Migrant Workers Project

This project aims to contribute towards the preservation and popularisation of the heritage of migrant workers in South Africa while raising awareness of the challenges and social injustices hostel residents face today. By linking the history of the segregationist, exploitative and oppressive migrant labour and compound system of the 20th century with the reality in hostels today, the project also aims to prevent xenophobia and contribute positively to an inclusive and diverse South African society.

The objectives of the Project are to:

1. Raise awareness and educate about the built and living heritage of migrant workers as well as about contemporary challenges of hostel housing systems in South Africa, particularly Gauteng
2. Raise awareness of the importance of preserving the built and living heritage of the migrant labour system and single-sex housing system in South Africa
3. Raise awareness among hostel residents and their surrounding communities of the historic origins of their socio-economic living conditions
4. Foster a dialogue between hostel residents, the surrounding community, the wider public and youth on issues of hostel housing
5. Raise awareness of the potential of photography and oral history as historical sources and as audio/visual cultural expression on social and heritage issues

Activities

• Host educational events at the Workers Museum on the history of migrant labour and its importance for Southern Africa today
• Produce a series of educational publications including a newsletter, brochures, posters and booklets
• Conduct research on the history of migrant labour and its impact on present-day Southern Africa
• Create exhibitions on the history and heritage of migrant labour in Southern Africa
• Build an archive on hostels and compounds in Gauteng
• Host cultural events that celebrate the heritage of migrant workers

Partners of the Workers Compound Project

Workers Museum

Market Photo Workshop

Wits History Workshop

For more information contact:

Anne-Katrin Bicher
Phone: 084 2002 614
E-mail: wm.project_at_khanyacollege.org.za