SAFOS 2026 Conference
Team members Mr. Leonard Gewers (Boetles), Dr. Sharon Gabie, Dr. Lee Watkins, and Dr. Lyndsey Copeland and guest Mr. Sylvester Fortuin (Oom Dolly) presented a panel at the annual conference of the South African Folklore Society (SAFOS), which was held at the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela, South Africa, 15–18 September 2026.
The panel, titled “Breaking Ground: Indigenous Musicians in the Northern Cape Join Oral History Dialogue”, featured contributions and live musical performance from Boetles and Oom Dolly. Boetles performed a song about marriage in traditional Khoe attire. Oom Dolly performed two songs, including his celebrated original composition “Jalous Bokkie”.
Boetles and Oom Dolly were moreover invited by the conference organizers to perform for all delegates at the event’s Gala Dinner.
Congratulations to our presenters, and special thanks to our Indigenous colleagues Boetles and Oom Dolly, for a wonderful event!
