Museum Brings Attention to Our Slave History | Western Cape Government

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Museum Brings Attention to Our Slave History

7 December 2012

Members of the community deepened their knowledge about slavery when the George Museum commemorated Emancipation Day on Monday, 3 December 2012.

Slavery forms a part of our universal heritage. An education programme hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Social Development and Correctional Services in George and others showcased the history of slavery in the knowledge that being able to move forward requires a clear understanding of the past.

Grade 7 learners from Thylolora, Kretzenhoop and Blanco Primary Schools in George gained valuable additions to their knowledge of this important part of the school curriculum. An ex-offender spoke about his experience in prison, and artists entertained the audience with poetry and music.

The Southern Cape has a deep connection with the history of slavery. The first Slave Anniversary Memorial was erected at Elim near Bredasdorp on 1 December 1938 to commemorate the centenary of the emancipation of slaves in the Cape Colony. Slaves were sold in front of the George Museum on a piece of land that has been renamed “Unity Park”. Ms Thozama Ngcoko of the museum said the rich history of the area makes everyone proud to live in George.

The Department has decided that, from 2012, all affiliated museums in the province will commemorate Emancipation Day on 1 December every year. It is evident that the George Museum event heightened people’s awareness of the important role of slavery in our shared history

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux

Directorate: Communication

Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport

Tel: 021 483 9730

Email: Annerie.Pruis@westerncape.gov.za