Contesting Heritage: A Political Analysis of Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument in South Africa

Abstract

This study critically examines the political and social dimensions of heritage preservation in South Africa, with a specific focus on the contested sites of Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument. The study is underpinned by a social constructionist framework, which acknowledges the multiplicity of realities and narratives in relation to public memory and heritage politics in South Africa. The research methodology encompasses a qualitative approach, including site visits, archival work, and qualitative content analysis. The theoretical framework draws on Anderson's concept of ‘imagined communities’ to understand the emergence of national identities championed by various political actors in relation to heritage sites. The dissertation explores the role of public monuments in post-apartheid South Africa, the controversies surrounding the Voortrekker Monument, and the creation of counter-structures such as Freedom Park to challenge dominant colonial narratives. It also examines the political symbolism of Freedom Park in nation-building and its influence on visitor perceptions. Ethical considerations were paramount throughout the research process, particularly in conducting site visits and ensuring the integrity and reliability of the data collected. The findings of the study offer recommendations for further exploration of the articulation of heritage sites and the debate by other political actors, such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), to potentially illuminate the emergence of an imagined community. Overall, this dissertation provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the political, social, and cultural dimensions of heritage preservation in South Africa, shedding light on the complex interplay of historical narratives, political ideologies, and social values within the country’s heritage landscape.