Sharing Best Practices for Cultural Heritage Preservation in South Africa

Presenters:
Dr. Ndlovu Ndukuyakhe, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Pretoria
Dr. Mathias Fubah Alubafi, HSRC

Date:  Monday, 21 September

Time: 12:15  – 14:00

Venue:    VCRs, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban

The HSRC seminar series is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The views and opinions expressed therein as well as findings and statements of the seminar series do not necessarily represent the views of DST.

One of the most challenging problems in post-apartheid South Africa is the preservation of its rich and diverse cultural heritage. Although the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage is a collective enterprise, the probability of using best practices varies greatly among different groups of people. Significant variables that account for the “poor-preservation” of cultural heritage by certain segments of the population include socio-cultural factors, institutional factors and cultural factors. The combined effect of these factors varies among different groups and communities. However, the most powerful predictor of best conservation practices is education. Using specific case studies, we explore what is left of their cultural heritage? In what condition is it? How can what remains be preserved? How can what remains be shown off to its best, or become an element of development without extracting it from its cultural context which gives it meaning and the reason for its existence?

The seminar may be attended in Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban

RSVP by 1 September 2015

Cape Town : HSRC, 12th Floor, Plein Park Building (Opposite Revenue Office), Plein Street, Cape Town. Contact Jean Witten, Tel (021) 4668004, Fax (021) 461 0299, or JWitten@hsrc.ac.za
Durban :  First floor HSRC board room, 750 Francois Road, Ntuthuko Junction, Pods 5 and 6, Cato Manor, Contact Ridhwaan Khan, Tel (031) 242 5400, cell: 083 788 2786 or RKhan@hsrc.ac.za