History, Politics and Memory symposium held at MSA

7 October 2004

To coincide with South Africa’s National Heritage Day celebrations in this tenth year of South African democracy, the School of Arts at Monash South Africa (MSA) convened a one-day academic symposium on `History, Politics & Memory` on 1 October 2004.

The purpose of the symposium was firstly, to set out and analyse major trends and issues relating to history, politics and memory within the wider contexts of nation-building and deepening democracy in South Africa. And secondly, to take a wider comparative scope on the international scene and examine how other states and societies have addressed the complex issues of conflict-ridden pasts, current politics, memory and public heritage.

A range of key South African and international scholars, political commentators and public figures were invited including Elinor Sisulu and Chenjerai Hove - both winners of the prestigious Noma book award.

Professor Graeme Davison and Associate Professor Robin Gerster from Monash University delivered presentations as did Professor Jack Spence, OBE, from King’s College, London.

The symposium proceedings are to be edited for publication by the conveners

Dr Iain Edwards and Associate Professor Kevin Foster, Head of the MSA School of Arts.

This is the second symposium to be organised by the School of Arts this year. The first was held in May and covered the South African national elections.

“We aim to hold two such symposia annually,” says Kevin Foster. “They provide an excellent means of developing our academic reputation and collegial contacts within Monash University, southern Africa and internationally.”