Opening Remarks:
2025 OHASA Conference, 7 October 2025

By Sipho Zulu, President: OHASA

It is good to be back again, Deputy Minister. It was here in this hall that I presented for the very first time at the OHASA Conference in 2007. I was young and a novice, shivering and fearing the unknown. A stranger seated next to me during our presentation gave me the courage and confidence I needed. That stranger was none other than Prof. Mokgoatšana. He said to me, “Don’t worry, just read your paper as you prepared it, and remember it is your story, nobody else knows it better than you.” At that time, he was already executing mentorship. I took the platform and narrated my story the best way I knew how. Years later, we met again in the North West when I was part of the Local Organising Committee, preparing to host the Oral History National Conference in 2011. Today, I return to this hall not as a shivering young man but as the leader of the largest Oral History Organisation in Southern Africa.

Personal Journey and the Essence of Oral History

Deputy Minister, I share this story because it is imperative to contribute to the development of young and upcoming oral history practitioners. What we know today comes from many encounters that mark the journey traveled. Wisdom and experience come less from scholarly pursuits and more from paths and roads that are forever under construction. Provincial Chapters are entering this space to be the ambassadors who mentor and spearhead a revolutionary change in the field of oral history, so that one can raise a hand and say, ‘I know a similar journey; it happened to me.’ That is the essence of oral history and memory work.

Historiography and Language

Deputy Minister, the history of this country has taught us to learn from the knowledge and thinking of pessimistic champions who saw less good for the majority while praising the enlightenment brought by a minority. Historiography has alerted us to the need to analyse and carefully examine the content and narrative of documented histories. This is why we are proud and unapologetic today about using the language of our choice for the benefit of our generation. Deputy Minister, some of the papers to be presented in this conference will be in vernacular languages. We are no longer afraid to be ourselves and take pride in who we are. We are all here because of our love for heritage and history.

Generational Responsibilities and Technological Shifts

The Deputy Minister, the first generation to lead this organisation, faced the mammoth task of transition and the challenge of accommodating the previously marginalised into an inclusive heritage and history. The generation that followed had to build a strong momentum for participation and spreading the significance of oral history. Our generation faces a different task. We are engulfed in the era of Artificial Intelligence, automation, and advanced communication tools—far removed from the age of jotting down notes and using tape recorders. As these demands evolve, we must remain open to change while preserving credible content that will form part of our history. Communities rely on us to ensure smooth adaptation to these changes.

Colleagues, let us engage, deliberate, and enjoy the exercise of the mind—not only for our benefit but to leave a constructive river of knowledge for posterity. Enjoy the conference.