Key strengths

A number of formal and informal short-term studies have been conducted over the past number of years to solicit information that would be useful to the Museum’s planning process. Critical input was sought from scholars, museum and memory practitioners, partners and various categories of visitors and programme participants. Careful listening to both positive and negative critique has led to this feedback being incorporated into the current strategic planning process. The following strengths have been summarised from the commentary received.

• Limited resources are used well
• Broader community are involved in different programmes
• Excellent commemoration of historical events
• Creative approaches to dialogue and public programmes
• Knowledge of community elders is honoured
• Run by well multi-skilled, passionate and dedicated staff
• Important focus on youth and intergenerational interactions
• Commitment to human resource development and to principles of lifelong learning
• Planning and review cycles have become entrenched
• Methodology has been well-tested and is internationally respected
• Powerful shared vision
• Vibrant visitor base
• Museum as a whole is an active learning centre
• Strong connections with civil society
• Sound ethical base
• Strong collections practice; working with living archive
• Project funding has been aligned with core work
• Open and participative working environment
• Clearly communicated organisational strategy aligned to performance goals
• Performance is regularly assessed and monitored through a formal HR process

Objective#1

Ensure that declaration of  District Six as a National Heritage site is finalised, with the development of the Memorial Park being its major flagship project

Strategies that we will embark on in order to meet this objective

Strategy #1: Here’s one thing we will do:

Develop new exhibitions to draw attention to the significance of this National Heritage Site (NHS) and its particularities

Strategy #2: Here’s another thing we will do:

Generate new knowledge about District Six sites

Strategy #3: Here’s another thing we will do:

Implement a programme advocating for declaration of District Six as a National Heritage Site

Objective #2

Strengthen partnerships with entities on the District Six site both past and current, and with other sites of displacement nationally. Also, with those involved in the broad field of memory, heritage and trauma so as to deepen content as well as build new audiences

Strategies that we will embark on in order to meet this objective

Strategy #1: Here’s one thing we will do:

Identify new partners and strengthen existing partnerships through project collaboration

Strategy #2: Here’s another thing we will do:

Take existing exhibitions into new and different spaces, and develop partnership exhibitions

Strategy #3: Here’s another thing we will do:

Enhance the visitor experience of the Museum

Strategy #4: Here’s another thing we will do:

Enhance Museum’s digital presence

Strategy #5: Here’s another thing we will do:

Strengthen the Museum’s public education offering

Objective#3

Revamp the Digging Deeper exhibition and improve the linkage between the two buildings as sites of engagement

Strategies that we will embark on in order to meet this objective

Strategy #1: Here’s one thing we will do.

Update the Digging Deeper exhibition

Strategy #2: Here’s another thing we will do:

Evaluate the use of the Homecoming Centre as a space for visitor orientation, and general enhancement of the visitor experience

Objective #4

Consolidate the museum’s body of work through publication

Strategies that we will embark on in order to meet this objective

Here is what we will do is going to do to meet this objective:

Strategy #1: Here’s one thing we will do:

Produce a series of publications

Strategy #2: Here’s another thing we will do:

Produce regular written pieces for publication in print media and on other platforms

Strategy #3: Here’s another thing we will do:

Strengthen Memory Design Lab interventions

Strategy #4: Here’s another thing we will do:

Produce a calendar based on 12 of Lionel Davis’ prints

Strategy #5: Here’s another thing we will do:

Attend to the Van Kalker collection and reaffirm its significance

Strategy #6: Here’s another thing we will do:

Document the life of the archive

Objective #5

Review the museum’s governance structure and develop a sustainability plan

Strategies that we will embark on in order to meet this objective

Here is what we will do is going to do to meet this objective:

Strategy #1: Here’s one thing we will do.

Review the Museum’s governance structure

Strategy #2: Here’s another thing we will do.

Succession planning for senior staff, director and trustees

Strategy #3: Here’s another thing we will do.

Launch an Endowment Fund for the Museum

Strategy #4: Here’s another thing we will do.

Develop a sustainability plan for the Museum