The Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) has cautioned that unresolved trauma remains one of the most urgent yet under-resourced challenges in our democracy. The organisation has cautioned that unless trauma is addressed, its impact will continue to shape individuals, communities, policies, and the country’s future.
Michael Lapsley, founder of IHOM says, “unresolved trauma does not disappear. It silently shapes our families, our communities, our politics, and our economies. If we do not address it, the pain of the past is carried forward. South Africa, with its past and recurring issues, has much need for healing as a nation.”
Founded in 1998 to run in parallel to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), IHOM has worked for over 25 years to create safe spaces for individuals and communities to share their stories, confront trauma, and begin the process of healing and reconciliation.
IHOM’s work is still relevant, recognising that the work of trauma healing extends across borders and transcends generations, communities, and economies IHOM continues to respond to the realities of trauma, acknowledging that unresolved experiences can profoundly impact individuals, communities, and society as a whole, both now and for generations to come.
To date, more than half a million South Africans have participated in IHOM’s programmes’ and activities. These include healing of memories workshops and follow ups (reunions and second phase workshops), community healing dialogues, the restoring humanity youth project, psychosocial support (counselling session) and the knowledge hub. These programmes have supported refugees, prisoners, ex-combatants, survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking, people living with HIV/Aids, people with disabilities, educators, and faith communities.
Violence against women and children continue to create trauma in our communities. The high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide are a major source of trauma. A 2024 survey by the HSRC revealed that a third of South African women over 18 have experienced physical violence in their lifetime. Between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered, and over 10 000 rapes were reported. FA 2024 Statistics South Africa report showed that rape cases for children increased by 6.3% between 2015/16 and 2019/20.
Xenophobia and its impact remain a traumatic experience for many foreign nationals.
Given South Africa’s violent past and christening as a “rainbow nation” that is pro-Pan Africanism, xenophobic violence has become worse over the years. The reputation of South Africa has been severely damaged by these violent acts. Following the highly publicized xenophobic incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019, many foreign nationals were displaced, their businesses were looted, and several people died. There are many other traumatic experiences that remain unresolved in the country, including human trafficking, the treatment of ex-combatants, youth, people with disabilities, people living with and affected by HIV/Aids, and interfaith issues.
The Healing of Memories methodology, first developed alongside the TRC, has been implemented internationally in more than 25 countries Research highlights the need for the work of organisations such as the IHOM. The South African Human Rights Commission (2018) noted the need for “a journey of addressing tensions and facilitating both healing and social cohesion.” Scholars have confirmed that unresolved trauma continues to drive cycles of violence, division, and re-traumatisation.
“Our vision is to build a society where the past no longer dictates the future, where compassion, justice, and healing create the foundation for our communities,” says Michael. “This work requires sustained support, to ensure the healing of our nation. We want to prevent the extension of trauma experiences to the next generation and work towards breaking the cycle of dehumanisation, by which victims frequently become victimisers. Our aim is to contribute towards healing and restoring hope to marginalised individuals and communities.”
In November this year, the IHOM will host a fundraising event to raise funds to support its work. To support, visit https://healing-memories.org/