History captured in black and white

“Ekurhuleni: The making of an urban region” was officially handed over to Ekurhuleni’s executive mayor, Mondli Gungubele, at the book launch, in Germiston.

“Thank you for being so special to our region,” said Gungubele as he thanked Wits University.

“To sustain our heritage we must keep record of our history.”

The book was researched and written by Philip Bonner and Noor Nieftagodien, from the history workshop of Wits University, with Sello Mathabatha and in association with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM).

The book examines Ekurhuleni’s position as a major mining area and as the country’s “engineering heartland”.

It also looks at Ekurhuleni’s distinct towns and examines each one, based on its rich history.

“The book is a culmination of combined effort,” said Nieftagodien.

“An academic collaboration with public works, to write the history of Ekurhuleni citizens.

“It captures the voices and the histories of ordinary people.

“The experiences of the majority have been included.

“We’ve gone a long way to bring an inclusive history, but there’s still a long way to go.”

Nieftagodien added that the people of Ekurhuleni are not aware of the distinct character of the city’s history.

“Ekurhuleni lives in the shadow of Johannesburg,” he said.

“I don’t believe enough has been done to highlight the distinctiveness of the region.

“I want to urge you to take the heritage and history of Ekurhuleni seriously.

“The metro needs to draw from the rich heritage.

“We need more ordinary people to write their own histories.

“I am very proud of what has been achieved.

“Hopefully this book will get young people talking about their history.”