Voortrekkers can also refer to the historical mass migration of the Afrikaner people: see Voortrekkers. The Voortrekkers is an Afrikaner youth organisation founded in South Africa in 1931. Mission, values and principles In the words of its mission statement (as translated), "The Voortrekkers empowers the Afrikaners to be successful as positive citizens and dependable Christians." The motto of the movement, "Hou Koers", translates as "Hold [your] Course". The values of the organisation are encapsulated in what is referred to as "The ABC". The ABC Afrikanerskap (Being an Afrikaner) Burgerskap (Citizenship) Christenskap (Christianity). The ten principles that guide the members of the movement are: A Voortrekker believes in the triune God. A Voortrekker practices a Christian lifestyle. A Voortrekker accepts authority placed over him or her. A Voortrekker keeps the language and culture of the Afrikaners in honour. A Voortrekker takes the good from the past and builds the future thereupon. A Voortrekker studies, appreciates and protects our environment. A Voortrekker is a contributing citizen. A Voortrekker is a true leader. A Voortrekker is observant and vigilant. A Voortrekker has the positive habit of helping people and providing voluntary service. History 1913-1940 The founding of the Voortrekkers coincided with a growth in Afrikaner nationalism in South Africa, then a member of the British Commonwealth. In some ways the Voortrekker organisation represents an Afrikaans-language alternative to the largely English-speaking Boy Scout movement, with its British heritage. Dr. C. F. Visser formulated the original concept of a youth movement amongst Afrikaners in 1913 in Bloemfontein. Dr. Visser appealed to the directors of the Boy Scout movement (founded in 1907 and spreading to South Africa from 1908) to allow the incorporation of the Voortrekkers into the "broader church" under one umbrella, but this venture failed. The Scouts were in the main speakers of English, and differences about the role of language led to difficulties. There were further complications hinging upon religious declarations or beliefs, and no agreement could be reached. The values and principles of the Voortrekker organisation were perceived, at the time, to be more nationalistic and religious in tone than those of the Scouting Movement programme. In 1920 the first "Kommando" of the Voortrekkers (English equivalent: "Troop") was established in Bloemfontein at the Central High School. In 1923 two more kommandos started - in Graaf Reinet (led by "Oom Japie Heese") and in Nieuwoudtville (with "Oom Laubie" as leader). (Note: the term