Central Library’s 2nd Annual Heritage Festival 22-23 September 2015
Central Library
was very proud to once again host the Heritage Festival, 2nd year
running. The theme of this year’s event focussed on Indigenous Knowledge
through language, food, games, music and story-telling which was a common
thread throughout the event.
The event
consisted of display tables and scheduled talks.
The exhibitors:
ABA TE – ‘Carry
Me’
It is an
organisation that promotes Indigenous Language, Culture, Games, Music and so
much more. They have been featured in local newspapers as they have hosted many
markets and workshops around the city, namely the Slave Church in Long Street
as well as the Castle of Good Hope. My contact person: Carlo Randall is also
well versed with the natural medicines found on Table Mountain. He gave an
insightful talk on these herbs but also on Indigenous Games and why it is
necessary to preserve them. Carlo was joined by Collyn Meyer who demonstrated
how to use a mouth bow and how to make one as well. Bradley van Sitters
astounded the audience with his knowledge and practice of the Nama Language
which got into an interesting debate about why the Nama language is not been
recognised as an official language.
Fatima Sydow
Well known Cape Town cook and Food Magician
was a breath of fresh air as she inspired would be foodies with her
recollection of her favourite recipes including her journey to “discover” the
koeksister as she is only familiar with the koesister. She explained how she
met a “Tannie” who was staying on a farm who shared her love story of the
koeksister and other favourite delicacies. Her time at Central was not in vain
as she got orders from the patrons who attended the event. Linda Fortune – Author and Tour Guide
Linda Fortune’s Memory Box surprised many students, learners and the general public with the Memory box, called the House in Tyne Street based on her book by the same name. The miniature box brought the book back to life and it was provided a familiar history to those who visited her display. She spoke about her memories being Forcibly Removed from District Six. There were learners who saw her as a brilliant resource for their projects on Apartheid.
Woman Zone
This
organisation consisting of 13 women story-tellers provided our patrons with a
wonderful recollection of their individual stories and equally the importance
of story-telling. One of our regular story-tellers, Phillippa Kabali Kagwa and
Sylvia Gangat who feature in the book , Being Woman in Cape Town shared their
stories with us. Woman Zone expressed their willingness to be a apart of any
future story-telling events we have at Central and would like to forge a
partnership with Central Library.
The National
Library of South Africa
NLSA did not
have a vocal presence in the form of any talks for the two days but their
presence was equally powerful and welcomed by the visiting public. They ensured
us that they will be more than willing to be part of this event in the future.
Next year’s
theme will be: Marine and Natural Heritage
