1985-2016 1-31 Libertarian Seminars

Libertarian Seminars

 In 1985 a subscriber to The individualist, Ria Crafford,  suggested that a seminar be held at which libertarians from all over the country could gather.  This led to the first libertarian spring seminar being held on the farm Nebo near Ficksburg  in the Orange Free State in 1985.  Following the success of this seminar, Trevor Watkins,  Charl Heydenrych and Peter Kidson got together to organise the second Seminar at Mont-aux-Sources hotel in the Drakensberg.  A libertarian spring Seminar has been held every year since that time with the single exception of 2010.


These seminars are a classic example of "spontaneous organisation" suggested by Friedrich Hayek. There is no central committee or structure that takes responsibility for organising the next seminar. After the last seminar it is commonly unknown who will organise the next one. Around about June or July of each year the pressure to organise the next seminar begins to build up, suggestions are exchanged, and eventually the person(s) who want it most emerge and undertake the quite arduous task of organising the seminar completely voluntarily. These organisers choose the date, duration, location, theme, target audience and agenda, yet there is a remarkable consistency between seminars. The date is commonly late September or October (Spring in South Africa), the venue is often close to mountains (the central parts of the country are more accessible to more people), the target audience is all known South African libertarians, with a smattering of overseas intellectuals.

The Libertarian Spring Seminars have outlasted 6 South African presidents, the oppressive apartheid regime (whose secret service agents threatened the organisers of the 2nd seminar), and massive and unprecedented changes in the governance and structure of South Africa. A full list of the seminars is available below.

No	Dates	Venue	Topics	Notes
1	1985	Nebo Eastern Free State	1. Conservation and endangered species – a libertarian view – Trevor Watkins	Organizer -Frances Kendall following suggestion from Ria Crafford
2	1986	Mont-aux-Sources hotel		Organisers – Charl Heydenrych, Trevor Watkins. Security Police spy also attended.
3	1987	Little Switzerland	Eugene Nyati, Wiseman Nkuhlu, Hertzog, James Mbetse	Organisers – Terry Markman, Charl Heydenrych, Peter Kidson and Trevor Watkins
4	1988 7-13 Aug	Royal Swazi Sun, Mbabane Swaziland	1. The worldwide revolution – Leon Louw 2. Keynote address – John Hospers 3. Fighting apartheid in the workplace – Albert Koopman 4. Saving the inner cities – David Boaz 5. Untying the knot – Louise Tager 6. Selling Freedom to workers – Marc Swanepoel and David Maphumulo 7. Fighting the system – Lawrence Mavundla 8. Reaching the minds: strategy for change – Frances Kendall 9. Economic development and property rights – Steve Pejovich 10. Centralisation of power in SA and prospects for devolution – Frederick van Zyl Slabbert 11. Privatisation 1987 – the worldwide trend – Bob Poole 12. Once more with feeling – Bruce Evoy 13. The why and when of regulation and deregulation – Jim Johnston 14. Peace in the middle east through non-violence – Mubarak Awad 15. Changing attitudes on SA in America – Ned Munger 16. Future in our time (FIOT) – Hubert Jongen Also present: Jason Alexander, Barbara Branden, James Mbetse, Dr Steve Pejovich, , Hernando de Soto, Hubert Jongen, Bill Forster	4th World Conference of Libertarian International Organized by Frances Kendall, Leon Louw, Gail Day, Vince Miller, Jim Elwood, Bruce Evoy Swazi Times carried a front page headline article on Libertarians
5	1989	Sandford Lodge? Underberg?		Organised by Natal Libertarians, Symond Fiske, Jan Jack
6	1990	Indaba Hotel Johannesburg 20-23 Sep	1. Markets in Moscow – Leon Louw 2. The future of the ANC – Willie Breytenbach 3. The emerging constitution – Justice Pierre Olivier 4. The big picture, who’s right, who’s left, who’s confused – Anna Starcke 5. Who represents non-socialist blacks? – Oscar Dhlomo 6. Obstacles to a Libertarian South Africa – Frederick van Zyl Slabbert 7. An overview of black politics – Mark Swilling 8. Who my friends will vote for – Kaiser Nyatsumba 9. What the right will accept – Karel Boshoff 10. Societies in transition – Nancy Seijas 11. Does South Africa need a classical liberal party? Gary Moore and Tony Leon 12. Making education work – Eustace Davie 13. Is Anglo a monopoly? – Dan Leach 14. The Land question – Martin Fey and Symond Fiske 15. Labour pains – Frank Vorhies 16. Overcoming historical injustices – Leon Louw 17. Redistribution illusions – Don Caldwell 18. Defending the new SA – Richard Grant 19. Constitutions, referendums – Frances Kendall 20. Crystal Ball Stokvel – predict the SA of 1994	Organiser – Nancy Seijas?
7	1991	Salt Rock Hotel North KZN coast 26-29 Sep		Organiser – Gavin Weiman 49 delegates
8	1992 10-13 Sep	Cathedral Peak, Drakensberg	1. No more martyrs now – Don Caldwell 2. Personality and Liberty  - Frances Kendall 3. Politics and economics of gambling – Grant Kaplan 4. Big bang, quagmire, vortex and other scenarios – Leon Louw 5. Affirmative action, apartheid and capitalism – Jim Peron 6. Shoot an elephant – save a species – Deborah Vorhies 7. Enviromentalism, the final battlefield – Frank Vorhies 8. Thomas Sowell, conflicting visions and Ayn Rand – Terry Markman 9. Rand vs Hayek – Gavin Weiman 10. Heads down for the depression! – Jim Harris 11. Lets party! Forming, organizing and marketing a libertarian party – Richard Yelland 12. Compulsory delinquency – Symond Fiske	Organiser – Jim Peron, Trevor Watkins, Gavin Weiman 42 delegates
9	1993	Sparkling Waters?	1. The things people know that ain’t so – Leon Louw 2. Is Libertarianism in SA a lost cause? – Geoff Hemm 3. A Wu Li view of Freedom – Linda Watkins 4. The end of history – Libby Husemeyer 5. Total Economic Activity Levy – An alternative Tax System – Graham Robertson and Bob Shambrook 6. The way through the woods – Symond Fiske 7. Be armed or be damned – Richard Pascoe 8. Science against unreason – Jim Harris 9. Justice and law without the state – Nancy Seijas 10. Education in a non-coercive society – Eustace Davie 11. Taking ecology seriously – Jan Crafford and Steve Chown 12. Errors in Rand’s philosophy – Gavin Weiman 13. Do libertarians believe in a free press – Maureen Sullivan 14. The sexy factor – Frances Kendall 15. A better tax base – Trevor Nell	Organisers -  Gail Day, Velma Gore Ria Crafford prize awarded for 1st time to Frances Kendall for “The seXY factor”
10	1994 13-16 Oct	The Nest, Drakensberg	1. Radical thoughts on what people believe and why – Leon Louw 2. It could be better than you think: an analysis of the Bill of Rights – Gavin Weiman 3. Democracy or mobocracy – Gail Daus 4. Copyright – Jim Harris 5. From sound money to funny money – Eustace Davie 6. What’s at the top of the pyramid – Symond Fiske 7. The environment: a few practical hints – Roelof van der Merwe 8. Berton Braley : the bard of business – Linda Abrams 9. The RDP: is it worth it? – Norman Davis 10. Beyond objectivism – Peter Voss 11. Federalism: myth and reality – Gary Moore 12 Population control – Jim Peron 13. Freedom in cyberspace: a trip on the internet – Trevor Watkins 14. Why did the children of Waco have to die? – Peter Arnold 15. In defence of elitism – Velma Gore 16. A case study of terrorism in the meat industry – Nils Dittmer 17. Politicians are as black as they have been painted -  Frances Kendall 18. Deregulation of gambling – Graeme Levin	Organiser – Libby Husemeyer, Theresa Griessel
11	1995 8-10 Sep	Franschhoek Swiss Farm Excelsior	1. Understandings the …isms – Conservatism, Objectivism, Liberalism, Libertarianism – Leon Louw 2. Stolen property – what limits to restitution – Jim Harris 3. A practical, local Libertaria (Sedgefield) – Trevor Watkins 4. South Africa – economic policy without an economic philosophy (What are the prospects for a capitalist economy in the hands of socialists) – Hugh High 5. Once upon a time there was a virus… the truths, lies and outright fairy tales associated with the AIDS saga – Peter Arnold 6. Libertarians vs Libertines – Symond Fiske 7. A rational approach to the environment – Andrew Kenny 8. Prostitution, feminism and the law – Linda Day 9. The politics of freedom – Frances Kendall	Organiser – Trevor Watkins, Geoff Hemm Mark Shuttleworth attended this seminar.
12	1996	Qwantani Sterkfontein Dam Eastern Free State	1.  Our new constitution: what went on behind the scenes, results & outlook – Leon Louw 2. To whom should Libertaria belong – Symond Fiske 3. Despite popular opinion, science is an essential component of a free world – Jim Harris & Garth Zietsman 4. Freedom and economic growth – Terry Markman 5. Black Liberalism: a contradiction in terms? Themba Sono 6. The right to self-determination – Johann Enslin 7. Environmentalism as if reality matters – Kelvin Kemm 8. Porn again – Jim Peron	Organiser – Charl Heydenrych
13	1997	Harrismith		Gail Day
14	1998 24-27 Sep	Everglades Hotel Natal midlands	1. Race and ideology in SA – Frances Kendall 2. Fraud vs Caveat Emptor – Jim Harris 3. A constitution for Libertaria – Ron Weissenberg 4. Bill Gates: 3rd millennium robber baron? – Gary Moore 5. Can individualists work as a team? – Theresa Griessel and Clive Barrett 6. Waco – the rules of engagement (movie) 7. Does God exist – Norman Davis 8. The benefits and hazards of religion – Terry Markman 9. Capitalism and Christianity in conflict – Jim Peron 10. Alternative health: Mumbo-jumbo? Gail Daus 11. Libertarians – society’s misfits? Garth Zietsman 12. Reinventing government – Leon van Wyk 13. Whither the new South Afica? – Russell Crystal 14. Child pornography: a victimless crime? – Leon Louw	Organiser – Frances Kendall?
15	1999			Organiser –
16	2000 22-25 Sep	Alpine Heath Drakensberg	1. Hitler on the Zambesi - Jim Peron 2. The coming revolution in education - Eustace Davie 3. The game of life - Neil Emerick 4.  Prospects for growth in SA – Jim Harris 5. AIDS—myths and misconceptions  - Leon Louw 6. Reports from the Frontline - Denis Beckett 7. IQ,  sanity, stupidity and madness - Symond Fiske 8. Debate: Can free markets operate on public property? - T Markman, L Louw,  J Harris 9. How can all the doctors be wrong? - Anthony Brink 10. Rhetorical Speaking — How to do it - Corne Bester 11. Taxi-ing towards disaster - Paul Pereira 12. Libertarian primer - Trevor Watkins 13. Black thinking / White thinking -Themba Nolutshungu 14. Lies, damned (anoma)lies and  stats - Garth Zietsman	Organiser – Trevor Watkins Herringbone band played at Barn dance Ria Crafford trophy instituted, won by Neil Emerick Sponsored RAU students from Salsa 61 attendees
17	2001	Roode Vallei Country Lodge? Near Pretoria	1. Understanding liberalism – Marc Swanepoel 2. Benevolence and Objectivism – Terry Markman 3. Freewill 3Fdiceman Y2Kgame – Jim Harris 4. Gambling on the internet – Graeme Levin 5. The New SA: Is Atlas shrugging? – Mark Heaton 6. The Bell curve: Does IQ matter? – Garth Zietsman 7. CS Lewis: the problem of subjectivism – Norman Davis 8. Was Objectivism a cult? – Jim Peron 9. Buddhism for Libertarians – Richard Yelland 10. Yoga and nuclear physics – David Sevitz 11. Libertarian scruples – Theresa Griessel & Clive Barratt 12. Gun control debate	Organiser – Gavin Weiman?
18	2002 26-29 Sep	Golden Gate Free State	1. The miracle of poverty – Leon Louw 2. I have a dream that one … with the help of Jonathan Gullible – Janette Eldridge 3. Free minds and free markets in a new form for kids – Barry Kayton 4. The trouble with democracy – Garth Zietsman 5. Quality capitalism vs conventional capitalism – Ron Weissenberg 6. Libertarianism Schmibertarianism – Vivian Vermaak 7. People should butt out – liberty in public spaces – Jim Harris 8. Denationalise money – Eustace Davie 9. Ignore victimless crimes and convict real criminals: The facts – Jean Redpath 10. Drug patents, drug activists and access to drugs – Richard Tren 11. Workshop on Nigeria: Applying libertarian ideals to the real world – can it be achieved in Africa? – Therese Griessel 12. Enron et al: the solution – Gary Moore 13. Afro-optimism: Justified? – Kerrin Myres 14. e-Liberty – Neil Emerick 15. Consense: consent and common-sense – Trevor Watkins	Organiser – Gail Day? Trevor Watkins had surgery during this seminar.
19	2003	Breakwater Lodge V&A Waterfront, Cape Town	1. Principles of good law – Leon Louw 2. Health care: who is responsible? – Louise Botha 3. People make a difference – Nic Marais 4. Introducing Symond Fiske’s Our Principle Problem – Jan Jack 5. The adventures of Jonathan Gullible – A Free Market Odyssey – Janette Eldridge 6. Vox populi, vox diaboli – Geoffrey Wittenberg 7. The long road to equality – Duncan Andrew 8. Growth and transformation – Prof Brian Kantor 9. The tyraany of obsolete political labels – Prof Don Ross 10. How free are we? – Neil Emerick 11. Education, entrepreneurs and freedom – Barry Kayton 12. Nietzche for libertarians – Garth Zietsman 13. The cleanest, safest source of energy: Nuclear power – Andrew Kenny 14. Privatisation: why it applies to everything – Douglas Shaw 15. South Africa: the good news – Ron Weissenberg 16. Constitutional Freedom Foundation / Economic Freedom Movement – Trevor Watkins	Organisers – Barry and Betty Kayton
20	2004 27-28 Mar	Free Market Foundation Johannesburg	1. Trip to Lindela Detention centre near Krugersdorp – Charl Heydenrych 2. Jonathan Gullible Book Launch & Braai – Amagi ranch - Ken Schoolland 3. The triumph of government! – At keeping citizens poor and elites rich. – Leon Louw 4. Should criminals be punished? – Christian Michel 5. How wrong ideas survive and breed - Dr K Kemm 6. Debate - The War in Iraq – Barun Mitra / Ken Schoolland 7. Why I am not a democrat - I prefer freedom - Christian Michel 8. Changing South Africa – constitutional court, ballot box or diplomacy? - N Davis, M Mokoena 9. The Regulation Explosion.  How laws are ruining our lives - Dougie Shaw 10. Freedom evolves - Dr Jim Harris 11. More people believe in God than in themselves! Why can’t we sell Individual Freedom? -Panel discussion 12. Medical Monopolies - M Swanepoel 13. Individual rights and immigration wrongs – can they be reconciled? - Ken Schoolland	Organiser – Trevor Watkins, Leon Louw Billed as the 1st SA Individual Freedom Conference International guest speakers: Ken Schoolland, Christian Michel, Barun Mitra
21	2005	Golden Gate Free State	1. The Jonathan Gullible Game – Janette Eldridge 2. The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court face off – Norman Davis 3. Principle Poker – the game – Trevor Watkins 4. The importance of principles – Neil Emerick 5. TAP-minarchy needs a growth-HOE – Jim Harris 6. The common sense of the common law – Gavin Weiman 7. Where’s our broadband? – Neil Emerick 8. Why Anarchy sucks – Richard Yelland	Organiser – Jim Harris
22	2006 5-8 Oct	Nebo Farm Eastern Free State	1. A slow, steady decline? – Trevor Watkins 2. Fey on Farming and Freedom – Chris Fey 3. Africa and Other Matters – Doug Shaw 4. 9/11 Conspiracy theories – Norman Davis 5. The effect of Islamism on Western Freedom – Graeme Levin 6. Habits of highly effective countries – Leon Louw 7. Werewolves and Villagers game – Katie Louw 8. The Stakeholders myth – Gary Moore 9. The Welfare state we’re in – Richard Yelland	Organiser – Trevor Watkins
23	2007	Golden Gate
24	2008	Golden Gate
25	2009	FMF offices		G Zietsman, L Louw
	2010	None	No conference held
26	2011	Cape Town	09:00-09:45 Intro to Libertarianism Neil Emerick 09:45-10:15 Open borders and pacifism as libertarian principles Garth Zietsman 10:15-11:00 Free to fail? Lessons from financial failures Brian Kantor 11:30-12:00 Alternative order of distributed online coordination of law and money Piet le Roux 12:00-12:30 The Scorpions Constitutional Court Case Hugh Glenister 12:30-13:00 Seasteading Julian le Roux 14:15-14:45 Climate Change Andrew Kenny 14:45-15:30 Challenges facing the SA labour market Loane Sharp 16:00-16:20 The Cape Republic and secession from South Africa Jack Miller 16:20-17:20 SaveSA Brainstorming Session EveryoneSaturday Time Topic Speaker Length (min) 09:00-10:00 A guinea fowl, Karl Marx, and a gravedigger walk into a bar Dawie Roodt 10:00-10:30 Sanction of the victim Gavin Weiman 10:30-11:00 Our experience at FreedomFest 2011 Vega5 11:30-12:30 How human individualism evolved: prehistoric markets drove brain growth, then big brains made collectivism unstable Don Ross 12:30-13:00 The moral case for liberty Garreth Bloor 14:15-14:35 The perils to freedom of scaremongering Ivo Vegter 14:35-15:00 Wealth distribution, equity and equality Stephen van Jaarsveldt 15:00-15:30 The experience of a South African libertarian in Canada Gary Moore	J Le Roux
27	2012	Grahamstown	See program on separate page	T Watkins, R Weissenberg
28	2013	Prince Albert	See program on separate page	C Bower, T Watkins
29	2014	Jeffreys Bay	See program on separate page	T Watkins
30	2015	Orania	See program on separate page	F Kendall
31	2016	Golden Gate		S van Jaarsveldt