After a 10-year goodwill partnership, the DBE, with the Luthuli Museum, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 1 December 2025, to support the implementation of the DBE flagship programme, the iNkosi Albert Luthuli Oral History Programme. The signing ceremony marked a significant step in strengthening and formalising the long-standing partnership between the DBE and the Luthuli Museum, ensuring sustained collaboration in preserving South Africa’s rich heritage through education. The MoA sets out a shared commitment to deepen learners’ understanding of the life, values, and legacy of iNkosi Albert Luthuli, Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a towering figure in the struggle for human rights, peace and democracy. Through the Oral History Programme, learners are encouraged to engage with primary sources, interview community members and explore lived experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream history, through telling the stories of unsung heroes and heroines in their communities.

Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, Mr Likho Bottoman, emphasised that this partnership represents far more than a formal agreement; it is a powerful investment in young people’s ability to connect with their identity, history and sense of belonging. He noted that the initiative enriches the curriculum, sharpens learners’ research skills and promotes critical thinking, while also nurturing empathy and respect for diverse experiences. Mr Bottoman further acknowledged that the Luthuli Museum’s involvement strengthens the academic integrity of the programme and enhances the support provided to schools nationwide. He reaffirmed that the DBE remains committed to expanding programmes that build social cohesion, active citizenship and a shared national consciousness amongst learners.

The CEO of the Luthuli Museum, Mr Brian Xaba, highlighted that the ceremony symbolised renewed dedication to nurturing a generation of learners who not only excel academically but also appreciate the importance of documenting South Africa’s diverse narratives. He emphasised that the Museum’s role is to ensure that iNkosi Albert Luthuli’s values of humility, courage, servant leadership and moral integrity continue to inspire young people. Mr Xaba celebrated the DBE’s commitment to keeping heritage and oral history education alive, noting that this collaboration will expand access to quality historical resources and empower more learners to become custodians of their communities’ stories. He expressed confidence that the partnership will grow stronger each year, reaching more schools and elevating the standard of oral history research amongst South African youth.

Together, both institutions affirmed that the MoA is a milestone in their joint mission to support the delivery of curriculum in classrooms across the country. The event concluded successfully with a shared vision for the future, one where learners are encouraged to explore their roots, honour their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s collective memory. Through continued partnership, the DBE and the Luthuli Museum stand united in shaping a more informed, connected and socially conscious generation of South Africans.