Department of History has been teaching courses in African, European, and World History since 1946. We have a special focus on South African history which reflects our grounding in a society which in the last few decades experienced enormous social changes, including the transition to democracy in 1994 and the subsequent constitutional change. We offer courses that look at the historical forces of colonialism, apartheid, the political liberation that have shaped our present democracy, as well as the forging of new identities in the democratic era. Since we are part of the African continent and on account of Dutch and British colonial past, we also offer courses that explore these connections.
Dr Sipokazi Madida, Chair of Department of History
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Department of History. Our department is pleased to receive great numbers of new and returning students. We are a dedicated team of developing and established historians with a passion for the production of critical historical knowledge. We value quality and honest scholarship. Thus, we encourage a true quest for knowledge and a genuine interest in acquiring skills to produce credible histories for the current and future generations.
All our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed to develop an understanding of various histories within their historical contexts and to train students to conduct historical research, critically analyse historical sources, develop their own arguments based on historical research, and demonstrate advanced communication skills as they convey their arguments. All our programmes present opportunities for students to produce their own histories based on their own interpretations.
To us, all stories matter - from individual and family life stories to global-scale events. Together, we make history, and we look forward to another successful and enriching academic year of making history!
