{"word_count": 298, "character_count": 2590}
The Mapungubwe Institute (MISTRA) is pleased to announce the completion of its two-year research project on the rise and decline of the Mapungubwe civilisation.MISTRA would like to invite you to attend a conference at which the Institute will release the integrated Mapungubwe Research Report, entitled: "Mapungubwe Reconsidered: Exploring beyond the Rise and Decline of the Mapungubwe State".&#160;The conference will provide a platform to engage with the findings of this study drawing in archaeologists and historians from South Africa’s leading universities.Themes covered in the Report include trade and state-formation, the metalworking industry of Mapungubwe, heritage and environmental protection, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), gender issues and contemporary resonances.As the continent marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the OAU, this will be a fitting moment to reflect on pre-colonial civilisations of Africa as well as draw lessons from the Mapungubwe experience.&#160;Venue: Wits Origins Centre, Cnr. Yale &#38; Enoch Sontonga, Wits University, BraamfonteinDate: SATURDAY 25 May 2013Time: 9:00am – 2:30pmPlease RSVPProgramme:   Programme Directors: Drs Trish Hanekom &#38; Tanya Abrahamse&#160;REGISTRATION09h00-09h30opening Remarks : Joel Netshitenzhe, MISTRA Executive Director09h30-09h40SETTING THE SCENE: MAPUNGUBWE COLLECTION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW &#160;Topic: Overview of the Mapungubwe Research ProjectDr Alex Schoeman: Wits Archaeology &#38; Geography School09h40-10h00Topic: Mapungubwe Collection in ContextProf Alex Duffey: Acting Manager: UP Arts Faculty 10h00-10h10Discussion10h10-10h30HERITAGE, TRADE &#38; STATE FORMATION&#160;Topic: Mapungubwe Trade and State FormationDr Maanda Mulaudzi: History Department, UCT10h30-10h45Topic: The Metalworking Industry of MapungubweDr Shadreck Chirikure: Archaeology Department, UCT10h45-11h00Respondent: Prof Innocent Pikirayi, UP Archaeology Department 11h00-11h10Discussion 11h10-11h30TEA/COFFEE11h30-11h45HISTORICAL SOURCES &#38; HERITAGE&#160;Topic: Pre-colonial southern African IdentityProf Sekibakiba Lekgoathi: History Department, Wits11h45-12h00Topic: Heritage and Environmental ProtectionDr Amanda Esterhuysen: Wits Archaeology &#38; Geography School12h00-12h15Topic: Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Historical SourcesDr Otsile Ntsoane: IKS Specialist12h15-12h30Respondent: Dr Mongane Wally Serote, Former CEO of Freedom Park 12h30-12h45Discussion12h45-13h15Concluding Remarks: Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, Department of Arts and Culture (TBC)13h15-13h30PROGRAMME ENDS – LUNCH 13h30-14h15&#160;