English summary provided by author:
This dissertation contains a synopsis regarding the nature and development of Afrikaans literature in South West Africa/Namibia from the first half of the eighteenth century when an earlier form of the language was first carried across the Orange River by several population groups, to the November 1989 pre-independence election. It appears that the development of Afrikaans literature can be linked directly to the rise and development of the Afrikaans/Dutch press. Owing to the improvement of conditions in the territory, South West African literature reveals definite signs of development resulting in a climax during the 1980s. The conclusion can be made that the Afrikaans literature in South West Africa/Namibia forms a significant component of Afrikaans literature. At present, no-one is able to predict the future of the language in the territory but research carried out for the purpose of this dissertation reveals several positive elements