Contents 

1.  Editorial

The call to history departments for contributions to the newsletter was sent to 16 HOD’s of history departments in Southern Africa.  Only five universities responded (Free State, North West, Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Unisa).  As secretary of the SAHS I would like (on behalf of the executive committee) to sincerely thank the departments that responded despite their busy schedules and piles of exam scripts.  We really appreciate your time and effort.  I would like to challenge SAHS members to encourage the history departments of whom they are members to show their support and commitment to the wellbeing of their discipline in Southern Africa by supporting the newsletter of the national society and mouthpiece of historians in Southern Africa.  I would welcome any suggestions from SAHS members on how to achieve greater and more enthusiastic participation in the newsletter.  THE NEWSLETTER IS A CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH DEPARTMENTS CAN ADVERTISE THEIR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS FREE OF CHARGE! 

2. In memoriam - LEO BARNARD 

Schalk Leopold (Leo) Barnard was born on 1 March 1947 at Otjiwarongo in the former South West Africa (now Namibia). After he had matriculated at the High School Otjiwarongo he obtained a B.A. degree at the University of the Orange Free State (UOFS) in 1968 and the next year a postgraduate Higher Teacher's Diploma. As part-time student at the UOFS he obtained an M.A. degree in History in 1976 and in 1979 he completed his doctoral thesis on "Politieke oriëntasie in die Suid-Afrikaanse opposisie sedert 1958" (Political orientation in the South African opposition since 1958) at the UOFS.

      After Leo had been involved in high school teaching from 1970 to 1977, he was appointed on the staff of the Department of History at the UOFS in 1978 (from 1992 as full professor) where he soon became known as a dynamic lecturer  and in time also as an exceptionally proficient supervisor and promoter. Under his guidance 21 M.A. and 18 doctoral students completed their studies successfully, while he also lectured to approximately 75 other M.A. students. In addition he was the external examiner of more or less 50 honours mini-theses, 30 M.A. and more than 30 doctoral theses.

      In the field of research Leo Barnard distinguished himself as one of only a handful of military historians in South Africa. Among his large number of publications there are seven books and more than 60 articles in accredited academic journals. Besides military history themes, he also published articles on South African political history and delivered numerous papers in South Africa as well as overseas. He furthermore acted as deputy editor on the editorial board of the Journal for Contemporary History since 1994, and from 1998 to 2007 as editor of this accredited academic journal.

      Leo headed the Department of History at the UOFS (later the University of the Free State, UFS) between 1997 and 2008. In the broader faculty and the university context he served on numerous committees. On national level he also served the broader historical community, among others as chairman of the History Commission of the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (South African Academy for Science and Art).

      Precisely a year after Leo Barnard had retired on 31 March 2008, he passed away at George on 31 March 2009. At the time of his death he was still the supervisor of a number of postgraduates and he was himself still doing research work. On many levels and in many fields he made a praiseworthy contribution and set an example worth following. His memory is honoured. 

André Wessels

Chair: Department of History, UFS

23 May 2009 

LEO BARNARD 

Schalk Leopold (Leo) Barnard is op 1 Maart 1947 te Otjiwarongo in die destydse Suidwes-Afrika (vandag Namibië) gebore. Nadat hy aan die Hoërskool Otjiwarongo gematrikuleer het, het hy ’n B.A.-graad in 1968 aan die Universiteit van die Oranje-Vrystaat (UOVS) verwerf, en die volgende jaar ’n Nagraadse Hoër Onderwysdiploma. As deeltydse student aan die UOVS het hy in 1976 ’n M.A.-graad in Geskiedenis verwerf en in 1979 het hy sy doktorale proefskrif oor “Politieke oriëntasie in die Suid-Afrikaanse opposisie sedert 1958” aan die UOVS voltooi.

      Leo was, nadat hy vanaf 1970 tot 1977 by hoërskoolonderrig betrokke was, vanaf 1978 aan die UOVS se Departement Geskiedenis verbonde (vanaf 1992 as vol professor), waar hy gou as ’n dinamiese dosent bekend geword het – en met verloop van tyd ook as ’n besonder bekwame studieleier en promotor. Onder sy leiding het in totaal 21 M.A.- en 18 doktorale studente hul studies suksesvol voltooi, terwyl hy ook vir ongeveer 75 ander M.A.-studente lesings aangebied het. Verder was hy die eksterne eksaminator van ongeveer 50 honneursskripsies, 30 M.A.-verhandelinge en meer as 30 doktorale proefskrifte.

      Op navorsingsbied het Leo Barnard hom as een van slegs ’n handjievol militêre historici in Suid-Afrika onderskei. Onder sy groot aantal publikasies tel sewe boeke en in totaal meer as 60 artikels in geakkrediteerde akademiese tydskrifte. Naas militêre geskiedenistemas, het hy ook oor Suid-Afrikaanse politieke geskiedenis gepubliseer, en sowel in Suid-Afrika as in die buiteland talle referate gelewer. Verder het hy sedert 1994 as adjunk-redakteur op die redaksie van die Joernaal vir Eietydse Geskiedenis gedien en was hy vanaf 1998 tot 2007 die redakteur van dié geakkrediteerde akademiese tydskrif.

      Leo was vanaf 1997 tot 2008 hoof van die UOVS (later Universiteit van die Vrystaat, UV) se Departement Geskiedenis. In breër fakulteits- en universiteitsverband het hy deur die jare heen op talle komitees gedien. Op nasionale vlak het hy ook die breër historiese gemeenskap gedien, onder meer as voorsitter van die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns se Geskiedeniskommissie.

      Presies ’n jaar nadat Leo Barnard op 31 Maart 2008 afgetree het, is hy op 31 Maart 2009 te George oorlede. Hy was ten tyde van sy dood steeds die studieleier van ’n aantal nagraadse studente, en self ook nog besig met navorsing. Op vele vlakke en terreine het hy ’n prysenswaardige bydrae gelewer en ’n navolgingswaardige voorbeeld gestel. Sy nagedagtenis word geëer. 

André Wessels

Voorsitter: Departement Geskiedenis, UV

23 Mei 2009  

3.  SAHS conference update 

We are delighted to inform members of the extremely good response we have had to our call for papers for this conference. Final arrangements are still being made, but we are expecting about 90 delegates and we have a wide range of panels. The programme and other details will be posted on the website www.sahs.org.za on 10 April. We are particularly glad to have a discussion panel on archives, organized by Harriet Deacon, a writing workshop for students and post-docs sponsored by the ASAUK, and to be honoured with a visit and informal presentation by Tom Karis, who will be receiving an Hon D. Litt et Phil from Unisa on 22 June, and Gail Gerhart, who will also be visiting South Africa. This promises to be a really good conference and we thank all who are participating for their support. 

4.  News from history departments 

4.1  Free State University 

Address and contact numbers of Department:

Department of History

University of the Free State

PO Box 339

BLOEMFONTEIN

9330

Prof. André Wessels – departmental chairperson: 051 - 401 2488

Mrs Ina Malan – secretary: 051 - 401 2330

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fax: 051 - 444 5803  

Student numbers:

First Semester 2009

Conferences attended and papers delivered:

• Chitja Twala, “Activists networks and political protest in the Free State, 1983-1990”. Paper presented at the Liberation in Southern Africa: New Perspectives Conference, UCT, Cape Town, 4-6 September 2008.
• Marietjie Oelofse, “Silent Voices, hidden women: the TRC’s unfinished business”. Paper presented at the 5th National Oral History Conference entitled “Hidden voices, untold stories and veiled memories”, East London, 7-10 October 2008.
• Chitja Twala, “Secrecy in the military stories by the liberation veterans”. Paper presented at the 5th National Oral History Conference entitled “Hidden voices, untold stories and veiled memories”, East London, 7-10 October 2008.

Publications - Articles:

• Coetzer, P.W. “Misdaad 2007 – die Suid-Afrikaanse regering se achilleshiel?” in Joernaal vir Eietydse Geskiedenis 33(3), December 2008, pp. 113-131.
• Du Bruyn, D. & A. Wessels. “Vrees as faktor in die regse blanke politiek in Suid-Afrika: Die eerste fase van die era van volwaardige regse politieke partye, 1969-1975” in Joernaal vir Eietydse Geskiedenis 33(3), December 2008, pp. 22-39.
• Twala, C. “Exco meets the people in the Free State: A window dressing exercise?” in Communitas 13, November 2008, pp. 135-148.
• Twala, C. “Winnie Mandela banishment house in Brandfort (Majwemasweu) – its historical significance: 1977-1985” in South African Journal of Cultural History 22(2), November 2008, pp. 66-85.
• Twala, C. “Student riots in (Mangaung) Bloemfontein (1977-1978): A consequence of the post-1976 Soweto uprising?” in Journal for Contemporary History 33(3), December 2008, pp. 67-80.
• Twala, C. “An historical overview of the 52nd conference of the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo” in Journal for Contemporary History 33(3), December 2008, pp. 156-176.
• Wessels, A. “Sestig jaar se mynteenmaatreëlswerk in die Suid-Afrikaanse Vloot, 1947-2007(1): Die “Algerine” en “Ton”-klas mynveërs, 1947-1966” in Joernaal vir Eietydse Geskiedenis 33(3), December 2008, pp. 177-191.

Postgraduate studies completed (2008):

Masters:

• M. Grunow, “Forensic Science: a historical perspective”.

      Supervisor: Prof. S.L. Barnard.

Masters (Coursework):

• Six students completed their studies successfully at the end of 2008.

Doctorate:

• P.M. Grobbelaar, “Die vroeë geslagte Grobbelaars van Cyferfontein, distrik Bethulie in die Suidoos-Vrystaat, 1861-1939”.

   Supervisor: Prof. S.L. Barnard; Co-supervisor: Prof. A. Wessels.

• M.S. Rakometsi, “The transformation of black school education in South Africa 1950-1994: a historical perspective”. 

   Supervisor: Prof. S.L. Barnard. 

Research Project:

Marietjie Oelofse received a research grant for 2009 from the NRF Thuthuka programme for Women-in-Research. The research will focus on: Women as victims and their testimonies: an oral history project.

4.2.  North West University

NWU-Vaal Triangle Campus: Subject Group History

Address and contact numbers of Subject Group

Noordwes-Universiteit/North-West University

Skool vir Basiese Wetenskappe/School of Basic Science

Tel: (016) 910-3451

Faks/Fax: (016) 910-3451

e-pos/e-mail (secr): Debbie.McCallum@.nwu.ac.za 

Current Staff

• Head of the Subject Group:
  • Prof. Pieter de Klerk
• Full professors
  • Prof. Pieter de Klerk
  • Prof. Johann Tempelhoff
• Associate Professor:
  • Prof. Elize S van Eeden
• Senior Lecturer:
  • Dr Pieter Moller

Research Fellows:

• Postdoctoral fellows:
  • Dr Mark Nyandoro (Zimbabwe)
  • Dr Harri Maki (Finland)

Conferences attended, papers delivered and publications: November

2008 to May 2009:

• Gideon van Riet and Johann Tempelhoff, Risk reduction strategies and slow-onset environmental disaster: Parys and the Vaal River (Symposium, Past, Present and future of environmental crises in South Africa – a Trans-disciplinary discourse, 21 Nov 2008)  
• Johann Tempelhoff, The historical researcher's dilemma: history, the archive and a new trans-disciplinary research. Symposium on records management, presented by the Document Warehouse, February 2009. 
• Johann Tempelhoff, Panel discussion on water history and its interaction with environmental history, coordinated by the International Water History Association. Annual Conference of the American Society for Environmental History, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, February 2009.
• Elize S van Eeden, Environmental crises and South Africa – A historical glance (Symposium, Past, Present and future of environmental crises in South Africa – a Trans-disciplinary discourse, 21 Nov 2008)

Student numbers:

First semester 2009

• Under graduate students: 185
• Post graduate students:
  • Hons: 4
  • MA: 3
  • DPhil: 5
  • M-degrees: 7 students working in water studies and also anchored in other disciplines 
  • PhD: 1  student working in water studies, also anchored in another discipline 

General:

The members of the group have brought out four research projects in which the focus has been a trans-disciplinary approach to water studies.

In this context history features as one of the foundation partners in all research work. Since January two major projects have been launched:

1. Cholera in southern Africa 2008-9.

Two contemporary history reports have been finalised:

a) Mark Nyandoro, Historical overview of the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe (2008-2009)

b) Johann Tempelhoff, Leaving behind a 'twisted soul': the 2008-9 cholera outbreak in South Africa

2. Irrigating with water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project: An investigation along the  Liebenbergsvlei River, Eastern Free State.

One interdisciplinary report by eight members of the research niche area is scheduled for completion towards the end of June 2009.

3. Research on the health history and current health status of the West Rand Communities in Gold Mining areas is in progress.

• Other research fields in process:
• Women struggles in the Vaal Triangle Area (Dr P Möller)
• Senwes Agricultural History (Prof ES van Eeden)
• History of Buisfontein & Makwassie (Proff ES van Eeden & P Prinsloo)

NWU:  Potchefstroom campus 

Address and contact numbers of Department Subject Group History and Ancient Culture School for Social and Government Studies North-West University Potchefstroom Campus 

Current staff

• Prof. Kobus du Pisani (018-2991594; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
• Prof. Gerhard Oosthuizen (018-2991597; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Research projects

• Kobus du Pisani: Biography of B.J. Vorster
• Gerhard Oosthuizen: Trans-frontier operations during the border war (1966-1988)

Publications

• Kobus du Pisani: Book -- The last frontier war: Braklaagte and the struggle for land before, during and after apartheid (SAVUSA, 2009)

Conferences attended and papers delivered

• Kobus du Pisani: The man who could handle a crisis: Lekoloane John Sebogodi, 1901-1998, Biennial conference of the Historical Association of South Africa, Grahamstown, 7-9 July 2008
• Kobus du Pisani: Die Suid-Afrikaanse grondkwessie: Van Hertzog tot Vorster tot vandag, Generaal J.B.M. Hertzog-gedenklesing, Pretoria, 18 September 2008.

Student numbers

• About 300 undergraduate students in all modules.

NRF ratings

• Kobus du Pisani: C-rating

Community projects

• Kobus du Pisani: Chairperson of Vredefort Dome Heritage
• Kobus du Pisani: Committee member of Heritage Potchefstroom

Any new modules or courses

• Approved for 2010: BA Tourism Management (Cultural and Heritage Tourism).

4.3.  Pretoria University 

Address and contact numbers of Department:

Department of Historical and Heritage Studies

University of Pretoria

Pretoria

0002

Telephone:  012-4202323

Fax:  012-4202656

e-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Current staff: 

• Bergh, J.S., BA(Hons)(Stell) MA(Unisa) DPhil(Stell) LAkad(SA), Professor (Head)
• Ferreira, O.J.O., BA(Hons)(UFS) MA DPhil(Pret) DLitt et Phil THED(Unisa) LAkad(SA), Honorary Professor
• Phimister, I.R., BA(Hons)(Nottingham) BA(Hons Special) DPhil(Rhodesia), Honorary Professor
• Harris, K.L.,  BA (Hons) MA(Stell) DLitt et Phil(Unisa) HED(Stell), Professor
• Mlambo, A.S.,  BA(Hons)(Canterbury UK) MA(SOAS) MA(Wesleyan Connecticut USA) PhD(Duke, North Carolina, USA), Professor
• Pretorius, F.,  BA(Hons) MA(Pret) Drs Litt(Leiden) DLitt et Phil(Unisa) LAkad(SA), Professor
• Kriel, L.,  BA(Hons) MA DPhil(Pret), Associate Professor
• Grobler, J.E.H., BA(Hons) MA DPhil(Pret), Senior Lecturer
• Machaba, A., BA(Hons)(Vista) MA(UP) SED(Vista), Lecturer
• Sevenhuysen, K.,  BA(Hons) MA HOD(Pret) L Akad (SA), Lecturer
• Thotse, M.L., BA(Hons) MA(Pret)  Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage and Museum Studies (Pret), Lecturer

The Department also utilises, on a limited scale, the expertise of professionals with practical experience as part-time lecturers in Heritage and Museum Studies and Heritage and Cultural Tourism. 

New appointments:

• Thula Simpson (from September 2009)
  • Academic Background:
    • “I studied History at undergraduate level at King's College, University of London, between 1998 and 2001, when I graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in History with First Class Honours. Between 2002 and 2007 I undertook a History DPhil at Birkbeck College, University of London, supervised by Dr Hilary Sapire. The subject of my dissertation was the African National Congress's (ANC) armed struggle in South Africa between 1961 and 1990. My thesis title was 'The People's War of Umkhonto we Sizwe, 1961-1990'. In the dissertation I assessed the revolutionary strategies adopted by the ANC during the struggle, and challenged a prominent view in the existing literature that the armed struggle 'failed' to achieve its objectives. I argued for a clearer understanding of these objectives, and showed - through an empirical study of every phase of the armed struggle - that the movement's goals and visions were always influenced by the strand in the movement's history and traditions that stood for racial harmony and eventual reconciliation. I argued that the legacy of this tradition meant that the movement never abandoned the perspective of achieving a negotiated settlement.  In the final phase of my PhD (from 2005 onwards) I presented papers at, amongst others, the Work in Progress Forum (Birkbeck College); the Joint Birkbeck College-SOAS Research Students Workshop; the Annual Researching Africa Workshop (Oxford); the Africa-Europe Group of Interdisciplinary Studies Conference (AEGIS 2007); the South African Popular Politics and Resistance Movements Workshop (Oxford); the Africa Research Seminar (Oxford); whilst I was also a discussant at the workshop 'Violence and the Body: Researching the Embodiment of Violence in Africa', at St Cross College at the University of Oxford. During this time I also a co-organized a workshop on South African Popular Politics and Resistance Movements that was held in the African Studies Centre of St Antony's College at the University of Oxford in November 2006, and co-organized a conference titled 'Africa a complex web of Challenges and Opportunities' at St Clare's College in Oxford in June 2007.

• Research Interests and Output:

Visiting academics in 2009: 

• In February 2009 the Department hosted four visitors from the Institute for African and Asian Studies at the Humboldt-University Berlin. Their aim was to gather information to apply for German funding for the exchange of academics and MA students between the two universities.

• In April 2009 Dr Miles Larmer from Sheffield University visited the history departments of various Southern African Universities as part of a British Academy funded project to encourage not only north-south but also south-south staff interaction and student assistance. In Pretoria he met with some postgraduate students and also presented a paper.

Research projects 

• Mlambo, A.S. visited Sheffield University from 29th April to 03 May to consult with colleagues involved in the on-going British-Academy-funded project on South Africa's hegemony and Power.

Publications (2009): 

Articles

• Pretorius, F. “’n Historiese blik op bewaring”, Ensovoort, 13(1), Junie 2009.

Books 

• Kriel, L., The 'Malaboch' books: Kgalusi in the "civilization of the written word."  Franz Steiner, Stuttgart, 2009.

This study looks into the making of historical knowledge through written texts and publications. The focus is on the colonial subjugation of a South African community, the Hananwa of Kgaluši Mmalebôhô, in a war against the Boers in 1894. During the course of the twentieth century two diaries, one by an Anglican priest (Colin Rae) and one by a German missionary (Christoph Sonntag), came to play an extraordinary role in the way ‘Malaboch’ and his people would be represented in what Roland Barthes referred to as the "civilization of the written word". Attention is paid to the diary as a source for historical research, and the extent to which, especially in published form, its aspirations also as a literary genre affect its possible meanings for successive generations of readers. 

• Pretorius, F., Military History Dictionary of the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902. Encyclopaedia on the Anglo-Boer War, published by Scarecrow Press (Lanham, Maryland., & London), 640 pages, introduction of 50 pages, which discusses the causes, course and end of the Anglo-Boer War; encyclopaedia consists of 510 pages with 613 entries of which 104 are cross-referenced, as well as an extensive thematic bibliography of 59 pages.

Creative Output 

• Fransjohan Pretorius has issued a 45-minute DVD documentary (in English) on General Koos de la Rey, entitled The Lion of the Western Transvaal; he was the scriptwriter and presenter, with Hennie van der Merwe as director.

Overseas visits, Workshops, Conferences attended and papers delivered (2009): 

•  

  Grobler, J.E.H. “Afrikanervroue en vrede tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog, 1899-1902.”Eerste Vrede van Vereeniging-gedenklesing, georganiseer deur die Vriende van die Oorlogmuseum (Pretoria-tak); Melrose-huis; 30 Mei 2009.  

•  

  Harris, K.L. “The Chinese in the Cape Colony: a significant cultural minority”, South African Cultural History Society, George, 12-13 June 2009. 
  

•  

  Harris, K.L. “Blurring boundaries: Chinese inter group relations in the late 19th century Colonial Cape ”, South African Historical Society Conference, “Breaking Boundaries, Blurring Borders: the changing shape and scope of southern African historical studies”, Unisa, Pretoria, 22-24 June 2009. 

•  

  Harris, K.L. “Not a Chinaman’s Chance”, Poster presentation, South African Historical Society Conference, “Breaking Boundaries, Blurring Borders: the changing shape and scope of southern African historical studies”, Unisa, Pretoria, 22-24 June 2009.  

•  

  Harris, K.L. “‘Coolie’ labour compared: Indian and Chinese indentured schemes in South Africa”, Bananas-ISSCO International Society for the Study of Chinese conference, “Rising Dragon, Soaring Bananas”, University of Auckland, 17-19 July 2009. 

•  

  Harris, K.L. “Exclusion reveals inclusion: Chinese in the late nineteenth century colonial Cape”, Bananas-ISSCO International Society for the Study of Chinese conference, “Rising Dragon, Soaring Bananas”,  University of Auckland, 17-19 July 2009. 

•  

  Kriel, L. In January 2009 Lize Kriel visited the History Department at the University of Botswana. She had a meeting with postgraduate students and also presented a paper on The politics of academic publishing: trends in historical journals. This visit was part of a British Academy-funded project on HEGEMONY AND POWER: South Africa in Southern Africa, coordinated by Professors Alois Mlambo (Pretoria) and Ian Phimister (Sheffield)  

•  

  Kriel, L. In April 2009 Lize Kriel attended a follow-up workshop of the Study Process on the role of German Protestant Work Overseas in Colonial Southern Africa. A previous workshop was hosted by Unisa's Graduate School in October 2008. This is a joint project of Southern African and German theologians, church historians and social and cultural historians sponsored by the Lutheran churches of Germany, Namibia and South Africa. One of the prospective outcomes will be a book to which approximately eight South African historians will contribute.  

•  

  Mlambo, A.S. visited Bergen, Norway from 21st to 24th February to participate in a workshop on African liberation and pro-democracy movements 
  

•  

  Mlambo, A.S. "Makwekwere go back where you came from: thoughts about the recent xenophobic riots in South Africa", Sheffield University, May 2009. 
  

•  

  Pretorius, F. “The Anglo-Boer War and the First World War – A Comparison of Experiences”, conference of the Amerikaanse Society for Military History, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 3 April 2009. 

•  

  Pretorius, F. “Welcome but not that welcome: The relations between foreign volunteers and the Boers in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902”, delivered at a lecture series of the École Normale Superieure, Paris, France, 18 May 2009. 
  

•  

  Pretorius, F. “The Mediterranean from a South African Perspective”, delivered at a conference on the historiography and history of the Mediterranean Sea, presented by the University of New York, the École Normale Superieure of Pariss, and the Remarque Institute of Florence, Florence, Italy, 28 May 2009. 

Postgraduate studies completed

• Calitz, G.J. “Deneys Reitz (1882-1944): Krygsman, avonturier en politikus (supervisor:  Prof. Fransjohan Pretorius)

Visiting fellowships (2008-2009):

• Thula Simpson (postdoctoral fellow in the Department from the University of London).
• Andrew Cohen (postdoctoral fellow in the Department from the University of Sheffield).

General:

The Department’s student organisation, Histeria with their slogan “Mad about History”, provides a special service to students in channelling student enthusiasm for historical, cultural and heritage studies.  Events, like braais, movies on historical events, museum visits, talks, outreach programmes and projects are planned throughout the year.

On 30 April 2009 they watched the movie “The Downfall” (The Untergang). 

4.4  Stellenbosch University 

Address and contact numbers

Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa

Tel:  021 8082177

Fax:  021 8082389

E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Current staff

• Prof AM Grundlingh (departmental chairman)
• Prof B Nasson
• Associate Prof SS Swart
• Dr Wessel Visser (senior lecturer)
• Dr Anton Ehlers (senior lecturer)
• Mr CJP Fransch (contract appointment for one year)

New appointment

• Prof Bill Nasson, an NRF A-rated historian and previously from the University of Cape Town, was appointed as a member of the Department with effect from 1 June 2009.

Promotions

• Dr Sandra Swart was promoted to associate professor with effect from 1 January 2009
• Dr Anton Ehlers was promoted to senior lecturer with effect from 1 January 2009

Student numbers

• 114   242
• 144   262
• 214   152
• 244   77
• 318   131
• 348   76
• 324 (Meta)  85
• Honours  11
• MA (thesis)  5
• MA (structured) 6
• D Phil   8

Research outputs

Journal Articles (subsidised)

• BOTHA RP. On modelling prelinguistic evolution in early hominins. Language & Communication 2008; 28 : 258-275.
• BOTHA RP. Prehistoric shell beads as a window on language evolution. Language & Communication 2008; 28 : 197-212.
• EHLERS A. Renier van Rooyen and Pep Stores Limited: The Genesis of a South African Entrepreneur and Retail Empire. South African Historical Journal 2008; (3) : 422-451. 60
• GILIOMEE HB. Ethnic Business and Economic Empowerment: The Afrikaner Case, 1915-1970. South African Journal of Economics 2008; 76(4) : 765-788.
• GILIOMEE HB. Great expectations: Pres. PW Botha's Rubicon speech of 1985. New Contree 2008; 55 : 1-42.
• GILIOMEE HB. Van Wyk Louw en MER se oorlewingskrisisse vir die Afrikaner. Stilet: tydskrif vir die Afrikaanse Letterkundeverenigin 2007; XIX(2) : 203-217.
• GRUNDLINGH AM. "Are We Afrikaners Getting too Rich?" Cornucopia and Change in Afrikanerdom in the 1960s. Journal of Historical Sociology 2008; 21(2/3) : 143-166.
• JANNECKE C. Strategies of Representation in Tsitsikamma Fingo/Mfengu Land Restitution Claims. South African Historical Journal 2008; 60(3) : 452-476.
• KORF L. Behind Every Man: D.F. Malan and the Women in his Life, 1874-1959. South African Historical Journal 2008; 60(3) : 397-422.
• SCHOLTZ L, SCHOLTZ I. Die ANC/SAKP en die USSR. Deel 1: Wêreldbeskouings. Litnet Akademies 2008; 5(2) : 1-23.
• SCHOLTZ L, SCHOLTZ I. Die ANC/SAKP en die USSR. Deel 2: Gevallestudies. Litnet Akademies 2008; 5(2) : 1-20.
• SCHOLTZ L, SCHOLTZ I. Die debat oor die posisie van Afrikaans aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch: 'n Ontleding. Tydskrif Vir Geesteswetenskappe 2008; 48(3) : 292-313.
• SWART SS, VAN DER WATT SME. "Taaltriomf of Taalverdriet?" An Aspect of the Roles of Eugène Marais and Gustav Preller in the Second Language Movement, circa 1905-1927. Historia 2008; 53(2) : 126-150.
• SWART SS. "Motherhood and Otherhood" - gendered citizenship and Afrikaner women in the South African 1914 Rebellion. African Historical Review (voorheen Kleio) 2007; 39(2) : 41-57.
• SWART SS. 'High horses' - Horses, Class and Socio-Economic Change in South Africa. Journal of Southern African Studies 2008; 34(1) : 193-214.
• THOMPSON G. Judging Surf Culture: The Making of a White Exemplar Masculinity during the 1966 Natal and South African Surfriding Championships held in Durban. Journal of Natal and Zulu History 2008; 26 : 81-109.
• VAN DER WATT SME, VISSER WP. 'Made in South Africa': A Social History of the Chinese in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa, CA. 1980-2005. Journal for Contemporary History/joernaal Vir Die Eietydse Geskiedeness 2008; 33(1) : 121-142.
• VAN ZYL D. "O, Boereplaas, geboortegrond!" Afrikaner nostalgia and the romanticisation of the platteland in post-1994 South Africa. South African Journal of Cultural History/Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Kultuurgeskiedenis 2008; 22(2) : 126-148.
• VENTER C. Klippies en Eisch! Majoor J.P. Marais: Die Skepper van Klipdrif Brandewyn. Historia 2008; 53(1) : 102-129.
• VISAGIE JC. Christian Jacobus Groepe: Oosgrenspionier en veldkommandant. South African Journal of Cultural History/Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif vir Kultuurgeskiedenis 2008; 22(1) : 29-55.
• VISSER WP. Dr. Albert Hertzog en die Mynwerkersunie - 'n Herbeskouing. Journal for Contemporary History/joernaal Vir Die Eietydse Geskiedeness 2008; 33(3) : 40-66.

Proceedings International

• BOTHA RP. Unravelling the Evolution of Language with help from the Giant Water Bug, Natterjack Toad and Horned Lizard. The Evolution of Language, 7th International Conference (EVOLANG7). Barcelona, Spain, World Scientific 2008: 42-50.
• BURDEN M. Oom Jannie, Queen Victoria, Diamonds and the Roots of Afrikaner Nationalism. Singing the nations: Herder's Legacy (34th International Ballad Conference of the Kommission für Volksdichtung.), Riga, Latvia, WVT Wissenschaftlicher Verlag, Trier 2008: 71-80.
• FRANSCH CJP. Simone de Beauvoir, Le Deuxième Sexe: [Re]naissance en Afrique du Sud?. (Re) Découvrir lçeuvre de (Centenaire de la naissance de Simone de Beauvoir), Paris, France, Le Bord de L'Eau 2008: 339-348.

Books

• VAN SITTERT L, SWART SS. Canis Africanis: A Dog History of Southern Africa, edited by Lance van Sittert and Sandra Swart. Brill, Leiden, Boston, Netherlands 2008:295 pp.
• VISSER WP. "Van MWU tot Solidariteit - Geskiedenis van die Mynwerkersunie 1902-2002.". Solidarity Publications, Centurion, South Africa 2008:384 pp.

Chapters in Books

• GRUNDLINGH AM. Rands for Rugby: ramifications of the professionalisation of South African rugby 1995-2007. In The Changing Face of Rugby. The Union Game and Professionalism since 1995, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle, United Kingdom, 2008: 63-81.
• GRUNDLINGH AM. Rugby. In Van Volksmoeder tot Fokofpolisiekar: Kritiese opstelle oor Afrikaanse herinneringsplekke, Sun Press, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2008: 69-74.

Doctoral completed

• MOUKAMBI V. Relations between the South African Defence Force and France with special reference to Military matters, 1960-1990. DPhil, 2008. 312 pp. Promoter: Grundlingh AM.
• VAN HEERDEN E. Liminality, transformation and communitas: Afrikaans identities as viewed through the lens of South African arts festivals: 1995-2006. DPhil, 2008. 307 pp. Promoter: Grundlingh AM.

Masters completed

• FRANSCH CJP. Stellenbosch and the Muslim communities, 1896-1966. MA, 2008. 240 pp. Supervisor: Swart SS.
• VAN DER WATT SME. "It is Drought, Locusts, Depression...and the Lord knows what else": A socio-environmental history of white agriculture in the Union of South Africa, with reference to the Orange Free State c. 1920-1950. MA, 2008. 201 pp. Supervisor: Swart SS.
• VANDENBERGH SJE. The story of a disease: a social history of African Horse Sickness c. 1850-1920. MA, 2008. 207 pp. Supervisor: Swart SS.

4.5  UNISA 

Address and contact numbers of Department: UNISA

Department of History, UNISA, PO Box 392, 0003

Admin officer: Ms A Theron 012-429-6842 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Current Staff

Head of the Department: Prof Russel Viljoen (NRF-rated) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Professors: Prof Jane Carruthers (NRF-rated) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Prof Alex Mouton (NRF-rated) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Associate Professors: Prof Tilman Dedering (NRF-rated) This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Prof Johannes du Bruyn This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

•  Senior Lecturers: Dr Steve Phatlane This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Mr Nicholas Southey This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

•  Lecturers: Ms Melanda Blom This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Ms Henriëtte Lubbe This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Ms AH van Wyk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

•  Research Fellows

• • Prof Gerrit Schutte
  • Prof Norman Etherington
  • Prof Zolani Ngwane
  • Prof Andy Manson
  • Prof John Higginson
  • Prof Dunbar Moodie
  • Prof Alan Jeeves

Visiting Academics

• On 25 March 2009, Thulasizwe Simpson (postdoctorol fellow in Department of History, University of Pretoria) delivered a seminar on ‘The bay and the Ocean: a history of the ANC in Swaziland, 1960 – 1979’.

Appointments to Councils and Committees

• Jane Carruthers has been appointed as vice-chair of the Northern Branch of the Royal Society of South Africa and a member of the Council.

Research Projects

• Jane Carruthers:
  • In January she attended the American Historical Association meeting in New York and attended the launch of the Palgrave Dictionary of Transnational History of which she was one of the commissioning editors. She will be on long research leave from July to December 2009 and will be doing research in England, attending the World Congress in Environmental History in Copenhagen and also the 23rd International Congress of Science and Technology in Budapest. In addition, she will visit the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, where she has been offered a position as an international research associate in the newly established Rachel Carson Center for Environmental History. In October she will visit the Australian National University to take part in a postgraduate workshop in environmental history. While in Canberra, she will also finalise negotiations with the National Museum of Australia Press regarding a book on Thomas Baines’s map of the Gulf of Carpentaria to which she is contributing with Professor Lindy Stiebel (UKZN), Professor Norman Etherington and Dr Vivian Forbes (both of the University of Western Australia) and Dr Janda Gooding (Australian War Museum).
• Tilman Dedering:
  • Transnational aspects of southern African History during the League of Nations.
• Etta Lubbe:
  • Issues around identity and voting behaviour in the Western Cape interdisciplinary.
  • Research on the value of water as a medium for rehabilitation and fitness training.
  • Student perceptions of various aspects of Open and Distance Learning.
  • History and Social Science teaching in South African secondary schools.

Publications

Articles

• Tilman Dedering, 'Namibia in the League of Nations: International Repercussions of the Bondelswart and Rehoboth Rebellions, 1922-1925’, National Archives of Namibia, 26.5.2009.

Books

• Steve Phatlane, Poverty, Medicine and Disease in South Africa: The era of high apartheid, 1948-1976 (Germany, VDM Verlag, 2008).

Book Chapters

• Jane Carruthers, ‘Full of rubberneck waggons and tourists: The development of tourism in South Africa’s national parks’, in: Frost, W. and C.M, Hall, eds, Tourism and National Parks: International Perspectives on Development, Histories and Change. Routledge, London etc. 2009.
• Jane Carruthers, ‘National parks in South Africa’, in: Suich, H., B. Child with A. Spenceley, eds, Parks in Transition: Evolution and Innovation in Wildlife Conservation. Parks and Game Ranches in Transfrontier Conservation Areas. Island Press, Washington, 2008
• Jane Carruthers, in: Iriye, A. and Saunier, P-Y., eds, Palgrave Dictionary of Transnational History. New York etc.: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. Work published as a chapter in 2008 in Mpumalanga (edited by Peter Delius) was re-written and edited and forms part of a new book, P. Delius and M. Hay, eds, Mpumalanga: An Illustrated History (Johannesburg, Highveld, 2009). This book has an associated teaching pack developed by Professor Cynthia Kros.
• Tilman Dedering, Ostpolitik, European and Global Responses 1969 – 1974, in: Carole Fink and Bernd Schaefer (eds), Ostpolitik and the Relations between West Germany and South Africa, Publications of the German Historical Institute (Washington, D.C. and Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), pp.206-231.
• Tilman Dedering, ‘Namibia, Struggle for Independence’, pp.2389-2401; ‘Nujoma, Sam’ (b.1929), pp.2529-2531; ‘SWAPO (South West African People’s Organization)’, pp.3202-3205; Toivo Ya Toivo, Andimba (b.1924)’, p.3300; ‘Witbooi, Hendrik’ (ca. 1825-1905)’ pp.3539-3540, in: Immanuel Ness (ed.), (Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2009). International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

NRF ratings

• Jane Carruthers was promoted to full professor in January 2009 and obtained an NRF B1 rating, one of the highest at Unisa.
• Tilman Dedering was promoted to associate professor in January 2009 and obtained an NRF B3 rating.
• Alex Mouton was promoted to full professor in January 2009 and obtained an NRF C2 rating.

Community Projects

• Steve Phatlane was involved in the Department of Arts and Culture Research project for the location and reburial of the remains of King Nyabela (Ndebele) and King Mampuru (Bapedi).
• Steve Phatane is involved in the Bakwena be Makwe a Phogole Community Land Restitution Claim.

Students numbers

First semester 2009

• Undergraduate students: 1012
• Hons: 89
• MA: 6
• DLitt et Phil: 12

General

The Unisa History Department, together with support from Unisa administrative staff and management, has been very busy arranging the 22nd Biennial SAHS conference which we are hosting from 22-24 June on the Sunnyside Campus. We have been delighted at the response we have received from students, members and non-members and the occasion promises to be a great success.  At the conference a new Council will be elected and Jane Carruthers will be standing down as President of the Society, a position that she has held for the past 2 years.