DataFirst, of the University of Cape Town, and the Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (NALSU), of Rhodes University, launched the following two historical datasets on 22 November 2018: (i) the Keiskammahoek Rural Survey (KRS) dataset and (ii) the Surplus People Project (SPP) dataset. The KRS was a landmark survey undertaken by Rhodes University in the 1950s. NALSU has worked with DataFirst to capture the original survey data (as opposed to reports based on the data) in digital form and to make those data discoverable on the web. This exercise formed part of a data recovery project initiated by DataFirst that targeted a number of key historical South African datasets, including that of the SPP.
Included in the panel discussion will be Emeritus Professor Francis Wilson (founder of DataFirst), whose mother, Prof Monica Wilson, was a key member of the KRS team. Emeritus Professor Chris de Wet, who has done significant follow-up work in Keiskammahoek, will also participate, as will the DataFirst Manager, Lynn Woolfrey (a Rhodes alumna), who personally led the team that undertook the digitisation exercise.
DataFirst Data Rescue Project
Launch of the Keiskammahoek Rural Survey & Surplus People Project Survey Datasets with the Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit, Rhodes University
National English Literary Museum, 25a Worcester Street, Grahamstown
Thursday, 22 November 2018
15:00 - 17:00
Agenda
15:00 Welcoming statement
Dr Peter Clayton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development, Rhodes University
15:10 Introduction
Dr John Reynolds, Head, Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit, Rhodes University
15:15 Panel discussion: Data rescue: Partnering with SA universities to enable research access to historical survey data:
Lynn Woolfrey, Manager, DataFirst Research Data Service, University of Cape Town
Emeritus Professor Chris de Wet, Department of Anthropology, Rhodes University
Emeritus Professor Francis Wilson, University of Cape Town
16:15 Discussion and questions
16:45 Closing remarks
Prof Michael Rogan, Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit, Rhodes University
17:00 Drinks and snacks