Community steps up to reclaim Pacaltsdorp’s proud history

GEORGE NEWS - Pacaltsdorp's rich cultural and historical heritage, largely neglected over the years, may in the near future come to fulfil its potential as a must-visit tourist attraction in George.

However, it all depends on whether a group of passionate people can raise enough funds to do the necessary restoration and upgrades.

A historical tour on 2 August, attended by key figures, highlighted the hidden treasures of this cultural landscape and the value in restoring the historical sites to a state where tourists can be accommodated not only on cultural tours, but also for weddings and functions and in guest houses and restaurants - all with sustainable income-generating potential in a tourism setting.

Under trying circumstances over the last four years, the Women in Action group, attached to the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Pacaltsdorp and driven by Harriet Saayman and Yvonne van Heerden, have already raised more than R112 000 for the much-needed renovation and restoration of the Acorn Hall.

Among the group of eight were George Heritage Trust chairperson Willie-John van Niekerk, the national portfolio committee chairperson of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, and the Transnet Museum's manager, Samke Kunene.

The historical stone church in Pacaltsdorp dates back to 1825.

The Pacaltsdorp Church Meander was centred around the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa's old stone church, the headstones of some of the town's founding fathers, Captain Dikwe's ('Dikkop') grave and fascinating accounts of life in Outeniqualand 400 years ago - the wealth of largely Khoi history that underpin these historical sites. Van Niekerk said the area's water fountains are noted in Jan van Riebeeck's archives as far back as 1660, and for a number of years from 1886 and from 1974 until the dawn of our nation's democracy, Pacaltsdorp was the only coloured-run municipality in the southern hemisphere.

Inside the church's architecturally exquisite stone walls is the original 200-year-old pulpit from which the church's very first sermon was delivered when it officially opened its doors on 25 August 1825. It also still houses the original more than 200-year-old barrel organ that is still in working order and was once featured on the popular Afrikaans lifestyle TV show, Pasella. Another notable feature of the church is the Gothic Revival style windows that are beautifully lit up by light from the outside.

Winston Junies on his knees while sharing some of the stone church congregation’s historical practices.

McGluwa highlighted our roots were in arts and culture, and said the stone church building was a marriage between the past and the future, which must stay.

"The church needs to play a role in culture and heritage. We need to address the issue of our unique stories dying, such as the ones told on these historical tours," he said.

He added that government was not doing enough for the department's arts and culture elements.

Local tour guide Winston Julies punctuated the importance of bringing tourism back to this church so that they can tell tourists what the Pacaltsdorp community was proud of. From the many stories shared on the tour emerged agreement that with a bit of funding and astute management of the sites, including maintenance, the history of Pacaltsdorp could become a major tourist attraction in the Southern Cape.

A festival is planned for this coming Heritage Day to showcase Pacaltsdorp's rich cultural heritage.

Winston Junies and Mario Alaart have a closer look at the more than 200 year old barrel organ in the stone church.

Winston Junies, Ken Gie, Mario Alaart, Joe McGluwa, Samke Kunene, Azola Bidi, Willie-John van Niekerk and Trevor Ankiewicz inspect the headstones next to the stone church.