Abstract:
By citing some examples from Afrikaner history the author supports several
viewpoints that were raised at a conference at the Rand Afrikaans University
(University of Johannesburg) in June 2002, held by the South African Historical
Association in cooperation with the University of Fort Hare on the theme
“Heritage creation and research: The restructuring of historical studies in
southern Africa”.
At the conference Patrick Ngulube emphasised the importance for historians
to remain valuable clients of archives, because historical knowledge depends on
documentary evidence. Denver Webb was quoted as saying that heritage
institutions (which for our purposes may include NALN) are “dynamic and
accountable public institutions which both shape and manifest consciousness,
identities and understanding of communities and individuals in relation to
their natural, historical and cultural environments, through collection, documentation,
conservation, research and educational programmes that are
responsive to the needs of society”. The author is in agreement with G. Ritchie
who believes that it is the specific responsibility of South Africa’s heritage
institutions to develop collections, to preserve them and to make them accessible.
In the case of NALN the staff should have a thorough knowledge and
understanding of Afrikaans literature.
