Brian Murray du Toit collection

Brian Murray du Toit was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on March 2, 1935. He received a B.A. (1956) and an M.A. (1961) from the University of Pretoria and a Ph.D. (1963) from the University of Oregon. Beginning in 1966, du Toit taught anthropology at the University of Florida and conducted extensive research on various aspects of South Africa.

One of du Toit's research subjects has been the Boer (Afrikaner) who left South Africa following the Anglo-Boer war of 1899-1902. He studied Afrikaner diaspora settlements in Angola, East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), Argentina and the American Southwest. Of Boer family background himself, du Toit conducted both archival and ethnographic research among descendants of Boer settlers in each of these countries. The outcome was a large collection of original materials including church records, personal journals, travel documents, and family photographs, genealogies and traditions. Du Toit has used these materials to publish several articles and three books.

Du Toit has also conducted research on prominent political parties in South Africa. For this reason, he corresponded with Chief Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, president of the Inkatha Freedom Party and former chief minister of KwaZulu. Du Toit also wrote on right wing white political parties in South Africa, including the former ruling National Party (NP) which has been identified with the Afrikaner people.