The articles related to the DHASA 2023 conference are published in the JDHASA journal and can be found here.

The latest version of the programme and the book of abstracts can be found under the “Conference Programme” tab.

DHASA 2023 will take place at Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Digital Humanities Association of Southern Africa

The Digital Humanities Association of Southern Africa (DHASA) is pleased to announce its fourth conference, focusing on the theme “Digital Humanities for Inclusion.” In a region where the field of Digital Humanities is still relatively underdeveloped, this conference aims to address this gap and foster growth and collaboration in the field. The conference offers an opportunity for researchers interested in showcasing their work in the broad field of Digital Humanities to come together. By doing so, the conference provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in Digital Humanities, particularly within the Southern Africa region. As such, we welcome submissions related to Digital Humanities research conducted by individuals from Southern Africa or research focused on the geographical area of Southern Africa.

Furthermore, the conference serves as a platform for information sharing and networking among researchers passionate about Digital Humanities. By bringing together experts working on Digital Humanities in Southern Africa or with a focus on Southern Africa, we aim to promote collaboration and facilitate further research in this dynamic field. In addition to the main conference, affiliated workshops and tutorials will be organized, providing researchers with valuable insights into novel technologies and tools. These supplementary events are designed for researchers interested in specific aspects of Digital Humanities or seeking practical information to enter or advance their knowledge in the field.

The DHASA conference welcomes interdisciplinary contributions from researchers in various domains of Digital Humanities, including, but not limited to, language, literature, visual art, performance and theatre studies, media studies, music, history, sociology, psychology, language technologies, library studies, philosophy, methodologies, software and computation, and more. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive scientific community of practice within Digital Humanities.

Suggested topics include the following:

  • Digital archives and the preservation of marginalized voices;
  • Intersectionality and the digital humanities: exploring the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and class in digital research and activism;
  • Activism and social change through digital media: how digital humanities tools and methodologies can be used to promote inclusion;
  • Engaging marginalized communities in the creation and use of digital tools and resources;
  • Exploring the role of digital humanities in decolonizing knowledge and promoting indigenous perspectives;
  • The ethics of data collection and analysis in digital humanities research related;
  • The role of digital humanities in promoting inclusive and equitable pedagogy;
  • Digital humanities and inclusion in the context of global perspectives and international collaborations;
  • Critical approaches to digital humanities and inclusion: examining the limitations and possibilities of digital tools and methodologies in promoting inclusion; and
  • Collaborative digital humanities projects with non-profit organizations, community groups, and cultural institutions;
  • Any other digital humanities-related topic that serves the Southern African community.

Organising Committee

  • Johannes Sibeko, Nelson Mandela University
  • Aby Louw, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Alan Murdoch, Nelson Mandela University
  • Amanda du Preez, University of Pretoria
  • Andiswa Bukula, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Andiswa Mvanyashe, Nelson Mandela University
  • Avashna Govender, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Gabby Dlamini, Nelson Mandela University
  • Ilana Wilken, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Jonathan van der Walt, Nelson Mandela University
  • Laurette Marais, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
  • Mukhtar Raban, Nelson Mandela University
  • Nomfundo Khumalo, Nelson Mandela University
  • Nosiphiwo Mazaleni, Nelson Mandela University
  • Menno Van Zaanen, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources

Programme Committee

  • Alette Schoon, Rhodes University
  • Ayodele James Akinola, Michigan Technological University
  • Benito Trollip, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Deon du Plessis, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Diko Mlamli, University of South Africa
  • Friedel Wolff, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Gonneke Groenen, North-West University
  • Gordon Matthew, North-West University
  • Héniel Fourie, North-West University
  • Juan Steyn, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Justus Roux, Stellenbosch University
  • Marissa Griesel, University of Pretoria
  • Martin Puttkammer, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Mmasibidi Setaka, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Muzi Matfunjwa, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Papi Lemeko, Central University of Technology
  • Pia Bombardella, North-West University
  • Ray Siemens, University of Victoria
  • Roald Eiselen, North-West University
  • Rooiweither Mabuya, South African Centre for Digital Language Resources
  • Rory du Plessis, University of Pretoria
  • Tanja Gaustad Van Zaanen, Centre for Text Technology
  • Tarryn Rennie, Nelson Mandela University