Keeping Our Heritage Alive Through Oral History | Western Cape Government

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Keeping Our Heritage Alive Through Oral History

19 April 2016

Sharing the personal histories of residents of Gouda and Saron was the highlight of the Oral History event that took place in Gouda on 18 April 2016. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in partnership with Drakenstein Municipality, hosted the second Oral History roll-out event since the launch of the initiative on 4 December 2016.

The goal of the initiative is to ensure that personal histories and experiences of the Western Cape are kept alive in communities so that future generations can celebrate their heritage and history. Guests were treated to videos in which residents of communities within the Western Cape spoke of their personal histories, such as the herbs and traditional medicines that were used to heal ailments in the past.

Rachel Beerwinkel from Saron, and Caroline Beukes from Gouda took part in the programme for the morning, sharing stories of their lives in the small communities in which they grew up and lived. Heidi Jacobs, a young student from Gouda who attended the event, said that the Oral History programme is important as it reminds the younger generation of their heritage. "With some of the challenges that we face today, it is the stories of the older people in our community that remind us of what they faced, and how they overcame issues they had in the past", said Heidi.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais attended the event, and said that she looked forward to hearing more stories from different communities. "Sharing your stories is significantly relevant to making a positive change in our communities", said Minister Marais.

The Oral History initiative will be rolled out to various communities in the Western Cape, including the West Coast (Bergrivier Municipality), Eden, Metropole and Central Karoo. 

DCAS preserves the stories of the past for future generations. Communities should support the department in their aim to tell untold stories. Let us celebrate our past and build our future BETTER TOGETHER.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za