Ethical digital heritage

At the NWU Centre for Digital Humanities, cultural heritage practices are viewed as a constantly evolving treasure. Therefore, we support projects that focus on exploring digital heritage as living knowledge that shapes our present and future. Our focus on ethical digital heritage ensures that the stories, practices, and traditions of communities are preserved with respect, care, and accountability. We work closely with local partners to document and curate both tangible and intangible heritage, thereby ensuring that these resources are findable and accessible while taking our responsibility to ensure collective benefit seriously. By combining digital tools with community-centred approaches, we aim to empower the communities we serve to engage in digital heritage practices while maintaining ownership of their data.

Multimedia and transmedia storytelling

Stories connect us, move us, and inspire change. At the CDH, we use multimedia and transmedia storytelling to bring these stories to life across different platforms, from audio and video to interactive maps, digital exhibitions, and immersive experiences. This approach allows local voices to reach broader audiences in creative and impactful ways. By blending traditional forms of storytelling with digital innovation, we create opportunities for people to tell their own stories on their own terms, while opening new possibilities for education, engagement, and cultural exchange.

Bridging the digital divide

Technology has the potential to open doors, but without access, people can be left behind. Our work in bridging the digital divide focuses on making digital skills, tools, and platforms accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. We design training workshops, open educational resources, and collaborative labs that equip communities with the knowledge to participate fully in the digital world. In doing so, we are contributing to equitable access and to the South African innovation landscape. By building inclusive digital ecosystems, we help shape a digital future where Africa tells its own story.