From left are Prof Elize van Eeden, Prof Hanlie Dippenaar, Prof Linda du Plessis and Prof Irma Eloff during the recent launch of the book Community engagement research in South Africa – Methods, Theories, Histories and Practice.
Van Eeden’s community engagement activities in regional history studies mainly covers parts of the Gauteng region but also in selective parts of the Free State Province, The North-West Province and the Western and Eastern Cape Province. In this regard several book publications had been developed through regional and local research, especially with regards to the economic and socio-cultural impact of mining and township developments on communities. The impact of corporate establishments regionally, and nationally, also form part of the economic hubs of regions and regional developments which in turn contribute to the economic and socio-cultural wellbeing of the communities it serves. These contributions, though associated with community engagements, very much form part of the regional historiographies of South Africa.
Histories of regions/towns :
- Buisfontein history (2010)
- Carletonville history (1996)
- Bothaville history (1994)
Local, regional and national corporate history
- The Boere Koöperasie Beperk- history (manuscript -still to be published-2019)
- ‘n Bekroonde nalatenskap: Die Fakulteit Natuurwetenskappe van die NWU oor 100 jaar – “An award winning legacy: The Faculty of Natural Sciences of the NWU in 100 years” (2017) ( PDF )
- MBA-history (University of Pretoria) (2012)
- Senwes cooperative history (2009)
- NWU- Potchefstroom University history (2006)
- Church history (Churches in Potchefstroom : Grimbeekpark as well as NG-Potchefstroom Oos) (2013)
- Kohler history (2003)
- NCD-Clover history (2000)
Community engagement practises in South Africa
VAN EEDEN, ES; ELOFF, I & DIPPENAAR, H. (Eds), Community engagement research in South Africa: Histories, methods, theories, and practice, Van Schaik Publishers (Jan 2022). Print book: 9780627037931; Ebook: 9780627037948
Community engagement research in South Africa
Another book in progress in which a similar research methodology is followed is:
The Boere Koöperasie Beperk- history (to be published in early 2019)
NWU-Sibanye Stillwater project
History and doing community sustainability research in multidisciplinary contexts
In 2022 a team, counting over a dozen researchers of the North-West University, engaged in the Sibanye-Stillwater funded project titled “Working Towards Proactive Activities & Initiatives for a sustainable Far West Rand in the 21st century”. Elize van Eeden is leading the project. This multidisciplinary project, representing researchers from no less than four faculties and further supported by professionals, NGO’s and members of communities in the Far West Rand as informed contributors, has recently completed a first phase of this project. On 18 June 2024 the core team presented the research report to Sibanye Stillwater and other interested parties, and which was very well received. The historical legacy of the region, combined with an attractive core tourism package to contribute to a sustainable FWR future was suggested. The team look forward to further progress with this project initiative.
Some Members of the NWU-Sibanye Stillwater project team:
From left to right: Proff Lucius Botes (Economy); Werner Nell (Sociology); Dr Karen Puren (Town & Regional planning); Mr Balthi du Plessis (Museologist); Prof Elize S van Eeden (historian); Prof Elmarie Slabbert (Research Director TREES)
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