Gustav Preller

Gustav Schoeman Preller (4 October 1875 in Klein Schoemansdal, Klipdrift, Pretoria – 7 October 1943 in Pelindaba) was a journalist, historian, writer and literary critic. He fought for the recognition of Afrikaans. Preller helped the Afrikaner to realize the importance of the history of South Africa. He made great contributions to the writing of South African history, through his research and literature. He also contributed greatly to making South Africans aware of the legacy of the Voortrekkers and also played an early part in planning the Voortrekker Monument.

Background Gustav was the son of Comdt. Robert Logie Preller and Stefina Schoeman (daughter of the Voortrekker Gen. Stephanus Schoeman). His parents farmed near Standerton where he attended school for only 3 years. Later he worked in Pretoria as a shop-assistant, an articled clerk and a civil servant, studying diligently when he found the time. He was editor of Die Brandwag magazine from 1910 until 1922. Piet Retief, 1906 Voortrekkermense, 1918–38, six volumes of documents about the Great Trek Oorlogsoormag, 1923, study of the Anglo-Boer War Andries Pretorius, 1938 Ons Parool, 1938 Talana, Die Drie Generaals-slag by Dundee, met Lewensskets van Genl. Daniel Erasmus, 1942

Legacy The South African Academy of Science and Art (Afrikaans: Die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns) gives out the annual Gustav Preller Award, which has been awarded since 1909.