A long-term research project begun in 2009 has captured life in Sophiatown and united the community.
The Department of Historical Studies at the University of Johannesburg’s project was aimed at finding new ways of with engaging the past to help the development of the future, allowing South Africans to participate in the country’s ongoing transition towards a democratic society.
“Experiencing Sophiatown: Conversations among residents about the past, present and futureof a community” was launched at the Sophiatown Heritage and Cultural Centre.
This included a panel discussion by residents and editors on their collaboration.
“In the process of doing research, we realised that people in Sophiatown were very keen to work with their suburb’s history. The team was also interested in the fusion of ideas of history with civic engagement or public participation.
“They wanted to challenge the gaps that usually exist between academic pratice and everyday life,” said head of the department, Natasha Erlank
Cathy Seefort, the chairperson of Sophiatown Residents Association, said: “We didn’t have academics come in and take what they needed to write about Sophiatown.
“Rather people started meaningful conversations which helped foster greater community involvement, this allowed the people of Sophiatown to express themselves, to find common interest and goals.
