The Extent to which South African Museums Surrendered to Political Undertones

Abstract

Studies since the 1990s have shown how what is exhibited in major museums as the history, values, beliefs and identities of a community constitutes a representation of the dominant groups within a given society. Such groups may be political parties seeking to portray their organisational aspirations using heritage institutions. The overall image that emerges risks imposing a narrative on museum audiences, who may subscribe to different political views. In South Africa, the apartheid government focused exclusively on documenting Settler heritage, encouraging museums to showcase exhibitions that echoed the sentiments of the oppressive ruling party. Starting in 1994, the Democratic government began drafting a new set of laws geared towards transforming the South African heritage sector, leading to the marginalisation of certain historical events and their replacement by politically motivated museum programmes. This period also coincided with attempts by the government to shape a socially cohesive society—a considerable challenge, given the highly polarised South African population. South Africa has long been faced with the mammoth task of bridging cultural gaps, in efforts to achieve social cohesion. This article addresses the active role that museums can play in the difficult process of nation‐building. It argues that museums need to be afforded space and independence as agents in the preservation of history and as custodians of cultural heritage.