Conversations Conference to cross bridges at Ncome/Blood River
"The conference, organised by Msunduzi and Ncome Museums, provides a fresh platform to discuss issues affecting us as a nation and seeks to stimulate discussion around the concept of social cohesion and its relationship with various heritage issues."
The fifth Courageous Conversations Conference will be held at Ncome Museum, Blood River, from November 9-10.
This year’s theme: “Crossing the bridge through fostering social cohesion – my heritage, your heritage, our heritage” was inspired by the bridge termed the ‘Reconciliation Bridge’ which was built to link the Ncome Museum and the Blood River Heritage Site.
“The events at Blood River/Ncome became a symbol – some would say a symptom – of the many years of suspicion and ill-feeling that came to characterise Southern Africa,” said Robert Luyt, Deputy Director Msunduzi and Ncome Museums.
Significantly its anniversary in 1961 was chosen by the ANC to launch its military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe to take up arms against the apartheid regime.
The first democratic elections in 1994 brought in a new dawn and the date December 16 became the Day of Reconciliation.
A year later the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began its work on December 16, and in 2014 the Bridge of Reconciliation at Ncome, linking both sites, was opened by President Zuma as a symbol of national reconciliation.
“The conference, organised by Msunduzi and Ncome Museums, provides a fresh platform to discuss issues affecting us as a nation and seeks to stimulate discussion around the concept of social cohesion and its relationship with various heritage issues.
All are welcome to attend the conference
“A dynamic and engaging panel discussion will be one of the key elements of the conference,” Mr Luyt told the Courier.
Panellists include: Dr Pearl Sithole, Commissioner at the KwaZulu-Natal Public Service Commission and Council Member of the Msunduzi and Ncome Museums; Dr Raj Govender:
Director at the Department of Arts and Culture, Prof Bheki Mngomezulu: lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of the Western Cape and political analyst on international relations, Cecillia Kruger: Managing Director of the Voortrekker Monument; Lukhona Mnguni: Social Activist, Political Analyst and PhD intern at the Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal; Ms Mary De Haas: Social Anthropologist and Violence Monitor.
All are welcome to attend the conference. To register telephone: Ms Nene: 34 271 8121. Email: sthenjwa02@gmail.com; Ms Sewell: 033 394 6834, Email: lbarnwell@msunduzimuseum.org.za
