Anniversary heralds R30m upgrade

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There was a good turnout at the Dias Maritime Museum when the 33rd anniversary of the museum complex was celebrated on 3 February.

Exciting times are ahead for the museum as it is undergoing a revamp. This, as explained on the day, will include diverse exhibitions.

Michael Janse van Rensburg of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) acted as the programme director. Janse van Rensburg is the director of Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names at the department. He has been with DCAS since 2017, formerly serving as as deputy director of Museum Services.

Alderman Dirk Kotzé, executive mayor of Mossel Bay, pointed out in his address that museums were symbols of adventure, as they allowed us to discover what those before us did and what they achieved.

"Also, to me, the museum has always been a symbol of new beginnings," Kotzé said.

As for its contribution to tourism, Kotzé said the museum had always been a drawcard and that its marketability was paramount.

He thanked the Western Cape government for its investment of R30 million over the next three years to develop and safeguard the museum.

This will include proper fire protection, among others.

Carlos Gomes da Silva, the Portuguese Educational and Cultural Councillor elaborated on the important relationship between Portugal and South Africa, due to Dias landing in Mosel Bay. He said this caused the museum to have a special place in the minds of Portuguese people.

Following the formal programme, the highlight of the day was the cutting of the huge birthday cake, which can provide up to 1 200 pieces.

Executive mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé (third from right) cuts the birthday cake. Photographed with him are (from left) Mbulelo Mrubata (museum manager), Carlos Gomes da Silva (Portuguese Educational and Cultural Councillor), Councillor Anton Dellemijn (Mossel Bay Municipality), Petronel Baard (performer), Harold Muller (chairman, Museum Management Committee), Michael Janse van Rensburg (DCAS) and Denise Lloyd (chair, Friends of the Museum). Photos: Jannie du Plessis