Minister Marais opens new exhibition at Franschhoek Museum

On Saturday 13 April 2019 Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais officially opened the new exhibition of the Huguenot Memorial Museum in Franschhoek.

Prof Pieter Coertzen, author of The Huguenot’s of South Africa 1688-1988, welcomed the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Beverley Schäfer, French Consul General Laurent Amar, descendants of the Huguenots and other notable guests. He shared the historic background from 13 April 1688, when the first ship with Huguenots arrived 331 years ago in Saldanha Bay. The National Chairperson of the Huguenot Society of South Africa, Dr Andrew Kok, gave an overview of the project and the valuable relationship between the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the Huguenot Trust, Museum and Monument boards.

The exhibition is available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and French and is on display in separate rooms in the Saasveld Building with themes that range from flight, sacred scripts, home, family and legacy.

DCAS works to preserve and showcase the rich history and heritage of Western Cape for the benefit of all. BETTER TOGETHER.