Minister Anroux Marais launches Khoekhoe geo-name brochure on Human Rights Day

On 21 March 2017 the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais launched a brochure about Western Cape geographical names that originate from the Khoekhoe heritage. The Khoekhoe people are prominent examples of our shared heritage and acknowledging them contributes to the survival of their legacy for future generations.

Prof Mawande Diali, Deputy Chairman of the Western Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (WCPGNC) proudly embraced the work done on the brochure. “We have been working on this for quite some time. I think other provinces will learn from what we have done,” he said. Social historian and poet, Khadija Heeger, honoured Krotoa and her descendants by delivering a touching version of Ma se kind. Mxolisi Dlamuka, Director of Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names was passionate about the transformation of the heritage landscape in the province and acknowledged the extensive research done by Anita van der Merwe.

Minister Marais delivered a powerful message and said that many geographical names in the province derived from the Khoekhoe heritage. She stressed the value of the restoration of these names. “The launch of the Khoekhoe geographical names brochure today is testament to the progress that has been made and the significant strides the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has taken in transforming our heritage landscape in the Western Cape so that it is more inclusive of all who call it home,” she said.

Significantly, the launch was held under trees next to a stream at the Platteklip Wash House where laundresses plied their trade in the previous century.

The brochure is available online.

DCAS nurtures the historical role of our geographical names and encourages communities to embrace its significance. Let’s preserve our shared heritage for future generations – BETTER TOGETHER.