LEYDS, WILLEM JOHANNES

Willem Johannes Leyds (Magelang, Java, May 1, 1859-The Hague, Netherlands, May 14, 1940) was a Dutch lawyer who rendered the Transvaal Republic admirable service in the capacities of state attorney, state secretary, minister plenipotentiary, and historian.

PHOTO CAPTION: Leyds Willem Johannes. SOURCE: EA Library

Leyds was born in Java where his father was principal of a Dutch school. When he was six his father died, and the family returned to the Netherlands. There Willem, a brilliant scholar, first qualified and then worked as a teacher and then, largely through private study, obtained a doctorate of law cum laude in June 1884. Immediately afterwards, President Kruger on the commendation of Leyds’ professors, offered him the post of state attorney of the Transvaal Republic. He had envisaged a career in the Dutch diplomatic service but was persuaded to accept the position by the excellent contract offered and the challenge presented by state attorneyship in a developing state.

He was sworn in as state attorney on October 6, 1884, and soon through his adroitness, assiduity and efficiency won the confidence of the Transvaal government. President Kruger came to rely on him more and more and called him “my right hand”.  Although these two strong personalities occasionally clashed, they retained their mutual respect and worked well together throughout the long years of their association.

As state attorney, Leyds was responsible for many improvements in the Transvaal laws, judicial system, police force and prisons. The fact that he belonged to the so-called “Hollander clique” and set such high standards prevented Leyds from becoming popular. However, no one could deny his great capabilities and consequently, he was not only re-appointed as state attorney but in 1888, at the very youthful age of 29, was offered the highest post in the republic next to the president, namely state secretary.

He filled this extremely arduous and important post with great diligence and ability from 1889 to 1898 and was re-elected twice. His demanding duties were compounded by the difficult times through which the republic passed during his state secretaryship. In his determination to promote and preserve the independence of the republic he was largely instrumental in establishing the N.Z.A.S.M. (Netherlands South African Railway Company), a national bank, a mint, and the rail link with Delagoa Bay. He also created an efficient civil service in the Transvaal.

Mainly for family and health reasons he resigned as state secretary in 1898 and became the Transvaal’s minister plenipotentiary accredited to six European courts. His fluency in six languages stood him in good stead as an ambassador, while his impeccable conduct and sharp intellect gained him ready admittance to diplomatic circles. Through personal diplomacy and a vigorous press campaign he succeeded in improving the republic’s image in Europe.

During the South African War of 1899-1902 he successfully coordinated the various pro-Boer activities in Europe and rendered secret aid to the republics. The Transvaal’s considerable financial assets in Europe were entrusted to his personal control. He husbanded these funds so well that he was able, after the war, secretly to finance the Christian National Education schools and the reemergence of Dutch newspapers and Boer political parties.

In addition, he composed Kruger’s inspiring message to the Afrikaner people, wrote history books depicting the Transvaal’s struggle for independence, and advised the Boer leaders on the political tactics they should follow to regain self-government. Leyds thus played an important role in the psychological and political regeneration of the Boer people.

Besides numerous foreign honors bestowed upon him, Leyds was awarded honorary doctorates by two South African universities for his multitudinous services to the Boer cause. At the unveiling of a bust of Dr. Leyds at Pretoria University in 1936, General J.C. Smuts referred to him as “the greatest figure in the Transvaal’s history after 1884 next to President Kruger”.

VAN NIEKERK