Transformation challenges in the interpretation of cultural heritage collections at post- apartheid Mapungubwe

Abstract

The research investigated the reasons why heritage interpretations have not changed in the post-apartheid Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre. The main argument presented through this research is that indigenous knowledge systems are neither prioritised when managing nor interpreting heritage in post-apartheid South Africa; hence the need to explore transformation challenges in interpretation at Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre. The challenges include exclusive heritage interpretations that do not consider the Vhembe, Leokwe and Nyindi indigenous communities as legitimate archives and failure to ensure that hired authorities and practitioners know African stories. The main objective of the study was to highlight evidence that the foundations of the South African heritage industry are deeply embedded in colonial practice. The study acknowledges that there have been some positive changes in heritage interpretations over the years since the country’s democratisation in 1994. Nonetheless, there is still a lot of work to be done. The research revolves around ongoing discourses surrounding the global, local and transnational dynamics of heritage interpretation and their intersections with (neo) colonialism. The theoretical framework used in the study is the decolonial theory which aided the researcher in understanding the power dynamics influencing heritage interpretations at the centre. The location of power was central in this research as highlighted by the research findings which illustrated why the term archive is a contested term. In addition, the study highlighted the significance of oral tradition in interpreting tangible artefacts. The Vhembe community, Leokwe and Nyindi communities residing less than ten kilometres from the interpretation centre were used in the research as case studies. The research suggests that authorities at the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre should pay attention to the stories and perspectives of the local people to make the site relevant to African communities. Recommendations are made to address these challenges in the thesis.