"The Age of Hope" Inspires the Concept & Design for the Age of Hope Trophy

The Age of Hope Trophy

Every great leader the world over has used a staff - whether it be for guiding a nation or for fighting in battle. It has served, supported and helped them well in difficult times to lead and inspire with Hope. The forefathers of our country fought, led and inspired Hope with a staff or the traditional 'knob-kierrie'.

A staff can support and guide one through difficult and testing terrains. With it - one can overcome the high mountains of challenge and the wide plains of doubt. Without it - one can stumble, falter, fall and fail. A wooden staff - as with Hope - can only support and inspire for as long as it is nourished and kept in good condition, for without essential oils or positive thought both can breakdown and lead to dispair.

I have chosen the indigenous wooden knob-kierrie as the staff to symbolise Hope?.

The Kiaat wooden shaft is indigenous to South Africa. It symbolises both the strength and fragility of Hope. Hope can be such a courageous quality in difficult times, but it can also falter and lead to dispair if it is not nourished with faith, dedication and optimism. If the wood is left uncared for, it will eventually crack and weaken. But, if it is cared for and regularily rubbed with essential oils - its strenght will remain and support the individual into and past any difficulties on this path of life.

The fusion cut-glass crown symbolises the head of a traditional knob-kierrie. It represents dreams and inspirations which characterise Hope. The patterning is reminiscent of the king protea - indigenous to the Western Cape, and the patterns found on our national parlimentary emblem.

The granite base of the Age of Hope Trophy symbolises grounding the loftiness of Hope and maintaing a rational mind when all else is waivering.

The recipients of these Awards are the recognised leaders in their respective fields. Inspiring and supporting their colleagues, the peoples in our communities and our nation at large with Hope and perservance to overcome and triumph above the ever present difficulties we face as individuals and as a nation. These accolades for the Arts, Culture, Heritage, Libraries and Archives Services are the perfect platform to bring about and inaugurate "the new age of Hope" with a strong fitting symbol of excellence.

For further information
Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
http://www.westerncape.gov.za/culture_sport
Protea Assurance House
Green Market Square, Cape Town
Private Bag X9067, Cape Town, 8001
Telephone no: +27 021 483 9730
Fax no: +27 021 483 9711
Email: apruis@pgwc.gov.za