Oral History Conference brings colour and culture to Ermelo

OHASA's main aim is to promote and facilitate the recording, preservation, access, popularisation and study of oral history in South Africa. This includes poetry, music, oral praise, oral performance and oral tradition.

September 6, 2017

Amanda Mthembu 1 minute read

The Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA) in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation hosted the 4th Oral History Conference at the Ermelo Inn last Thursday.

Guests were welcomed by the African drum beat and live performance by the Amahlokohloko Traditional Group with the theme of the conference being “The Cultural Unity of Africa and Africans: Testimonies”.

Acting Executive Mayor of Msukaligwa, Ms Julia Bal, welcomed the attendees and officially opened the conference.

OHASA’s main aim is to promote and facilitate the recording, preservation, access, popularisation and study of oral history in South Africa. This includes poetry, music, oral praise, oral performance and oral tradition.

Working with the department, they delivered various presentations about the cultural history of the province with Ms Bal delivering the keynote address on behalf of the MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms Norah Mahlangu.

Ms Bal was adamant that people should preserve the cultural history, saying it should be recorded and remembered.

Guests were treated to numerous cultural performances from the Indian Cultural Group and Ermelo’s own poet, Intonga Yamantungwa, who delivered a moving poem to thunderous applause.

Learners from various schools were present and were privy to various discussion sessions on topics ranging from “How music has united Africa from the days of oppression to modern day Africa” presented by Ms Limpho Ginindza and “Repaying the historical debt” by Mr Goodenough Mashego.

Guest speaker, Ms Gille de Vlieg, a renowned photographer and anti-apartheid activist, brought it close to home by presenting a photographic presentation on struggle icon Mr Vusimuzi Saul Mkhize, who, with others, formed the Board of the Village in order to oppose the removal of legitimate landowners in Driefontein.

The conference ended with a discussions on various service delivery issues and protests that have taken place, namely in Bushbuckridge, while Mr Keketso Mashego facilitated the last discussion of the day on whether oral history is dying or evolving, with most participants resolute that our cultural history be preserved.