Degrees Held
- Doctor of Philosophy (Cultural and Media Studies),Culture, Communication and Media CCMS, UKZN. Thesis title: Spirituality, well-being, memory and the future, in applied storytelling: A comparison of two “Sites of Conscience Museums”. namely the Museum of Free Derry, Northern Ireland and District Six Museum, South Africa. Supervisor: Prof R.E. Teer-Tomaselli, 2018. Funded by NIHSS and UKZN.
- Master of Arts in Cultural and Media Studies (cum laude), CCMS, UKZN, 2006
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in Cultural and Media Studies (cum laude) CCMS, University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
- Bachelor of Arts. Majors: English (distinction), Psychology, 2000. Archaeology 111 UNISA non-degree purposes, 2000.
- Licentiate (Teachers). Speech and Drama, Trinity College, London, 1980.
- Performing Arts (Drama), Pretoria Technikon, 1979.
- Practical internship as heritage practitioner in public archaeology, oral narratives and community engagement in the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal with Gavin Whitelaw, KwaZulu-Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg and Prof David Morris, McGregor Museum, Kimberley, 1999-2019.
Research Interests
- Visual anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Applied Cultural and Natural Heritage and Tourism
- Oral history, narratives and stories
- Public/social archaeology
- Rock art and community engagement
- Cultural and visual literacy
- Arts, culture and heritage for social change
- Social change communication
- Museum and Heritage
- Applied theatre and drama-in-education
Teaching Interests
- Rock art and tourism
- Visual anthropology
- Social change communication
Research Record / Selected Publications
Books
Journal Articles
Chapters In Books
Books
- Lange, M.E. 2025. Geomotional: Geometric Art Past and Present. Stellenbosch: Tormentoso. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCZzFWZnwdA&t=243s
- Lange, M.E. 2024. Messy Matters. Gordon’s Bay: Tormentoso. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6F6IYVY8Y&t=5s
- Lange, M.E. and Teer-Tomaselli, R.E. 2022. Telling stories of pain and hope: Museums in South Africa and Ireland. Unisa Press: Tshwane. And Routledge/UNISA Press Series eBook and book, 2024. New York: Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003476481/telling-stories-pain-hope-mary-elizabeth-lange-ruth-teer-tomaselli
- Lange, M.E. Jansen, L.M., Fisher, R.C., Tomaselli, K.G. and Morris, D. (Eds.). 2013. Engraved Landscape: Biesje Poort. Editor and translator – Afrikaans. Gordon’s Bay: Tormentoso Publishers.
- Kruiper, B. and Kruiper, V.R., 2011. Mooi Loop: The Sacred Art of Vetkat Regopstaan Kruiper. ARROWSA, Editor and translator – Afrikaans, Lange, M.E., Re-published, 2013. Tshwane: UNISA Press.
- Lange, M.E., 2011. Water Stories and Rock Engravings: Eiland Women at the Kalahari Edge. Amsterdam: Rozenberg Publishers. https://rozenbergquarterly.com/rock-art-research-in-south-africa-ethno-archaeology-oral-narratives-and-rock-art/
- Lange, M.E., de Wee, J., Malo, M., Hlopezulu, M., van Rooi, M., Sixaxa, E. and Saaiman, N.P. 2007. Water Stories. Edited and Afrikaans translated by Lange, M.E., Durban: mel. New edition, 2014. Tshwane: UNISA Press. https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/OHJSA/article/view/51/62
Journal Articles
- Ngema, L.N., and Lange, M.E., 2020. Pathways Indra Congress: Cultural Literacy for Social Change. Critical Arts, 34:5, 153-168.
- Lange, M.E., 2019. One made by many: the recording of present-day Kalahari stories, Critical Arts, DOI: . Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02560046.2019.1692051
- Fisher, R.C., Lange, M.E. and Nkambule, M.E.N. 2017. Cultural hybridity in the teaching of architecture within a decolonised society: Paranoá, Brazil & South Africa; Crossed Experiences and new perspectives. Available at: http://periodicos.unb.br/index.php/paranoa/article/view/25252/0
- Lange, M.E. and Ngema, L. 2016. Cultural and natural heritage school programmes and social change. Wumen Bagung Communication for Development and Social Change Bulletin December, Issue 2, pp. 25-28. Available at: http://digital-ethnography.com/wp- content/uploads/2016/07/wumen-bagung-rmit-bulletin-issue-2.pdf
- Lange, M.E. 2016. Marking Memories: Indigenous North of the !Garib River and contemporary in Westville, South Africa. Critical Arts: A South-North Journal of Cultural & Media Studies, 30(6), pp. 855-876. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02560046.2016.1263218
- Lange, M.E. and Dyll-Myklebust, L. 2015. Spirituality, shifting identities and social change: cases from the Kalahari landscape. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 71(1), pp. 11. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/HTS.V71I1.2985
- Lange, M.E. and Reddy, S. 2013. Interactive Layers: Palmiet archaeological educational programmes. The Digging Stick. 30(3), pp. 5-8. Available at: https://www.archaeologysa.co.za/sites/default/files/attachments/publications/2015/12/27 /ds_2013_december.pdf
- Lange, M.E. 2009. Mind the clivias! Investigating the Palmiet Gwalagwala cliff. Clivia News: Quarterly Newsletter of the clivia society. 17 (3 & 4) pp. 12-15.
- Lange, M.E. 2006. Tracking Decorated Ostrich Eggshells in the Kalahari. Visual Anthropology, 19(3-4), pp. 371-388. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08949460600598745
- Lange, M.E. 2005. What’s it got to do with me? ARROW in South Africa. Arts for reconciliation: A world journal of research, debate and practice 1(1), pp. 54-64.
- Lange, M.E. 2003. In Search of Methodology: From One to An-Other. Cultural Studies <–> Critical Methodologies, 3(4), pp. 429-447. Available at: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1532708603253574
- Lange, M.E. 2003. Voices from the Kalahari. Current Writing, Special Issue, 15(3), pp. 51-65. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1013929X.2003.9678173
- Lange, M.E., Kruiper, B. and Tomaselli, C. 2003. Meeting Points: Symbiotic Spaces. Current Writing, Special Issue, 15(3), pp. 66-87. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1013929X.2003.9678174
Chapters In Books
- Lange, M. E. and Teer-Tomaselli, R. Applied heritage, spiritual wellbeing and post-conflict museums: Ireland and South Africa. In McCracken, D., Teer-Tomaselli, R. Gibson, S. et al. (eds.) 2025. Africa, Ireland and Beyond: Essays of Diaspora and Linkage. Durban: Ireland and Southern Africa Project.
- Teer-Tomaselli, R. and Lange, M.E. The narratives and experiences of prison tourism in Ireland: An outsider’s view of two memorial incarceration museums. In McCracken, D., Teer-Tomaselli, R., Gibson, S. et al. (eds.) 2025. Africa, Ireland and Beyond: Essays of Diaspora and Linkage. Durban: Ireland and Southern Africa Project.
- Lange, M.E., and Fisher, R.C. 2021. Constructing Stories. in Clarke, N., Kuipers, M. and Fisher, R.C. (eds.). 2021. Common Ground. Vollendam in Netherlands: LM Publishers. For Tectonic ZA Wilhelmiens project, Delft University of Technology and University of Pretoria. pp. 214-224.
- Lange, M.E., 2014. Introduction: Background and context. Water Stories: original !Garib narrations about the Water Snake. Pretoria: UNISA Press. pp. 1-6.
- Lange, M.E., Magongo, M., and Barnabas, S. 2013. Storytelling and Engravings, Past and Present: Biesje Poort, Northern Cape. in Deacon, J. and Skotnes, P. (eds). The Courage of ||Kabbo: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Publication of Specimens of Bushman Folklore. Cape Town: UCT Press. pp. 363-382. Available at: http://uctpress.bookslive.co.za/blog/2014/06/23/new-the-courage-of-kabbo-celebrates- centenary-of-specimens-of-bushman-folklore/
- Lange, M.E., 2013. Past voices on the Biesje Poort rock engravings: ‘where what, when and who’ in Lange, M.E., Jansen, L.M., Fisher, R.C., Tomaselli, K.G. and Morris, D. (eds). 2013. Engraved Landscape: Biesje Poort. Gordon’s Bay: Tormentoso Publishers. pp. 1- 11.
- Lange, M.E., 2007. Voices from the Kalahari: Methodology and the Absurd in Tomaselli, K.G. (ed). Writing in the San/d. New York: Altamira Press. pp. 73-86.
Community Involvement
- 2024, ‘Geomotional Vorentoe’ project, devised and led facilitation of this multidisciplinary applied arts and heritage project funded by the Netherlands Embassy South Africa at the Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, including ARROWSA alumni from Durban, South Roots International, individual artists from Swellendam and the //Khomani San. Resulted in an installation at the Castle of Good Hope. Project value R70 000.00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCucg2g3l7M&t=4s
- 2025-2021, ‘Who left this behind?’ programme, devised and led facilitation of a culture and heritage for social change at the Palmiet Nature Reserve, eThekwini Parks, Recreation for schools and community, including ARROWSA alumni and community members as facilitators, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn). Instagram @mel_recall
- 2025 and 2024, ‘Passbook Competition’, Durban Local History Museums and eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Culture, MC for the educator’s workshop, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn). Instagram @mel_recall
- 2024, ‘Hand-mapping’, boys at Burnwood Secondary School. Hand-mapping workshops for identifying strengths, support systems and outlets for strengths as part of a symposium for mental health, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn).
- 2024, ‘Abasha Bash’, Durban Local History Museums and eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Culture, adjudicated, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn).
- 2023, ‘Hand-mapping’, Miss Bechet entrants and Gr 8 learners at Bechet High School. Hand-mapping workshops for identifying strengths, support systems and outlets for strengths, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn).
- 2023, ‘Abasha Bash’, Durban Local History Museums and eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Culture, adjudicated and presented awards, under MeL (Mentor, educate, Learn).
- 2024-2021, ‘South to North–They stand their ground against gender-based violence’ project and exhibition funded by the National Arts Council at the Durban City Hall (2021), Old House Museum (2022) and Pinetown Museums (2022-2024) in partnership with Durban Local History Museums. Initiated an article in UKZN ndaba online that highlighted CCMS, UKZN partnership with ARROWSA, 24 June 2021, Vol: 9, Issue: 28. https://ndabaonline.ukzn.ac.za/UkzndabaStory/Vol9-Issue28/Gender-Based%20Violence%20Exhibit%20at%20Durban%20City%20Hall/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo9-Pge_jjw
- 2023-2010, ARROWSA (Reg 088-058 NPO) Chairperson (until 2022 and then an affiliate) and volunteer programme deviser and facilitator for this arts, culture and heritage for social change non-profit organisation affiliated to CCMS, UKZN community engagement, www.arrowsa.blogspot.co.za
- 2022, ‘Despite That… there is joy!’ ARROWSA project, devised and managed the National Arts Council-funded arts for social change project that included ARROWSA teenagers from Bechet High and youth from South Roots International. Resulted in a community performance. Project value R125 000.00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMU2rJYQWts
- 2022, ‘Despite That…’ project, devised and led this British Council-funded intercultural project that included youth from UK Beyond Face, Cape Town South Roots International and Durban ARROWSA alumni and resulted in a film. Project value £24 780.00. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRH8yPJcrwM&t=2596s
- 2021, ‘Phone Call to the World’ project led by Scottish Youth Theatre. Funding and project management, as well as facilitation of CCMS, UKZN, a non-arts partner, which led webinars in the ARROWSA creative COP26 international British Council-funded project. Resulted in a community performance, vegetable garden and exhibit in Scotland COP26. Project value R202 000.00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs0fMW-sSOI
- 2021, ‘Phone Call to the World’ project led by Scottish Youth Theatre. Initiated an article in UKZN ndaba online that highlighted CCMS, UKZN partnership with ARROWSA creative COP26 international British Council funded project, 03 December 2021, Vol: 9, Issue: 55. https://ndabaonline.ukzn.ac.za/UkzndabaStory/Vol9-Issue55/A%20Creative%20Response%20to%20Environmental%20Issues/
- 2020-2019 International ‘South to North’ and ‘SAUKINDIA’ art for social change projects. Funding and project manager, and facilitation of CCMS, UKZN student in ARROWSA, National Arts Council funded. Combined Projects value R250 000.00 + R200 000.00 = R450 000.00
- August 2020, ARROWSA-CCMS MOU–facilitation, on behalf of ARROWSA, of MOU with CCMS, UKZN. See UKZNDABAonline 18 February 2021, Vol: 9, Issue:3. https://ndabaonline.ukzn.ac.za/UkzndabaStory/Vol9-Issue3/CCMS%20Signs%20Community%20Engagement%20Agreement%20with%20ARROWSA/
Teaching Expertise
- 2023: Lectures and workshops. Applied storytelling, heritage and museums (10 to 12 October 2023) for adults attending the international Island Breeze, Principles of Redeeming Cultures School (accredited course) facilitated by South Roots International at Cape Town and Worcester, W. Cape.
- 2019: Lectures and individual supervision. Public Speaking (6 to 7 August 2019) and Applied Indigenous Knowledge Systems (30 September to 2 October 2019) lectures for adults attending the international Island Breeze, Principles of Redeeming Cultures School facilitated by South Roots International at Pelican Park, Cape Town.
- 2014 (ongoing) Co-ordinator and facilitator of archaeological educational programmes. Funded by WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) Highway Branch co-ordinated natural and cultural heritage educational programmes led by Mel: arts, culture and heritage and ARROWSA, Palmiet Nature Reserve Committee and eThekwini Municipality parks, leisure and recreation department. Facilitation includes educational programmes at the Palmiet Nature Reserve and the Bergtheil Museum as part of the eThekwini Local History Museums’ Passbook Competition project. Facilitated the archaeological section of the programmes to the Palmiet Nature Reserve iGwalagwala Cliff archaeological site and the related exhibit at the Bergtheil Museum.
- 2012: Contract lecturer for CFPD at Culture, Communication and Media in Society (CCMS), UKZN Second semester.
- 2011-2012: Lecturer – Indigenous rock art Module CHTM 305 for Cultural heritage and tourism, UKZN.
- 2002-2010 Guest lecturer –Visual Anthropology postgraduate course, UKZN; 2007 Anthropology 1st year; 2007 visiting USA students and staff; translator and interpreter Afrikaans on Kalahari trips.
- 2009: Lecturer of Communication Science 1, Varsity College, Westville .
- 1996-1997: Acting Museum educational officer. Vaalteknorama Museum, Vereeniging. Duties included the creation and facilitation of new educational programmes curriculum relevant that would reflect the diversity of the area and training and supervising student educational programme assistants. The research, development and direction of applied theatre programmes for the museum and the Pretoria Flagship Museum, for example, a translation into English and dramatic adaptation of a high school textbook on the Khoekhoen.
- 1979-1988: Speech and drama teacher. Founded own speech and drama studio (Mary Fisher) for individual and group tuition for oral English, matric English literature and tuition of children to adults for grades to licentiate, UNISA and Trinity College, London speech and drama exams. Taught speech and drama as part of the school curriculum to Gr 4 to 7 learners, extra-curricular creative drama classes, Gr 7 English and directed yearly school play including all senior primary pupils at Loreto Convent Junior School, Queenswood, Pretoria.
Student Supervision
Honours
Masters
PhD
Honours
*Research projects published in ‘Investigating Communication, Health and Development: 10 Years of Research in the Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS)’, 2012. (Eds) Durden, E. and Govender, E.
- Itunu Bodurin, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Mbali Mkhwanazi, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Natasha Jagadasan, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Tasmin Paul, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Nonhle Gazu, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Zamashandu Mbatha, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Zama Mazibuko, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Trushka Soni, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Christelle Crickmore, 2013, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Dumisani Mthethwa, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Celani Mkhize, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Samkelsiwe Maseko, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Mbalenhle Mthembu, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Neliswe Motha, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Phoebe Sakarombe, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Zimbini Ncayiyane, 2012, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Dumisani Mthethwa, 2012, Development, Communication and Culture CCMS, UKZN
- Sandisa Nyokana, 2012, Development, Communication and Culture CCMS, UKZN
- Danielle Evans, 2012, Development, Communication and Culture CCMS, UKZN
- Marco Bozza, 2011, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Leanne Benjamin, 2011, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Aliya Karan, 2011, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Marco Bozza, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Lara-Ashleigh Pieterse, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Leanee Benjamin, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Trisha Bamrathen, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Aliya Karan, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Timothy Biggar, 2011, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Luthando Ngema, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Miliswa Magongo, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Ismail Meer, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Wandili Sibisi, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Roanne Peters, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Kamban Hirasen, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Nkululeko Mthiyane*, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Ravindran Valayden, 2010, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Luthando Ngema, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Miliswa Magongo, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Matilimo Selebalo, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Ismail Meer, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Wandile Sibisi, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Roanne Peters, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Kamban Hirasen, 2010, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Sertanya Reddy*, 2009, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Aaliyah Dangor*, 2009, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Bhavya Jeena*, 2009, Communication for Participatory Development, CCMS, UKZN
- Sertanya Reddy, 2009, Development, Communication and Culture, CCMS, UKZN
- Karen Peters, 2008, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Sana Ebrahim, 2008, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Danielle Slabaugh, 2008, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Nasreen Rassool*, 2005, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- M.J. Khan*, 2005, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Carla van Staden*, 2005, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Matt Clark*, 2005, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
- Simon Morgan, 2005, Communication for Social Change, CCMS, UKZN
Masters
- David Leslie, (In progress), A study of the effects of narrative transportation on the general self-efficacy of Cato Manor Youth. (Co-supervisor with Prof L. Dyll)
- Qiniso Mbili, 2024, Benefits and challenges in documenting local oral perceptions of Bakoni tangible heritage through Photovoice. (Co-supervisor with Prof L. Dyll)
PhD
- Butholezwe Kgosi Nyathi, (In progress). An interrogation of power relations and identities in the construction of the cultural public sphere: The case of Bulawayo Arts Festival. (Co-supervisor with Prof S. Gibson)