to the public through his involvement with several fitness
projects. In the 1940's he presented exercise classes to the public in
Parys, and during the 1960's and 70's he played a leading role in fitness
projects launched by the National Fitness Scheme.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that the following three leading South African Physical
Educationalists - J.W. Postma, C.M. Smit and D.P.J. Smith - had made
valuable contributions to the development of Physical Education in South
Africa. Their contributions were analysed under the following headings:
Training and instruction
Research and publications
Administrative and organising aspects - in particular to Physical
Educational and sports associations and professional journals
All three of them succeeded to a large extent in maintaining a healthy
balance between these three aspects of their work.
The researcher hopes that this study will give the Physical Educationalist
of today new insight into the origins of this subject and that there will
be a renewed appreciation of the work done by the pioneers of Physical
Education in South Africa. / Proefskrif (DEd)--PU vir CHO, 1987
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/9395 |
| Date | January 1986 |
| Creators | De Klerk, Rosalie Irene |
| Publisher | Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | other |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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