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South Africa World War One reinvents commemoration of the First World War for the digital age, making it more widely accessible and socially inclusive. The war was a seminal period for South Africa’s development as a nation and for its population. Yet remembrance has long been confined to events on the European battlefields. South Africa World War one tells a broader story: of South Africa’s harbour workers; of the country’s rich natural resources in funding the war economy; of the fate of its interned civilian ‘enemy aliens’; of battlefield experiences of all population groups across Africa, Palestine and Europe, and much more. South Africa World War One fosters joint commemoration that speaks to all ages and population groups.

Partners in South Africa and Britain have teamed up to create diverse experiences that reflect the interests of diverse audiences: two Virtual Reality films, a heritage app, an exhibition, and an education pack for teachers. We are grateful to the Arts and Humanities Research Council for funding these important resources.

KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg is providing a long-term home for the outputs, with VR headsets, exhibitions and educational activities.

If you are interested in displaying the exhibition in your institution please contact the museum.