Request for loan of ‘passbook for overseas exhibition raises an alert’

It’s reassuring to see that SAHRA are keeping a watchful eye on our heritage resources, not just the iconic objects, but aso the everyday fragments of the past! See correspondence beo re the loan of a “passbook” for an international exhibition.

Request posted on AFRICOM-L

The Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum of the City of Cologne is searching for potential exhibits for its temporary presentation entitled “AFROPOLIS” (scheduled to open on November 4, 2010, and to run through March 14,
2011). “AFROPOLIS” looks at five African cities, their history and their current condition. It brings together documentary and artistic approaches in order to think through issues concerning (African) cities.

For our section on Johannesburg, which - among other things - attempts at shedding light on the “Apartheid city”, we are looking for an original historical object: the pass book of a male or female African inhabitant of the city of Johannesburg (ideally issued in the first half of the 20th century). We would like to formally request such an object as loan object from a potential lender for a period of approximately 12 months.

We would be grateful for any feedback and information on European or South African public or private collections that might be able to lend an object of this kind. We will be happy to provide further information about our exhibition project upon request.

Response from SAHRA, also posted on AFRICOM-L

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), established in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999 (the Act) is the custodian of South African heritage objects and is mandated to
manage and conserve these for future generations.  SAHRA is delighted that the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum of the City of Cologne intends to raise awareness around the history of 5 African Cities and that one of
the Cities, is Johannesburg, an industrial City in South Africa. 

The pass book you require for display on the “Apartheid City” that form part of the “AFROPOLIS” presentation could be made available by either a public or private collector as heritage objects may be publicly or privately owned.  Irrespective, please note that in terms of the Act and Government Gazette No. 24116 of 6 December 2002 (see attached) that lists the protected categories of heritage objects, the pass book is
considered to be an object relating to South African history.  Therefore, it is incumbent upon either your institution or whoever is prepared to loan the passbook to you, to apply for a permit from SAHRA
(see permit application form attached).  In addition, a loan agreement must be entered into between yourself and the lender stipulating the conditions under which the loan is to be made (see Generic Loan Agreement attached that could serve as a guideline).

The passbook or any other object of cultural significance intended to be exported may not leave South Africa without a permit from SAHRA.

SAHRA wishes you a successful exhibition.

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