Entanglement workshops: South Africa

11 - 15 May 2026
Southern Africa Component

On the 11 May 2026, the first leg of the entanglement workshops commenced in South Africa under the AEPC: Southern Africa component. These workshops brought together heritage organisations, researchers and custodians of cultural and heritage to explore the importance and relevance of narratives and cultural through social, philosophical, historical and political frameworks. The workshops also served as kick-off launch events across the six participating countries.

Under the grant call for Heritage Organisations - South Africa emerged as the leading country, with nine heritage organisations selected for funding. The organisations included The Craft + Design Institute, Phansi Museum, ASSITEJ South Africa, Sustaining Theatre and Dance Foundation, Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, Play Africa Group, Sibikwa Community Project, South Roots International and The Jakes Gerwel Foundation.

Hosted at the Goethe Institut auditorium in Parktown, Johannesburg, the first two days of the workshop focused on project management induction. The AEPC team outlined project expectations, timelines and deadlines to participating organisations.

Beginning with the AEPC communications team, the workshop evolved into a space of dialogue, unpacking the significance of language and terminology used to discuss the project. Other activities included the “media hotseat” which explored effective mechanisms when talking to the media. The communications session concluded with practical guidance on creating and sharing content using social media.

The AEPC work package and grant officers provided further details on project timelines while the monitoring and evaluation team shared insight on the project logframes and reporting essentials. The two-day induction concluded with a trip to Ditsong:National Museum of Cultural Heritage in Pretoria.

Unpacking entangled narratives

Facilitated by Dr Mpho Primus, day three and four focused on the intricate and layered concepts around heritage and culture between Africa and Europe, under the theme ‘reframing shared histories of identity forming and community building’.

The sessions brough together custodian of heritage and culture from diverse disciplines, fostering an intense and engaging atmosphere of dialogue. Participants grappled and discussed the historical complexities and hidden narratives that exist between Africa and Europe.
The workshop concluded with a formal launch event at Liliesleaf farm in Rivonia, Johannesburg. This historic site once served as the secret headquarters for the ANC, SACP and Umkhonte we Siswe during the 1960s, and today stands as site of memory reflecting SouthAfrica’s journey with democracy.

The launch opened by Project Lead of EU Project, Philina Wittke and EU delegate, Daniel Smit. Project Team Manager for the Southern African component, Lot Kafesu provided a project overview. The event was serenaded by the harmonic jazz melodies from South Africa jazz band, Kujenda.

The programme ended on an enriching panel discussion focused on the principals of ethical heritage collaboration, marking a powerful close to the workshop series.