Oral History Association of South Africa Conference, 6-10 October 2025

The 22nd Annual National Oral History Conference, hosted by the Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA), in partnership with the National Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, Limpopo Provincial Sport, Arts & Culture, the University of Limpopo and the Limpopo Archives Advisory Council, was held from 6 to 10 October 2025 at the Ranch Resort and the University of Limpopo. The conference brought together academics, researchers, educators, learners, archivists, oral history practitioners, cultural practitioners, traditional leaders, and heritage professionals to engage under the theme “Oral History, (Un)told Stories and (Living) Archives: Pursuance of Relentless Struggles for Human Dignity.”

As is custom, the conference informally started on the 6th of October 2025 with a pre-conference workshop facilitated by Dr Radikobo Ntsimane, Professor Munyaradzi Mushonga and Professor Sekibakiba Lekgoathi. This workshop focused on oral history research projects from conceptualisation to the preparation and processing of research for publication. Zora Neale Hurston’s famous quote “Research is formalised curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose” is apt in capturing the essence of this workshop. Delegates in attendance were empowered with practical skills and garnered deeper insight into the research process.

The formal proceedings commenced on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, with the honourable Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Ms Peace Mabe officially opening the conference. Several institutions and dignitaries, including representatives from the South African Society of Archivists (SASA), National Archives Advisory Council, Limpopo Archives Advisory Council, the House of Traditional Leaders, and the National Heritage Council, were present and delivered messages of support. The President of OHASA, Sipho Zulu, delivered his inaugural opening remarks narrating his journey in the organisation, from novice presenter to current leader.

Learner presentations are a key feature of every OHASA Conference. OHASA, the National Archives & Records Service of South Africa, Provincial Archives and Department of Education collaborate from as early as April each year to capacitate learners and educators on oral history methodology in preparation for the conference. On Day 1, the honourable Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Ms Peace Mabe, awards these learners certificates of participation for attending this programme. Learners also feature on the conference programme as presenters in a breakaway session dedicated to these emerging oral historians presenting papers aligned with the conference theme.

The conference breakaway sessions from 7 October to 9 October 2025 addressed the theme by covering the following: cultural preservation and social transformation; liberation histories; technology, innovation and digital archiving, healing in post-apartheid South Africa; ethics in oral history practice; indigenous leadership, women’s voices, contestations over heritage sites; land reform; youth politics and classroom struggles in the Bantustans; and the preservation of indigenous African languages. These sessions offer a unique glance into how oral histories are collected, shared and debated. The conference brings together voices from across South Africa to reflect on the past and shape the conversations of the future.

Memorable conference moments:

- The groundbreaking book: “Oral History in South Africa: Auto-ethnography, Methodologies, and Ethics” edited by Professor Sekothe Mokgoatšanawas launched at the University of Limpopo on 7 October. This book marks a new era in oral history practice as it serves as a catalyst for African oral history methodology. OHASA also celebrated the launch of its annual publications: Conference Proceedings and Tell Your Mother’s Stories at this event.

- The themed Gala Dinner “Dress Like a Local,” featuring a tribute to Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, live performances by Charles Maleka and Motshabo Sinah Mogashoa, and the newly introduced OHASA Recognition Awards. These recognition awards were introduced by the President of OHASA to show appreciation to the OHASA community for advancing oral history across South Africa. These awards set out to strengthen the relationship between the OHASA and its members, celebrate conference presenters, add to the conference experience, and importantly establish a new tradition of an organisation attuned to its community. The awards would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) who supplied plaques, trophies, gift hampers and medals for learners. OHASA values and appreciates the partnership formed with UKS and looks forward to our continued collaboration.

- Excursion: Delegates visited Makapansgat World Heritage Site and Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum on 10 October 2025, deepening engagement with Limpopo’s heritage landscapes.

The OHASA conference successfully elevated marginalised voices, revived indigenous knowledge systems, stimulated academic dialogue, strengthened networks, and affirmed oral history as an act of justice and restoration. OHASA’s work reminds us that history is not a static record of the past, but a living, breathing tapestry woven from countless voices and experiences. By amplifying marginalised stories, valuing the ordinary alongside the extraordinary, and fostering spaces for dialogue and reflection, OHASA ensures that South Africa’s collective memory becomes more inclusive, nuanced, and just. In giving voice to those who were once silenced, OHASA does more than to preserve history; it empowers communities to understand, claim, and shape their own narratives for generations to come.