Publications
Named after Nelson: Tracing the threads of graphic heritage in Gauteng, South Africa
An in-depth analysis of graphic heritage reveals profound layers of storytelling linked to place names and emotional connections, offering new insights into the legacy of Nelson Mandela. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, examines six sites named after Mandela in Gauteng, South Africa, using a constructionist perspective to explore how meanings are constructed through individual interpretations. Employing photographic documentation inspired by Zeisel's 'Design by Inquiry' framework, the research traces the dynamic interplay between graphic heritage, toponymy, and topophilia, enriching our understanding of Mandela's influence and its historical contexts.
Memorialising Madiba in South Africa
Public spaces named after Nelson Mandela vary significantly in their representation of his legacy, with some providing rich insights into his values and others offering minimal information. This study introduces 'graphic heritage' as a critical tool to analyze material representations in these places, revealing stark contrasts between two urban sites: Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg, and Nelson Mandela Park in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Using Zeisel's design inquiry method—comprising annotated diagrams, observations of physical traces, and photo-documentation—the research demonstrates that the process of place naming not only shapes our understanding of a person but also influences our experience and perception of the space itself. The findings highlight differing levels of access, motivations behind the naming acts, and visual-aesthetic considerations, underscoring the role of graphic heritage in both empirical research and critical inquiry.
Naomi Roux. Remaking the Urban: Heritage and Transformation in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Naomi Roux's 'Remaking the Urban: Heritage and Transformation in Nelson Mandela Bay' offers a critical examination of memory-making processes in urban landscapes, particularly in the Eastern Cape region. The study highlights how both government and community-driven initiatives shape public memory, focusing on four key sites: the Red Location Museum, the South End Museum, and urban public arts projects initiated by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA). Roux's work diverges from previous scholarship by integrating architectural design and personal archives to analyze urban spaces as records of the past and sites of struggle over legacy. This approach reveals the complexities and tensions inherent in heritage preservation and urban transformation, providing a nuanced understanding of how memory is constructed and contested in post-apartheid South Africa.
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