Talks to set the record straight

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND GALLERY - Last weekend, members of the Khoi community voiced their opinions strongly regarding the exhibits at the Dias Museum during a two-day workshop hosted on the premises.

Participants could also join the sessions on 21 and 22 May virtually on Zoom.

The process is part of the Dias Museum rejuvenation project. According to the facilitator, Nceba Shushu from Isfingo Consulting, the process started in 2015.

PHOTO GALLERY: Dias Museum's rejuvenation project

The Western Cape Department of Culture, Arts and Sports (DCAS) is the custodian of this project.

"What we are doing this weekend, is part of the consultation process. The main purpose is to integrate the history that is not currently written and to attract the local community into the museum. My role is to facilitate this process to ensure there is inclusivity, equality and participation," explained Shushu.

Paramount chief Gail Baadjies expressed her disgruntlement that the museum currently only features Portuguese heritage and history.

VIDEO - Talks at Dias Museum to encourage rejuvenation (Video: Dynasty Media )

"We see this place as the cradle of the Khoi in Mossel Bay. There is nothing of the Khoi, the aboriginal and indigenous people seen here at the museum. The caves at the Point bear our deeds of sale; the writing is on the wall. It is time for history to change and acknowledge who was here first."

Other participants said they felt emotional during the workshops.

One woman said: "I am feeling very emotional about this event. It is painful, reminding us of what has been taken away from us. And it is long overdue, this transformation, which will put us back where we belong in terms of our history and heritage. We need to revisit and rewrite the history books."

She added that the importance of the transformation at the museum was the economical benefit to the indigenous people of Mossel Bay.

Craig and Barbara-Anne Cupido, who referred to themselves as Khoi activists, expressed their excitement about the consultation process which may lead to the historical facts as known to them, being reinstated.

Charles Theunissen, author and expert on local history, in front of one of the exhibits at the Dias Museum.

"This place where we are standing today [Dias Museum] is of great historical value to us," said Craig. Barbara-Anne added: "We see the Khoi as the oppressed nation, but the change is coming and we are playing an active part in it."

Local history gurus Jeremy van Wyk and Charles Theunissen also gave presentations. Theunissen, who wrote several books about the history of Mossel Bay, was instrumental in setting up the first permanent photographic exhibition at the museum in 1996 pertaining to the local community.

A passionate Jeremy van Wyk during his talk. Photos: Dynasty Media