DCAS launches the ‘Power of the dream’ from Robben Island to Rio exhibit

On 19 September 2017, the Minister of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, opened a new travelling museum exhibition titled “Power of the Dream”. The exhibition was put together in a collaborative effort between the University of the Western Cape, Robben Island Mayibuye Archives and DCAS. This is part of an ongoing effort to digitize and make the sport heritage of Robben Island more accessible to the public.

Aptly launched in Heritage Month, the exhibition shows the journey of sport from Robben Island in 1896 to The Rio Olympics in 2016. With 23 panels the visually appealing exhibition tells the tale of the highlights of South Africa’s relationship with the Olympic Games over the last 113 years.

The Head of Department of DCAS, Brent Walters opened proceedings and welcomed guests to the launch. “The exhibition tells a story of successful champions through the ages. It also tells a story of exclusion, alternative sport and South Africa’s expulsion from world sport and finding our freedom and triumphant return to the Olympic Games. Ultimately it is about the story of making dreams come true.” said Walters during his welcome address.

Professor Marion Keim from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sport Science and Development at UWC, said the opening of this exhibition has really been a dream come true. “The exhibition actually shows us the importance of looking back at Robben Island not only as a place of suffering but also a place of heritage and triumph”. She concluded by saying that sport played a very important role in the quest for freedom and democracy.  In1967 the first official games were played on Robben Island.

Minister Marais delivered the key note address where she said that sport has the profound ability to bring about real change in our country. “Today we launch the Power of the Dream to show how people are shaped by stories, especially untold stories.” she said.

DCAS continues to develop exhibitions to enable communities to tell their stories. Communities should support their museums to preserve these memories. Let us continue to preserve the province’s shared heritage BETTER TOGETHER.