Amathole Museum and East London Museum may soon become homes to a few of the exhibits from the controversial Buffalo Volunteer Rifles Museum, which was forced to close last year following outcry from the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) over the display of military artefacts that chronicle colonial era sentiments.
Since July, the BVRM exhibits worth millions and invaluable for their historical significance, remained largely confined to boxes still without an alternative home for their display.
However, sources confirmed that potential discussions with SANDF had transpired in hopes that a common ground could be reached that would enable the exhibits to be available for public viewing.
Both the Amathole Museum in Makanda and the EL Museum have indicated an interest in accepting some of the exhibits, where possible.
Amathole Museum director Fred Kigozi said the museum was contacted and agreed to receive the donation of the exhibits.
Kigozi said: “We would love to rehouse those objects that are connected to Makhanda’s history.
“Amathole Museum already holds an important collection of 19th and early 20th century military objects, so it would make sense for us to accept BVRM’s exhibits.”
When its closure was announced last year, EL Museum director, Geraldine Morcom cautioned that the museum’s closure would result in a serious gap in the understanding of the military history of the region and
Morcom said: “It is regrettable that BVRM has not found a new premises in which to curate their collections.
“While collections are in storage and not accessible to researchers and the public, learning and fostering a deeper understanding of the past and society in which we live is curtailed.
“To gain full knowledge of the history of the region it is important that related military history collections and displays are as comprehensive and representative as possible.
“We live in a diverse society and there will always be differing ideas and opinions. Museums provide spaces where diverse views can be shared and reflected upon through displays and public programmes to foster learning and a deeper understanding of the past and the society in which we live today.”
The SA Museum Association (SAMA) said it was advocating for the respectful and inclusive handling of BVRM controversial artefacts by promoting diverse perspectives, transparent decision-making, and collaboration with all stakeholders
SAMA said it has provided guidance on addressing the challenges faced by museums housing controversial artefacts, like those from the BVRM in the past and also offers support for museums navigating national military policies by organising discussions with relevant parties and providing a platform for networking and information sharing, particularly through the Eastern Cape chapter.
The association highlights best practices, such as the successful transfer of the SAS Port Rex collection to the Naval Museum in Simon’s Town, and suggests that the Buffalo Volunteer Rifles’ artefacts, being of military origin, could be housed in army museums, such as the Castle Military Museum in Cape Town, the Armour Museum in Bloemfontein, or the Museum of Military History in Johannesburg.
In fostering collaboration and engaging with communities, SAMA advocates for inclusive conversations with all stakeholders, facilitated in a transparent and respectful manner. The association underscores the importance of community input in decisions regarding controversial collections, ensuring that the process is both transparent.
Closed for a year and a month, the museum was on the corner of Buffalo and Fleet streets and chronicled the military history of the Buffalo Volunteer Rifle Corps founded in August 1876.
The regiment served in the colonial division of the Anglo-Boer War, Ninth Frontier War, Second World War, Angolan War and the bush wars plus current efforts to stabilise conflict on the continent.
The museum’s exhibits contained material and firearms spanning pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and democratic eras and was founded by former EL Museum director, Dr Marjorie-Courtney Latimer, Brian Watson and Craig Brown in the 1960s.
The museum aimed to preserve all local military history, promote tourism, and contribute to socioeconomic upliftment.
However, 90% of the exhibits referred to colonial era sentiments, which contemporary national military policies deem offensive.
The collections are worth millions and include portraits, medals, trophies, prisoner of war documents, uniforms, weapons, and flags.
Museum curator from 2006, Maj Anthony Step said of the museum’s closure: “I am sad at the closure of the museum because we believe that preserving history promotes a better understanding of the present.
“Parts of history may offend people, but we can’t change that.”
The Border Historical Society believed that the museum’s decision to close will be regretted.
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