Johannesburg is home to a new state-of-the-art centre situated across the road from the Four Seasons Westcliff Hotel, which explores the history of genocide in the 20th century, including the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the Holocaust.
Holocaust and Genocide Centre, Johannesburg. Image: Holocaust & Genocide Centre
The centre displays a permanent exhibition, as well as the Hall of Light that houses dynamic exhibitions. There is also a collection of resources, including more than 1,500 books and DVDs that relate to the Holocaust and other genocides.
The Holocaust & Genocide Centre also has a memorial garden and a coffee and gift shop and offers space for workshops and public events, as well as an event programme with films, plays and lectures on offer to schools, NGO’s and corporates.
Genocide survivors Veronica Phillips (Holocaust) and Sylvestre Sendacyeye (Rwanda genocide). Image: Holocaust & Genocide Centre
‘This is a place of learning, where people of all ages, from all walks of life, come together to learn from the histories of the Holocaust and the genocide in Rwanda. In this space, people gain knowledge, share their stories, and experience thought-provoking films, exhibitions and lectures. Our Institute teaches the consequences of prejudice, racism, and ‘othering’, antisemitism, homophobia and xenophobia and the dangers of indifference, apathy and silence,’ says Talie Nates, founder and director of the Centre.
The JHGC together with similar centres in Cape Town and Durban, form the South African Holocaust & Genocide Foundation. These are associated with 300 organisations across the globe engaged in Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.
Cost: Free, donations are welcome
Annual membership: R360.00 per person. This membership will offer you access to exclusive events for one year, including many private openings to international temporary exhibitions, workshops by top scholars, film screenings, and other special events.
Address: 1 Duncombe Rd, Forest Town, Johannesburg
Contact: 011 640 3100 or jhbholocaust.co.za
