Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 2004-2012 (Creation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
Transcripts, Audio cassettes, CDs and Videos
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Historical Papers research archive, situated in the William Cullen Library, was established in 1966. Its first holdings were the Jan Hofmeyr collection and the Gubbins collection as well as manuscripts which were transferred from the Africana section in the William Cullen Library.
It has since become one of the largest and most comprehensive independent archives in Southern Africa. We house over 3300 collections of historical, political and cultural importance, encompass the mid 17th Century to the Present.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The collection contains the interviews which were conducted from 2004-2012 as part of a unique and pioneering Archival oral history project undertaken by the Historical Papers Research Archive, University of the Witwatersrand.
The project collected personal experiences, perceptions and stories from former members of the Self Defence Units (SDUs) from Thokoza and Katlehong on the East Rand (Gauteng) and former members of the South African Defence Force (SADF), mainly ex-32 Battalion, ex-31 Battalion, Koevoet and from other permanent force and conscripts.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Please note, there is RESTRICTED ACCESS to parts of the collection, which is clearly marked in the description. Motivation of its use will be requested.
Conditions governing reproduction
Permission must be obtain from the Historical Papers Research Archive.
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
The digitisation of the audio recordings in the various sections of this collection was made possible by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation in 2012. The audio recordings may be accessed at the Historical Papers archive. Please refer to the list of digitised audio material on our website.