The 1968 "Mafeje Affair" sit-in, 50 years on
Archie Mafeje was offered a post as anthropology lecturer at UCT. The offer was then rescinded as a result of government pressure. 1968 was a year marked by student protests across the globe. The "Mafeje Affair" was the spark that ignited s
Journals and Magazines
Our holdings include current academic journals related to African studies in both print and digital formats. Collections of popular magazines with historic significance, and academic and community periodicals which are no longer published.
Press Clippings Collection
Special Collections include scrapbooks and folders of press clippings on southern African topics compiled and donated by individual researchers and journalists as well as civil society organisations.
Press Clippings Bulletins
Special Collections holds runs of important press clippings bulletins on specific areas or themes, including AF Press Clips, Facts and Reports, and South African Press Clips.
Newspaper Holdings
Newspaper holdings are rich and varied, including nearly-complete runs of the Cape Argus and the Cape Times from the 19th century.
African Studies Film Collection
The African Film Collection comprises Africa-themed documentaries, feature films, and shorts, including television series, which have either been made in Africa or have predominantly African-related content.
Rescued from the Flames: Special Collections' hidden gem
The African Studies Library pamphlet collection is regarded as one of UCT Libraries' greatest treasures. After surviving the Jagger Library fire, the complete collection was recently digitised for posterity and made discoverable.