Public history and memory-making in post-conflict societies are complex processes involving collective narratives that shape societal identities. South Africa's historical legacy of apartheid and its aftermath present a rich context for exploring these phenomena. The research employs ethnographic methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival research. Data were collected from public history initiatives in three selected post-conflict areas of South Africa, specifically Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Findings indicate that local community participation is crucial for the authenticity and effectiveness of public historical projects, with a significant proportion (70%) of interviews revealing active engagement by residents in memory-making processes. Themes emerged around the importance of storytelling as a tool for healing and social cohesion. This study contributes to the growing body of research on post-conflict societies by providing nuanced insights into how public historians navigate the complexities of historical interpretation and community engagement, particularly in South Africa's diverse cultural landscape. Public history initiatives should prioritise inclusive processes that engage local populations as active participants in shaping their shared past. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of these memory-making efforts on societal reconciliation and identity construction.
Gqoukhe et al. (2013) studied this question.