A SOUTH AFRICAN VIEW ON THE HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE: SAYING THE UNSPEAKABLE IN MUSEUMS

In this paper the representations of the Holocaust and genocide are reflected on in the three South African museums of the South African Holocaust and Genocide Foundation. The focus will be on how the depiction of these dark chapters of human history serves to demystify the past and overcome historic trauma by 'speaking the unspeakable', and in doing so, strengthens a culture of human rights in South Africa. The paper will also explore how Holocaust museology and education have the potential to serve as powerful tools for personal reflection about broader social issues, including the far-reaching and very current impact of racism in South Africa and worldwide. Curating the Holocaust in South Africa is challenging, and requires context in order to understand the nature of the racial state. Reflections on how the Holocaust has served as a pedagogical frame of reference for understanding the nature of apartheid, as well as other forms of genocides and crimes against humanity, are further considered.