The Department of Historical and Heritage Studies (DHHS) at the University of Pretoria has achieved a remarkable victory on the international stage with their compelling video, How Did South African Apartheid Happen, and How Did It Finally End? This video secured the prestigious Jury Award for a Commissioned Film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This is a project that not only educates but also captivates audiences worldwide through the medium of animation.
A global collaboration
The success of this animated feature is a testament to the power of international collaboration. Created and scripted by UP’s Dr Thula Simpson, the video was brought to life by Egyptian art director Aya Marzouk and the talented team at the Egyptian animation studio Giraffics. This project, which was produced by the well-known global corporation TED-Ed, also featured narration by Sudanese-American poet Safia Elhillo and storyboard artistry by Sudanese professor Salah Hassan. Dr Simpson shared that the project originated in November 2022 when the Cape Town-based historian Stephanie Honchell approached him after attending a virtual book talk that he delivered. Honchell, who works with TED-Ed, saw the potential in Dr Simpson’s book History of South Africa and invited him to develop a script for a short, educational animation. Dr Simpson was particularly excited about the educational aspect of the initiative.
Educational roots and global reach
The video is based on UP’s second-year module GES 220, also known as “The Shaping of a Modern South Africa”, which draws inspiration from Dr Simpson’s acclaimed book. With over 500 000 views and counting, the video’s popularity highlights its effectiveness in making complex historical content accessible and engaging to a global audience. Dr Simpson’s involvement with TED-Ed has expanded the educational impact of his work, providing educators worldwide with valuable resources to teach learners about the history of apartheid. These efforts have significantly contributed to global discussions surrounding apartheid, its causes, and its lasting effects. Some of these discussions include Al Jazeera’s explanatory video “What is apartheid and why do some accuse Israel of it?”, as well as a podcast series for the Anti-Apartheid Legacy: Centre of Memory & Learning project.
The importance of storytelling in education
The Annecy Film Festival, which was held in Annecy, France from 9 to 15 June, is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious animation festivals. Therefore, the project’s recognition at this festival emphasises the significance of storytelling in education. The medium of animation, with its ability to simplify and visualise complex issues, proves to be a powerful tool in teaching history and fostering understanding. Dr Simpson noted the initial challenge of condensing the history of apartheid into 800 words or less. With the help of Honchell and the TED-Ed team, they refined the content so that it would work well with the visuals created by the animators, while also providing an engaging audio narrative.
Positive reception and global impact
The video’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Dr Simpson noted that the video has obtained over 500 000 views and has significantly boosted the profile of his research and teaching. He has received more invitations to offer his expert opinion on apartheid, further showcasing the impact of the video on a global scale. The Annecy award is a major indicator of this impact, and Dr Simpson expressed his pride in providing the content that inspired the animation.
Contribution to contemporary discussions
Dr Simpson’s work continues to shape a global understanding of apartheid and racial segregation. He explained that the video outlines his views, which are supported by extensive research, about the distinction between apartheid and the era of segregation that preceded it, as well as the post-apartheid period where the shadow of apartheid remains. The video demonstrates that the abolishment of apartheid was a precondition for the transition into the early 1990s, highlighting that the aim of strict separation proved both impossible and undesirable.
The Jury Award that this collaborative animation received at the Annecy Film Festival is not just a win for the DHHS and UP, but it is also a victory for educational storytelling. Dr Simpson’s work continues to shape a global understanding of apartheid, demonstrating the power of well-crafted narratives to educate and inspire change.
