Their presentation entitled “Exploring an Indigenous Methodology in Working with the First Indigenous Peoples of South Africa, in Baviaanskloof," formed part of a Conference highlighting some of the projects EWAP has funded. Their research is the only one part of the Programme which is from the African continent's southern equator.
The presentation showcased Prof Minguzzi ongoing research project focused on documenting Indigenous dwellings and related indigenous knowledge systems with the First Indigenous Peoples of South Africa. The project, initiated in 2021 with support from the NRF, continued with funding from Vernacular Architecture-UK and continued in 2023 and 2024 thanks to EWAP.
Since 2015, the research group, led by Professor Minguzzi under the University’s School of Architecture, is composed of 10 San and Khoikhoi leaders, community members, students and staff and has been dedicated to community engagement projects that document, study, and raise awareness about indigenous tangible and intangible heritage. The projects focuses on the reformulation and reconstruction of indigenous narratives by the San and Khoikhoi communities.
During the EWAP conference, Professor Minguzzi and Lucy Vosloo discussed the core phases and indigenous methods of their research, with a special emphasis on the involvement of First Indigenous Leaders and community members in the process of investigation.
Their presentation was met with great interest, particularly for its focus on the indigenous methodology applied and the unique approach developed alongside the San and Khoikhoi communities.
Info: magda.minguzzi@mandela.ac.za