The Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the voices of communities that were historically marginalised. Our mission is to safeguard oral histories and archives, ensuring that these invaluable stories contribute to a more inclusive and accurate record of South Africa’s past.

OHASA was established in 1999 following a Cabinet mandate to spearhead the National Oral History Programme (NOHP). This initiative aimed to enrich the country’s archival holdings by collecting and managing oral histories that restore dignity and acknowledge the experiences of millions affected by colonialism and apartheid.

Today, OHASA serves as a dynamic platform for advancing oral history scholarship. We work to develop capacity among practitioners and students who share a passion for archives, history, museum studies, the arts, heritage, indigenous knowledge, folklore, and oral traditions.