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The reconfiguration of what defined political studies at Wits led to the introduction of new curricula, notably an honours level course taught by Alf and Prof Lodge called “Direct Action and Popular Protest” that explored the political agency of people who lacked resources. Much to Alf's delight the book was recently republished. His book, the Political Economy of Modern South Africa (Routledge 19) was favourably reviewed and is still frequently cited. “Birds in the cornfield: Squatter Movements in Johannesburg, 1944-1947' is still listed as essential reading on the Abahlali baseMjondolo, the socialist shack dwellers movement of South Africa’s, website. His research and writing focused on historical uprisings and mini revolts in South Africa, such as the bus boycotts and squatter movements on the Reef. In his inaugural lecture at Wits, Alf stated: “I want to raise questions about how people without power, wealth or even votes act politically, and try to estimate the effects they produce on political structures”. When he joined the department in the early 1980s, Prof Tom Lodge described the atmosphere as a “considerate and hospitable setting for an apprentice lecturer”. Committed to mentoring early career academics, he granted junior staff time off from lecturing so they could pursue their research and publish. By the early 1980s, he had transformed the department.ĭuring his tenure, Alf purposefully appointed young intellectuals with wide ranging interests and potential.

#BORIS PONY BEAD PATTERNS FULL#

Following LeMay’s retirement in 1966, Alf was appointed acting head of the department but was only granted full professorship and the chair in 1981. LeMay held supervisory sessions at the Wits cricket nets to practice Alf’s batting, and hosted “seminars” at the Devonshire Hotel bar in Braamfontein.

Politically conscientised, he joined the Communist Party, joking wryly about his failed attempts to mobilise residents of Alexandra Township and avoid arrest.Īt the time, the Political Studies Department was managed by Godfrey “Copper” LeMay, and Alf was one of a few PhD students. He then enrolled in a BA and studied English and Politics. When he left school he studied metallurgy, but he dropped out after a short stint at a steel foundry where dodging projectile lumps of iron ore were not infrequent hazards.

As a youngster he checked out books such as James Joyce’s Ulysses from the local library, much to the librarian’s chagrin. But he had long nurtured a keen interest in English literature. His principal suggested that he take up a less intellectually demanding trade of some kind. In Johannesburg, Stadler’s mother washed and ironed clothes in exchange for backyard accommodation.Īs a student at Highlands North Boys High, Alf's academic performance was mediocre. The family relocated to Johannesburg Alf recalled the train ride to the Reef as deeply depressing: the cold, dry and treeless khaki veld of the Rand were a stark contrast to the sub-tropical forests and rolling cane fields of Natal. Alf was a public intellectual, providing analysis and commentary on election results and political events he acted as an expert witness for the defence of his students who were charged with “terrorism” by the apartheid regime and, for a time, he chaired the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism.Īlf was born in Durban in 1937, the son of a former dairy farmer, who worked for the South African railways and who died when Alf was 10. In Memoriam 2023 Alfred William Stadler (1937 - 2023)įormer professor and chair of the Department of Political Studies at Wits, Alfred William Stadler, 'Alf' (BA 1960, BA Hons 1962, PhD 1971), died on 29 December 2023 at the age of 86.

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