Traces of Lithuanian History in South Africa Diaspora
The Lithuanian Archive of Literature and Art has successfully implemented a unique project aimed at uncovering the history of the Lithuanian and Jewish diaspora in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). During the Cape Town expedition, more than 300 copies of archival document files were identified, digitized, and brought back to Lithuania. These documents are an invaluable resource that enriches research sources on the diaspora and Jewish history.
Unique collections from the Kaplan Centre Archive at the University of Cape Town:
- Kowno Hebrew Friendly Society Archive and other related collections (e.g., Vilno Society Papers, Dvinsk Society Miscellany), related to Lithuanian Jewish communities.
- Beth Hamedrash D’Ponovez Material – documents related to the activities of the Panevėžys Yeshiva.
- Lithuanian Papers – documents reflecting the history of Lithuanian emigration.
- Kaplan Centre Oral History Collection – oral testimonies available only to specialized researchers due to copyright restrictions.
- Various personal, family, and society archives, such as Bazil Frank Papers, Gwynne Schrire Papers, and South African Friends of Beit Hatfutsot.
Key documents from the Western Cape Archives and Records Service:
- Principal Immigration Officer collection (1903–1961) – includes copies of entry permits to South Africa for individuals connected to Lithuania.
- Cape Colonial Office collection – naturalization registers dating back to 1852, containing detailed records of Lithuanian immigrants, including their names, ages, places of residence, occupations, and dates of naturalization.
"This project is a unique opportunity not only to document moments in the history of the Lithuanian and Jewish diaspora but also to provide researchers and the public with a deeper understanding of these communities' lives and their contributions to South African society," said Saulius Zubrys, Director of the Lithuanian Archive of Literature and Art.
The project has also contributed to expanding the Lithuanian Archive of Literature and Art's collection No. 869, titled "Collection of Documents of South African Jews (Litvaks) and Persons of Lithuanian Descent." The digitization of documents was conducted directly at South African memory institutions.
Special thanks go to diplomat Dr. Dainius Junevičius for his significant contribution and professional leadership in implementing this project, which has enriched research sources on Lithuanian diaspora and Jewish history. Additional gratitude is extended to The Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies for its dedicated collaboration and for ensuring access to valuable archival documents.
Digitized photographs and documents are being made publicly available under a memorandum signed between The Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies (under the University of Cape Town’s broader Special Collections Libraries and Archives) and the Lithuanian Archive of Literature and Art.
The project is funded by
Last updated: 22-05-2026