Reviving history: Founders of Video News Services aim to digitise anti-apartheid archives

Founders of Video News Services, a collective of filmmakers active during South Africa's anti-apartheid era, are seeking to digitise their extensive video archive and bring it to a wider audience. The initiative aims to preserve historical footage that captures key moments in the nation's struggle for freedom. The effort has gained momentum following the passing of one of the organisation’s founders, Lawrence Dworkin, during the coronavirus pandemic, which prompted renewed interest in the legacy of the group. Video News Services was established in 1985 and consisted of three founding members, Brian Tilley, Makonenyana Molete, and Lawrence Dworkin. During a recent public talk held at the Centre for Humanities Research in Woodstock, part of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Tilley and Molete shared insights into the group’s mission and the significance of their archive. The event was organised by the New Archival Visions (NAV) programme, which focuses on promoting archival skills and ensuring broader access to historical materials. Dworkin, who had stored many of the group’s master tapes in his home, passed away several years ago. His death led to the relocation of these tapes to Tilley’s residence, where they were subsequently unpacked. This moment sparked a renewed commitment to preserving the collection. Tilley described standing before the tapes, packed neatly on shelves, and reflecting on their value as a vital record of a transformative period in South African history. Tilley reached out to the NAV programme to collaborate on the digitisation of the archive. As of now, approximately 100 of the master tapes have been converted into digital format, with additional efforts ongoing. The goal is to create a documentary that highlights the work of VNS and the individuals featured within the archive. Tilley expressed hope that the project will provide insight into the group’s role during the anti-apartheid movement and the motivations behind their filmmaking. Molete, who participated in the discussion remotely from Johannesburg, recounted how the group initially formed in the early 1980s in Johannesburg. He described their early activities, including filming meetings in churches within townships. The group officially became known as Video News Services in 1985, coinciding with the formation of the Afravision Video Collective in London, which facilitated the global distribution of their work. According to Tilley, VNS operated under the belief that their videos should serve as a reflection of the country’s struggles rather than a commercial enterprise. The group aimed to build connections with activists and trade unions, using the medium of film to share stories that might otherwise remain hidden. Their approach was rooted in a deep sense of purpose and ethical responsibility. The organisation maintained a level of trust with the communities they worked with, allowing them access to private gatherings and discussions that were otherwise inaccessible. Tilley noted that activists entrusted them with recording sensitive content, confident that the material would be preserved responsibly. One notable example was a four-hour interview conducted with former President Nelson Mandela shortly after his release from prison. The videos showcased during the presentation included footage of union meetings featuring prominent politicians in their early careers, along with excerpts from their documentary Fruits Of Defiance. These clips offer a glimpse into the grassroots activism that played a crucial role in shaping South Africa’s future. The digitisation of the archive represents both a tribute to the past and a step toward making this history available to new generations.