December 9th, 2008
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Interview with Mr. Mongezi Stuurman
Click here to download the transcript of this interview.
General Topic of Interview: Liberation Music, Education
Date of Interview: 12 August, 2008
Location: BJT Tyamzashe School, Zinyoka Location, South Africa
Narrator: Mr. Mongezi Stuurman
Interviewer: Gqabi Njokweni
Translator: Gqabi Njokweni
Transcribers: Pumza Williams, James Chapnick, Ryan Koons
Biographical Information:
Mr. Mongezi Stuurman is the principle of BJT Tyamzashe School in the community of Zinyoka, South Africa. He began working at the school in 1984 with the aim of working with the people of Zinyoka to uplift the community through education. The school is named for BJT Tyamzashe, a well known Xhosa composer from the area.
Interview Information:
Mr. Stuurman spoke about the influence of Tyamzashe’s music on the school’s music program. He also discussed the role of Tyamzashe’s music, and music in general, as influencing the anti-apartheid struggle. Stuurman also speaks about the Black Consciousness Movement, and his opinion on memorialization in South Africa, particularly regarding name changes and monuments.