Wentworth – On the 9th November 2024, Wentworth residents came together in celebration of their history, resilience, and community spirit at the Democracy@30 commemoration and the Wentworth Social History Book Launch, hosted by the HSRC. Held at Austerville Community Hall, the event drew a remarkable crowd, embodying the community’s dedication to honouring its past while looking toward a brighter future.
As South Africa commemorates the milestone of 30 years since the dawn of democracy, communities across the nation are pausing to reflect on the state of democracy and the journey that has led them here. Among these celebrations, the Democracy@30 project has emerged as a central programme, led by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Serving South Africa for over five decades, the HSRC stands as the largest social science research institute in Africa, dedicated to producing knowledge that contributes to policies aimed at reducing inequality, poverty, and unemployment. In this light, HSRC’s Democracy@30 initiative aims to honour three decades of democracy while shining a light on the enduring challenges faced by communities across the country, and few communities embody the mix of resilience and hope as powerfully as Wentworth.
On November 9, 2024, Wentworth hosted a unique event blending the themes of Democracy@30 with the Wentworth Social History Book Launch. Together, these celebrations were a testament to the strength of Wentworth’s people and an acknowledgment of the community’s significant place in South Africa’s democratic history. The day’s program invited residents to remember their past, celebrate their progress, and imagine the future they want for the next 30 years. It was a day filled with poignant stories, lively performances, and thoughtful reflections that reinforced the idea that democracy must resonate in the lived experiences of communities like Wentworth.
The Democracy@30 initiative is a people-centered celebration, aimed at gathering local voices to take stock of the last 30 years. Through a coordinated series of events, HSRC is documenting the real, day-to-day impacts of democracy for ordinary people and asking the critical question: How has democracy delivered on the promise of a better life for all? In Wentworth, this question resonates deeply, as the community has faced economic hardship, environmental challenges, and social exclusion, all while fiercely advocating for justice and equality. For many, the celebration is both a reminder of the promise of 1994 and a call to action to build a more inclusive, just society for the next generation.
The Wentworth Social History Book Launch complemented this theme beautifully, offering a deeply personal view into Wentworth’s unique history. The book stands as a labour of love, filled with stories of struggle and resilience from generations of residents. From the forced removals of the apartheid era to the community’s enduring fight for resources and recognition, Wentworth’s history is a powerful narrative of survival and hope. As attendees perused the book, they saw their own lives reflected in its pages—a tribute to the individuals who have worked to shape Wentworth’s future, even in the face of significant adversity.
Keynote speakers and prominent community residents, Jerome Schoonberg and Glen Manning provided powerful messages that underscored the dual themes of the day. Jerome Schoonberg, addressing the Democracy@30 theme, reminded attendees of the hard-won freedoms of 1994 while emphasizing that democracy is an ongoing journey that must respond to the needs and concerns of local communities. He spoke candidly about the challenges that remain—inequality, unemployment, and rising gender-based violence—and urged the community to hold onto hope and continue the fight for a fairer society. His words were a powerful reminder that the work of democracy is far from over and that every community has a role to play in shaping its future.
Glen Manning, whose speech centered on the preservation of community history, emphasized the significance of the Wentworth Social History Book. Manning’s speech highlighted the book as a vital document, preserving the truths and struggles of the community for future generations. “When we document our stories, we preserve our truths,” he shared with the audience, stressing the importance of historical memory. Manning encouraged Wentworth residents to see their history as an asset, one that can both honour the past and guide the community’s ongoing pursuit of justice and dignity.
The HSRC’s Darian Smith, the Programme Director, conducted the event with a grace and respect that gave each part of ita sense of unity. Smith’s genuine understanding of the significance of the day allowed each segment to flow seamlessly, giving every speaker, performer, and audience member a chance to be part of this shared history. His thoughtful approach ensured that the day’s events felt personal, despite the large turnout, allowing community members to feel as though their voices and stories were truly valued.
The event featured a stirring musical performance by Shardenay, a budding young songstress from Wentworth whose songs of hope and strength resonated deeply with attendees. Her performance was more than just a moment of entertainment—it was a tribute to the resilience and optimism of Wentworth’s youth, a reminder that the future holds new possibilities for a community that has endured so much.
Throughout the day, the energy of the audience reflected the significance of the occasion. Community groups and schools came together to mark the day, with Dance Movement and Durban East Primary School providing performances that brought the vibrancy of Wentworth’s culture to life. The dance and music shared from the stage highlighted the community’s deep connection to its past and its enduring commitment to social justice.
For the HSRC, this event marked an essential part of their mission to connect research to the real lives of South Africans. With over 50 years of service, the HSRC’s focus on policy-driven research aims to create meaningful impact in communities, and collaborations like these allow for local voices to be amplified in shaping the national narrative. The Democracy@30 project seeks to capture the diverse experiences of communities across the nation, to celebrate the journey so far, and to reflect on the improvements that are still necessary. The stories collected through this project, alongside those told in the Wentworth Social History Book, are an invaluable resource, providing insight into how communities understand and engage with democracy.
Authors of the book,who were also part of the Democracy@30 projects, shared their thoughts, each offering unique insights.
In the words of author Theresa Saber: ““Documenting Wentworth’s history has been deeply personal for me. As someone who grew up here, I know first-hand the strength it takes to keep moving forward. This project isn’t just about the past—it’s a guide for the future. We’re giving young people a chance to know where they come from, to understand the sacrifices made, and to learn the lessons embedded in our stories.”
Maree Harold, another contributing author, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The turnout today, the conversations we’ve had, the emotions—this is exactly why we worked so hard on creating this platform for the community to be part of the conversation. Wentworth has a resilience that I don’t think people outside this community fully understand. This book and this event are reminders that while there’s so much to celebrate, there’s also a need to actively build a better future, together.”
And Dr Gregory Houston added, “So many voices go unheard in our society, and the Democracy@30 and Wentworth Social History Project was our way of changing that. These stories matter—they show our pride, our pain, and our resilience. I hope that young people read this book and realize that they’re part of something much bigger, something that’s been fought for by generations before them. There’s work to be done, but knowing our roots gives us the strength to grow in the right direction.”
Together, the Democracy@30 celebration and the Wentworth Social History Book Launch illustrated a profound truth: democracy is built on the voices of ordinary people. The book captures the raw, unfiltered history of a community that has played a vital role in South Africa’s journey, and the event offered a space for Wentworth residents to connect with their past, celebrate their progress, and envision their future. As South Africa looks ahead to the next 30 years, Wentworth’s story will serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that fuel the nation’s democratic spirit
A community united in hope and commitment
Throughout the day, the atmosphere in Wentworth was one of cautious optimism mixed with determination. The Democracy@30 initiative encouraged meaningful conversations around accountability, civic engagement, and the preservation of collective memory. Attendees left feeling hopeful, yet grounded in the understanding that true progress will require continued commitment and unity.
As the event concluded, it was clear that Wentworth’s spirit remains unbreakable—a community rooted in history, bound by unity, and ready to shape its next chapter, honouring the legacy of those who came before while building a brighter tomorrow.
Click here to order A Social History from Below: Life stories from Wentworth, South Africa.
