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For Immediate Release
Using the past to create a new future
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Visit to historic liberation archives in East London
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International Conference on Liberation Archives draws on rich heritage and archives at
Lovedale Press and Fort Hare University
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Archives are critical tools for nation building and reconciliation
East London, Thursday, 18 October 2012: In the build-up to the International Conference on
Liberation Archives, the National Heritage Council of South Africa will host a visit to historic
archives at the Lovedale Press and the National Heritage and Cultural Studies Centre (NAHECS) at
Fort Hare University today.
The visit starts at the Lovedale Press which traces its roots back to 1844, when the first isiXhosa
newspaper was produced. It provided a unique training ground in printing and publishing and
created an essential space for isiXhosa writers and readers. Throughout its long history, Lovedale
Press has been a beacon of African literary distinction and as such, has an extensive archive offering
an alternative historical account. “We are still operational, even though we only manage smaller
print jobs these days. But we are very proud that a team of former employees have now taken over
management,” said Mr. Cebo Ntaka, Manager, Lovedale Press.
Fort Hare University is the liberation movement’s academic centre of excellence and provided high
quality education to countless struggle stalwarts and activists who passed through its doors
including Former President Nelson Mandela; Robert Sobukwe and Govan Mbeki, amongst many
others. The NAHECS, situated at the University, is the final destination in the heritage visit. From
1981, the organisation has been responsible for the collection of literary material relating to the
Xhosa language and culture for preservation and research purposes.
Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, The National Heritage Council CEO said: “Fort Hare University
values its role as a key participant in the preservation of archival material, not just for South
Africans, but for the international community as well. The University is also committed to continue
playing this role and to support the constructive work of both the International Conference on
Liberation Archives and the Lovedale Press.”
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“Each and every South African should never underestimate the overall value of archives that have
been immaculately preserved and documented,” continues Adv. Mancotywa. “However, the real
power lies in how we interpret these annals and use this to move towards a progressive, successful
and cohesive nation”.
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Further information:
Please contact:
Mr. Danny Goulkan
Communications Manager
National Heritage Council (NHC)
Office: 012 348 1663
Mobile: 072 952 2260
Email: danny@nhc.org.za
Editor’s Note overleaf
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Editor’s Note:
National Heritage Council of South Africa
The National Hertitage Council of South Africa is a government institution whose vision is to build a
nation that is proud of its heritage. The Council has been in existence for the past 7 years and
continues to pursue its mission of transforming, protecting and promoting South African heritage
for sustainable development. It has, over the years, partnered or funded heritage preservation
projects.
For more information visit www.nhc.org.za.
Liberation Heritage Route
This is a project by the National Heritage Council of South Africa to identify and develop sites in the
Republic and across the world that are of great significance to our liberation struggle and history.
The NHC seeks to see the Liberation Heritage Route included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites
and has already initiated that conversation with the State as well as other SADC region countries.
The route is of great importance in understanding the true history of our young democracy and how
it is currently, and will be, written for generations to come.
International Conference on Liberation Archives
Archives are not neutral. Silence on them or protection of them, does not do any good for the
country. The past cannot be changed but can be used to learn, to continue the journey of forgiving
and have a better understanding of our history. The conference is aimed at bringing together the
material of the different voices, personalities and groups that fought for the liberation of the
country. It is about recognition, appreciation and preservation of a heritage that could be lost.
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