Our stories will rise from the UCT Library’s ashes
On 18 April 2021, the University of Cape Town experienced a devastating event. The Cape Fires destroyed the UCT’s Jagger Library, which housed the greatest collection of African stories.
In response to this tragedy, DStv and UCT have joined forces to help rebuild this lost African literature. Introducing Stories From The Ashes, an initiative that turned ashes and remnants from the literature lost in the fire into a book worthy to be placed in the refurbished library.
The Stories From the Ashes - Africa’s story through the last millennium book, includes reprinted extracts – tackling different subjects, such as Politics and Gender Studies. Also, each chapter has a foreword written by a prominent UCT alumni. Then we created a unique book stand made from the remnants and pens filled with ink made from the ashes. Just like a phoenix rises, our African stories will also rise.
So, join us as we celebrate the rise of the African stories lost in the fire and the unbreakable spirit.
Stories From The Ashes Book – One In A Million
Explore the Digital Edition
This extraordinary book represents a powerful fusion of past and present. Crafted with burnt archived literature, it features writings from esteemed UCT alumni who have come together to support the library’s revival of an African story.
The print version of the book showcases an innovative design. As you explore the digital edition, immerse yourself in the thought-provoking content and appreciate the resilience and renewal it symbolises. This masterpiece serves as a tangible reminder of our collective power to overcome adversity and rebuild for a brighter future.
Voices from Stories From The Ashes
Alumni Contributions
You can explore the Stories From The Ashes podcast series below to learn more about these outstanding alumni and the profound impact they’ve made on the project:
Prof. Timm
Hoffman
Professor and Director of the Plant Conservation Unit at the University of Cape Town. Winner of the WWF Living Planet Award for 2020.
Listen to the interview:
Dr. Mamphela
Ramphele
Activist, medical doctor, academic, businesswoman and political thought leader.
Prof. Joan
Hambidge
Emeritus professor: South African poet, novelist, critic and researcher in the Afrikaans and Netherlandic Studies department within the School of Languages and Literatures.
Listen to the interview:
Justice
Albie Sachs
South African lawyer, activist, writer, and former judge appointed to the first Constitutional Court of South Africa by Nelson Mandela
Listen to the interview:
Nkosinathi
Biko
Founder and Executive Trustee of the Steve Biko Foundation and chairman of Ogilvy South Africa
Listen to the interview:
Carl
Manlan
Development Practitioner, President of convocation at UCT, serves as Vice President, Inclusive Impact and Sustainability for Visa CEMEA or Central and Eastern and Europe Middle East and Africa.
Listen to the interview:
Prof. June
Bam-Hutchinson
African Feminist Studies and Education Professor, Founding Director of the San and Khoi Centre and Internationally known heritage practitioner.
Listen to the interview:
Musa
Ngqungwana
Writer, Author, Singer, Honors in Performance (First Class) from the University of Cape Town and a graduate of the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts.
Listen to the interview:
