People Of Hawston Encouraged To Continue Sharing Their Rich History

It is Sir Terry Pratchett who once said, “People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it is the other way around.”

The small coastal town of Hawston in the Overberg District recently celebrated the rich history and diversity that exists in its various communities. This event was launched by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport Minister, Anroux Marais, on Friday 4 December 2015 as the Oral History Initiative.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), in partnership with the Overstrand Municipality, held this event as a celebration of history, where stories were told by people from different backgrounds with different experiences. These stories ranged from the stories of the fishing community and their experiences on the water and other more serious stories, to stories that can be told around the campfire to provide everyone with a good laugh.

Minister Marais encouraged the guests attending the launch as well as the various communities in Hawston to keep telling their stories as these stories were significantly relevant to making a change in communities. “I have considered the mandates and responsibilities of the Department thoroughly. After various meetings with various interested parties, this Oral History Initiative had become a vision, and now officially, has become a reality. There is no better way to bring us all closer together than listening to one another and sharing our life stories. I encourage you to tell your stories, regardless of your age, religion, cultural background or political affiliation. I am convinced that Oral History through storytelling will contribute to social inclusion and be a celebration of our diversity”, she said.

Let us all be a part of the Western Cape’s rich diversity, and preserve the stories of the past for future generations BETTER TOGETHER.