Description
- Abstract:
- In this interview, Joe van der Berg reflects on growing up on a farm in the Western Cape, shaped by generational poverty, alcohol abuse, and the traumatic legacy of the Dop system. He recounts his mother being sold as a child, his father’s violent alcoholism, and his own struggles with depression and recovery. Van der Berg also describes founding BOWL, an independent housing organization supporting individuals affected by substance abuse, and emphasizes his determination to break the cycle for future generations, underscoring the lasting effects of systemic exploitation on South African farm communities. Please be advised that this interview may contain stories of trauma, both personal and community-wide related to the legacies of racial slavery and colonialism. It is preserved to document the emotions and experiences of the individual interviewed. Some language in this transcript may be offensive. It is presented as it exists in the original audio recording. The views and opinions expressed by the speaker(s) do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Global Curatorial Project, Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the project’s institutional partners. For questions or concerns please contact library staff at [email protected] or +1-401-863-2146.
- Notes:
- Immediate form of acquisition: A2025-026
- Joe Van der Berg Oral History Interview, Global Curatorial Project: Unfinished Conversations oral histories and records, Ms.2022.010, Brown University Library
- Digital object made available by: Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)
Access Conditions
- Use and Reproduction
- The duplication and reproduction of materials in this collection outside of Brown University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and project partner institutions requires the written consent from the interviewee or their assignee. Please contact the John Hay Library at [email protected] or +1401-863-2146 with any inquires.
- Rights
- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
- Restrictions on Use
- Collection is open for research.
Citation
Brown University. Ruth J Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, Iziko Museums of South Africa, and National Museum of African American History and Culture (U.S.),
"Joe Van der Berg Oral History Interview"
(2024).
GCP South Africa.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:ys6q9h5e/
Relations
Has Parts:
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Joe Van der Berg Oral History Interview
- Type: Stream
- Order: 1
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Joe Van der Berg - English Transcript
- Type: Transcript
- Order: 1a
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Joe Van der Berg - Afrikaans Transcript
- Type: Transcript
- Order: 1a
