GEORGE NEWS - The Outenikwastat Indigenous Peoples Forum met with local beauty Alexandra Swarts, a finalist in the Miss Teen Commonwealth SA contest, on Sunday 17 May to explain the history of Blanco and the devastating effect that forced removals have had on family life in the area.
After meeting Alexandra, Aldred Kafoen, the programme director of the African Renaissance Initiatives' Africa Day celebration, said, "Our local girl will definitely win the contest and when she gets to London for the finals and she meets the Queen we want her to be able to tell Her Majesty about the indigenous nations of South Africa."
"The talk was very intense and they are passionate about their history. I am young and have a lot of reading up to do before I pass comment, but I promise to tell Her Majesty should I meet her," said Swarts.
The Africa Day celebration will take place at the old Platbrugdrift picnic site on the banks of the Malgas River near the Witfontein Nature Reserve from 23 to 25 May.
Aldred Kafoen (yellow jersey) and fellow members of the Outenikwastat Indigenous Forum explain the history of the area to Alexandra Swarts.
The organising committee of the Africa Day celebration. Back from left are: Benme Madumane, Denzil Gelderbloem, Alexandra Swarts, Aldred Kafoen and Hein Scheepers. Front: Edward Uithaler, Simon Nyoka and Edward Exstraal.
ARTICLE AND PICTURES: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST.
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