In this first issue of the newsletter for the South African Oral History Association, the aim is to introduce you to the various members of the interim steering committee who have worked on your behalf for the past year to draft the constitution for the Association, and to prepare for the 2nd national conference in October 2005. 

The aims of the ICTM are to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation and dissemination of traditional music, including folk, popular, classical and urban music, and dance, of all countries. To these ends, the Council organizes meetings, World Conferences, Study Groups and Colloquia. In addition the Council maintain a membership directory and supervise the preparation and publication of journals and bulletins.

The International Oral History Association (IOHA) was formally constituted in June 1996 at the IXth International Oral History Conference in Goteborg, Sweden.  Membership is open to any individual or institution supporting the goals and objectives of the Association.  A Council elected at a General Meeting held at the biennial international Oral History conference governs the Association.  The current president of the Association is Rina Benmayor, from the United States; current Vice Presidents, Gerrardo Necoechea, from Mexico and Funso Afolayan, from Nigeria. 

Orality is a significant aspect of the culture of the majority of South African people. It is a vital means to address imbalances and omissions that were created in the colonial and apartheid era, by bringing into the archives the stories and narratives that reflect the experiences and memory of all South Africans.

In 1999 Cabinet mandated the then Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) to conceptualise a National Oral History Programme (NOHP) for South Africa.  Dr. Ben Ngubane appointed a panel of experts to commence the process and come up with recommendations to the department.