NOW AVAILABLE

We have launched a new Digital Archive Research Library, promising to be a valuable resource for scholars, students, curators and the general public alike, recording and preserving history and cultural heritage. To complement and expand on the exhibition topics, this innovative platform will provide access to a vast collection of historical documents, oral histories, academic papers, and multimedia resources, all meticulously curated by our talented researchers and checked by a consultant to support research and learning across various disciplines.

The library is dedicated to creating a collaborative space where untold stories and lesser-known knowledge from the archives can be shared and developed, thereby enhancing education and research in the digital era.

Find our first topic DARL: Mitchells Plain by Yunus Ogier, OCTH Researcher

Our inaugural digital archive research library is dedicated to exploring the history and development of the Mitchells Plain community, tracing its origins and subsequent transformation over time. The first Digital Archive Research Library (DARL) serves as a complementary resource to the exhibition Reframing Departure, which critically explored the legacies of colonial cartography, apartheid planning, and the spatial dynamics imposed by imperial narratives. The exhibition highlights the everyday experiences of individuals navigating the transition from the urban periphery to the city center, thereby revealing the complex interplay between inherited geographies and personal journeys. Through this initiative, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Mitchells Plain's historical context and its ongoing evolution within the broader framework of South Africa's socio-political landscape.

The artistic journey of Fra(u)gmented is significantly enhanced by DARL, as it delves into the narratives of Cape Town's garment workers. As it highlights the city's complex history within the garment and textile sector, focusing on the essential contributions of its workers. From small-scale tailors to the many women of colour who crafted garments for major retailers, their experiences reflect resilience and solidarity amid oppression. Unfortunately, much of their history remains undocumented, a consequence of South Africa's colonial and apartheid past, leaving behind only fragments of memory and oral traditions/history. DARL seeks to shed light on these personal stories, offering a glimpse into the industry's human side.