A WORLD REPORT SPECIAL EDITION : SOUTH AFRICA: A TALE OF SIX FAMILIES : SOUTH AFRICA: FORGING A NATION : FAMILY PORTRAIT / THE BOTHAS

Louis, 32, human resources and industrial relations manager

Mercia, 30, teacher

Juanita, 4

Chris, 2

Kotie, 56, Louis Botha’s widowed mother

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Home: Amsterdam, Eastern Transvaal

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Politics: Leaning toward National Party

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Background: Descended from Dutch, German and French Huguenots who arrived in 17th Century.

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Louis Botha: “White South Africans, Afrikaans- or English-speaking, are extremely unsure .... about the future.... My philosophy has been to stockpile the guns and ammunition that I would need to defend my family if we were attacked, but to work for a better future for all.”