Name: Letlhogonlo.

J Surname: Molokomme- Mokhuse Grade: 11 Due date: 25 May 2012

HISTORY ASSIGNMENT HERITAGE TERM 2

Content: Introduction..... pg Ideologies and debates around heritage Memorials in different knowledge systems The past and how it is represented

Museum.... pg Name, where museum is found Why it was founded Why I chose it Group uses it their gain How they use it for their gain Monument... pg Name, where it is found Why it was founded Why I chose it Group uses it for their gain How they use it for their gain

Introduction There are many debates around South African heritage symbols and how memorials and different public representations are constructed by different knowledge systems. Heritage is meant to be social construction where society decides what is of value and should be remembered and because society is not stagnant our heritage will always be changing debate as some will wish to retain an element of heritage while others will wish to discard it. Thus heritage is influenced by personal ideologies that reflect the different knowledge system in our society. Many feel that large portions of South African society have been excluded from South Africas public heritage while the minority are represented instead. We are influenced by developments in science so advances in archaeology have transformed notions of race. As we obtain better understanding of similarities between groups we challenge the historical role played by different groups and begin to reassess our own heritage.

 Different aspects of the past are still with us in different representations. We get to explore the past by visiting community memorials, heritage sites, museums etc. People are able to understand the past by how it is represented to us.

How are monuments and museums used by groups of people to discredit or to show biasness?

Monument The Voortrekker Monument was designed by architect Gerard Moerdijk. It is based in Pretoria and dominates the skyline between Pretoria and Centurion. The idea behind the monument was in honour of the Voortrekkers and was opened in 1949 on the Day of the

Vow, now known as the Day of Reconciliation, 16 December. It was built to celebrate the liberation of Afrikaners from the British colonial government, to commemorate the Great Trek and the Battle of Blood River.

I chose it because it has the sense it is an icon to Afrikaner nationalism. This monument is considered controversial as the black community wish to discard this part of their past whilst the white community see it as a commoration to their forefathers. This monument reflects a really important moment in our history, whether it is as good or bad. The white community or rather the Afrikaner community use this monument to show biasness for their

own culture and beliefs.

 Although this monument is stated as a cultural site it is almost impossible to separate politics from its design. The whole design was intended as apolitical statement, from its position on the skyline to its harnessing natural phenomenon, sunlight to fall on a certain point onto

emphasis it superior race to that of the black inferior race.

Museum The Hector Pieterson Museum was opened in Soweto in 2002 not far from where 12-year-old. Hector was shot on 16 June during the Soweto uprising that today symbolizes the resistance of the brutality of the apartheid government.

 On June 16, school children had gathered to protest the imposition of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in township schools. But as the children began signing Nkosi Sikele iAfrica, before they could dissipate, the police opened fire and some 20 children died and including Hector. I chose it as Hector Pieterson has become an iconic image of this fateful day, mainly because of the memorable photograph where a dying Hector is carried by a fellow student and Hectors sister alongside, her

hands held out in panic. June 16 is a National Youth Day to honour young people. The youth of South Africa has used it for discrediting purposes. It is ironic that the Hector Pieterson Museum has been repeatedly vandalized due to children who do not understand the relevance or important implications of the museum.

Conclusion It is clear that from both the museum and the monument that they are used for different purposes whether it is to discredit and to show biasness. Both these heritage sites are important to our historical heritage and help us understand the past.