Sakhiseni Joseph Yende

New Archival Visions Postdoctoral Fellow

My name is Sakhiseni Joseph Yende, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Humanities Research (CHR) at the University of the Western Cape, where I am engaged in the New Archival Visions Fellowship. My research focuses on Harmonies of Liberation: Music and the Anti-Apartheid Struggle and Memory within the extensive resources of the UWC-Robben Island Museum-Mayibuye Archives. This project examines the pivotal role music played in the anti-apartheid struggle and its ongoing influence on collective memory and cultural identity.

I have recently completed my PhD from the University of Cape Town, where my dissertation was titled “Investigating the Challenges and Workable Solutions for the Future of Opera Companies in South Africa” which will be conferred in March 2025. My academic interests are broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing musicology, ethnomusicology, African music, opera, music education, and gospel music. My research investigates how these areas intersect and impact one another, providing a richer understanding of South Africa’s musical landscape.

With over 50 published articles in DHET-accredited journals, numerous book chapters, and presentations at both local and international conferences, I have established myself as a prolific scholar committed to advancing knowledge in the performing arts. My dedication to preserving and promoting South Africa’s cultural heritage continues to drive my research and academic pursuits, positioning me as a key figure in the field of music and performing arts.