This paper reviews important aspects of the literature on collective memory, how some of these concerns have been expressed in archives, and contemplates how these issues relate to the politically transformative South African post-apartheid context. It highlights the erosion of boundaries between archives, museums, and other less-institutionalized memory projects in post-apartheid South Africa. It notes ways in which archival activity is taking place outside of traditional archives, as part of a changing and evolving memory landscape. It acknowledges the significant gaps in the written record that are a result of apartheid practices and cites different approaches that were overlooked by apartheid's official archival systems. This paper offers a way of contemplating the 'social constructedness' of collective memory and the social and political dimensions of archives.

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Nelson Mandela is one of history's most extraordinary individuals. He has many identities and roles: a son of the Eastern Cape; a South African citizen; elder in a large family; the longest-serving political prisoner on Robben Island and in other apartheid prisons; former leader of the ANC; former President of South Africa; international statesperson; and the most powerful symbol of dedication to human liberation in the world. Establishing an institution of memory to honour him, to document his life, and promote his legacy is imperative.From the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Project Statement