People learn and are influenced by the places and the people around them. In a country like South Africa, which has a rich diverse heritage, many people have learned from stories told to them by their proud elders and community members. These stories carry information and ideas about life and living as well as shared customs, traditions and memories passed from parents to children. In this lesson we will explore historical places and the natural environment that is part of our country’s heritage. This will assist learners to find out about the past and how to apply this knowledge to their local history. The lesson ends with a case study of Pretoria and includes information about how to create a museum display. Members of our communities can be asked about the past and we will learn about their stories by asking them questions.
Learners will collect information about their local areas by collecting information from various sources, namely through the use of pictures, research and writings, stories, interviews and objects. The local area examined as part of this section of the curriculum will differ from area to area and even from school to school.
Of importance is that learners will cultivate the skill of finding information using various sources. SAHO has used Pretoria as an example of a local history project, it being the capital of South Africa. The aim of this section is to show learners how to access various resources that give information about the past and present.
Further reading
- Oral history as a methodology presentation by Mrs FL Mrwebi at the finals of the Nkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Competition
- Oral history project presented by Ingred Persad at the finals of the Nkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Competition