Dr Brigalia Ntombemhlophe Bam
Brigalia Ntombemhlophe Bam was born on January 2nd, 1933, at Tsolo in the former Transkei, Eastern Cape South Africa. She studied at Shaw Bury Methodist Institute and Lovedale Teachers College in South Africa. She thereafter pursued studies in Social Work at the University of Chicago with a Masters in 1973.
Trained in social work and education, Brigalia Bam's journey defies boundaries. From teacher to social worker, feminist to democratic leader, she reshaped South Africa's path, pivotal in its shift from apartheid to democracy.
In the 1980s, Brigalia Bam dedicated herself to feminism and justice, contributing to the Women’s Workers Programme in Geneva. Her influence expanded as she assumed leadership roles in global organizations like the World Council of Churches and The World Young Women’s Association. Notably, she served as the Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches, a pivotal role in her journey towards promoting justice and equality.
From serving as Chancellor of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from 2000-2004 to receiving esteemed accolades, Brigalia Bam's journey is one of distinction. Honoured with The National Order of the Baobab in silver, she's celebrated for uplifting women and advancing democracy in South Africa. Notably, she's been awarded The Mahatma Gandhi and Simon of Cyrene award, the highest Anglican Church honour for a lay person. Her remarkable accomplishments also include the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, the Chancellors Medal from the University of Pretoria, and the Grand Counsellor of the Baobab for Distinguished Service, bestowed by Former President Thabo Mbeki, all in recognition of her pivotal role in promoting women's upliftment and democracy in South Africa.
June Udemans
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June Udemans (30 June 1932 – 11 May 2011). June Muller was born into a working class family in Cape Town, but
the family soon moved to Upington, where she and her siblings spent their formative years.
The semi-rustic conditions and missionary education gave her the inclination to be studious with a life-long commitment to the world of learning, intellectual pursuits and a love of letters. June matriculated at Carlton van Heerden High School.
She completed her formal education at UCT where she read for a BA degree and Higher Teachers’ Diploma. At university she came into contact with the leadership of the Non-European Unity Movement and the Teachers League of South Africa which she soon joined as a member.
She belonged to the youth who were harnessed by the intellectual energy of the New Era Fellowship, the deliberate linkages to Langa Township and the Society of Young Africa.
She taught at South Peninsula High School and after relocating to Port Elizabeth she taught at Gelvandale, South End- and Bethelsdorp High Schools. In 1981 she became a lecturer at the Dower College of Education where she was detained during the State of Emergency in 1985. She was thereafter transferred to Bethelsdorp High, ostensibly as “punishment”, where she remained until her retirement.
Raymond Uren
This collection contains the documents, books, journals, articles, audio files, etc. of and about Dr Raymond Patrick Uren (11.05.1939 - 05.02 2011).
Dr Uren, previously the headmaster of Bethelsdorp High School, played a leading role in the founding of the Eastern Cape Teachers' Union. He was the chairperson of the Eastern Province Cricket Association and vice-president of the South African Cricket Board. He was awarded the Raymond Presidential Sport Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the sports struggle as well as the ICC “Catch the Spirit” medal for his outstanding service to cricket.
His restitution model, developed during his involvement in the Land Restitution Initiative in the nineties, was used as a model in many land restitution projects. In 2003 he participated in the General Motors Leadership programme for school principals. Conducted in partnership with the University, the programme was later registered as the National Certificate: Education in School Management and Leadership.
The collection is confidential. Please contact the Archives & Exhibition Centre for access to documents in this collection.