This month, your committee is proud to announce a talk by Frederik De Ridder in the Drostdy Schuur at 18h00 f0r 18h30 on 15 April titled "The End of the World as he Knew it: Smuts' Philosophy of Peace & the Dying of the Light."
This ambitious talk aims to explore Jan Smuts' legacy, his philosophy of holism, and his vision for global peace—ideas that remain deeply relevant and challenging today. Drawing on Smuts' correspondence with personalities like Einstein and Whitman, and his struggles to reconcile order and chaos in an evolving world, this talk aims for a thought-provoking journey into history, philosophy, and the forces shaping our present.
Frederik inherited a personal interest in heritage conservation and architecture from his grandfather, religious and public architect Johan de Ridder and his great-grandmother, Cecile de Ridder (sister of South African historian, Dr W.H.J Punt).
Frederik works in private equity focused on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and SME development finance. He holds a BSc Eng in Civil Engineering from UCT (2012), where he completed a second major in economics and he subsequently read a masters in technology policy at Cambridge University (UK; 2016).
Herewith the details about this event
What: A talk by Frederik De Ridder in the Drostdy Schuur at 18h00 f0r 18h30 titled "The End of the World as he (Smuts) Knew it"
Where: The Drostdy Schuur (Yes, the old usual venue)
When: Tuesday 15th of April (the date was chosen owing to the Easter Weekend starting on our usual spot) at 18h00 for 18h30
Cost: R90 for paid up members and R120 for visitors who are most welcome
Snacks etc: Snacks, wine or juice after the event are included in the entrance fee
RSVP: Please RSVP to p.bromley05@gmail.com by Sunday evening the 13th of April at the latest. We need this info for catering.
This promises to be a very interesting and thought provoking talk. Our speaker encourages audience participation in the form of questions / discussion as the talk progresses
We hope you will attend
Drostdy Schuur in Swellendam
R90 for paid up members and R120 for visitors who are most welcome