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.