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Introduction to the Resolutions
of the Council of Policy of Cape of Good Hope
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Local government
Due to the expansion of the Cape Colony local government had to be instituted. In “Cabo” the free burghers also took part in the activities of the Council of Policy, the Orphan Chamber, the Matrimonial Court and the College of Minor Cases.
The Board of the Landdrost and [members of] the Heemraad governed the country districts. The Board served as a court with jurisdiction on civil as well as criminal cases, and also had municipal and related governing functions, could impose taxes and even had certain military powers and played a role in the safekeeping and defence of the relevant districts. The members of this Board, namely the Landdrost assisted by members of the Heemraad, were recommended by the Council of Policy and nominated by the Governor.
- The “landdrost” [S.A. Eng. landdrost] was an official of the VOC who represented the authority (as in the Netherlands ). He acted as chairman of the above-mentioned College.
- The “drostdy” was the jurisdiction of a “landdrost”. In South Africa in particular it also referred to the seat of a “dros” [the official].
- The “heemraad” [S.A. Eng. heemraad] was a free burgher who was appointed as a member of the above-mentioned College by the Governor on recommendation of the Council of Policy.
- The “veldkornet” [ Eng. field-cornet] was an official in the local government and was subjected to the landdrost. He had functions of importance regarding military, administrative, and judicial and police matters. In his field-cornetcy the field-cornet represented the landdrost. In times of peace the field-cornet was the head of the militia and was responsible to maintain order in his area.
- A commander and his officers formed the “Krijgsraad” [Eng: Council of War]. During such a council meeting matters of military importance were discussed. At the meeting of 19 May 1659 where it was decided to declare war on the Khoi, two free burghers each had a seat on the Council of War.
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