GEORGE - A proposal for the creation of a lifelike, interactive cultural heritage centre at the old crocodile farm in George, is causing quite a stir. Last week George Mayor, Mercia Draghoender and the Departments of Local Economic Development and Planning were briefed by the centre’s proponents and promised to give it their due consideration.
The life-size centre will aim to portray all the local cultures of yesteryear, showcasing the day to day life of the 1800s. The proposal promotes the establishment of the centre at the old crocodile farm, but will also welcome any other functional and prominent location.

Join hands
George Town: A Cultural Heritage Centre, is the brain child of Professor Francois Hanekom from Tria Konsult, presently a specialist advisor and facilitator on development, environmental and tourism projects.
He believes George Town is an invitation to everyone in the city to join hands. "The city of George is turning 200 next year. It would be a unique gift to all its citizens if the local authority has accepted the concept of a heritage centre by then."
Hanekom is supported in his endeavours by Destiny Africa’s Fred Brown, Hylton Langeveldt from the Khoi Heritage Foundation and Annatjie Olivier from Skapar Facilitation.

George needs wow factor
Hanekom says as far as tourism in the Southern Cape is concerned, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Oudtshoorn all have unique selling points, but George is merely seen as the administrative capital with very little to lure visitors to town. "Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of a multi-billion dollar international industry. Not only will the centre attract tourists, it will also have a unifying effect on the community and provide ongoing employment."

Real activities
The George Town concept is no museum, but wants to recreate the built environment and activities from the past. Replicas or facades of barber shops, saloons, churches, schools, blacksmiths, stables - any structures from the past, will be erected to create the cultural centre. The features and activities of 200 years ago will be brought to life in a vivid way showcasing shelter, transport, safety, food, clothing, religious and social activities - all the aspects of everyday life.
"Actors" in period costume will portray individuals from the era going about their daily tasks in an authentic way. This would include growing and preparing food; tending livestock; music, art, dramas and shows; educational activities; the making and use of tools; traditional customs and religion and many others. Apart from contemporary menus, the restaurants in the centre will also offer traditional period dishes.

Job creation
If accepted, the centre will provide for continued participation from all sectors of the community, ensuring many people receive a regular income and develop their cultural pride.
After a visit to Williamsburg in America, Hanekom was inspired to create a similar cultural centre for George. "The official Williamsburg website reports over four million people visit the cultural town every year. This could also happen in George."

To give your input re George Town, visit www.georgeherald.com.
 
Article and photos: Ilse Schoonraad


The George Town proponents are from the left Annatjie Olivier from Skapar Facilitation, Prof. Francois Hanekom from Tria Konsult and Destiny Africa’s Fred Brown. Absent: Hylton Langeveldt from the Khoi Heritage Foundation.