Municipality encourages living history project
2009-10-01
THE Drakenstein Municipality has signed a 25 year lease agreement with the De Poort Heritage Centre which will develop 5,3 hectares of commonage in Suider Paarl as a heritage village. Between 1998 and 2000, public meetings were held to discuss the future of the site in Turk Street. The idea was adopted that the sites would be utilised as a heritage site which could be to the benefit of all residents within the Drakenstein area, by ensuring employment, skills development and business opportunities. It would focus on the heritage of transport vehicles and carriage making, for which Paarl and Wellington were renowned in the 19th century. De Poort Heritage Village was established during 2001 as a Section 21 company. The De Poort Heritage Centre, of which the first phase has already been erected, will preserve and exploit, for the benefit of all, a common industrial worker heritage, which is inclusive and reconciliatory. The project will also act as a catalyst to draw more visitors to Drakenstein, stimulate an economic multiplier effect and encourage preservation and transfer of heritage skills by training. The goals of this project are to create a living history experience which is exciting, different and interactive. They will also strive to create a fun place for visitors that attracts, engages, entertains, enlightens and informs, provide a venue for wholesome family entertainment and create an environment for sustainable job creation and business. The project will eventually provide about 200 sustainable job opportunities in small, medium and micro enterprises on and off site. It will also enable BEE crafters and artisans to succeed, because there is a good tourism footfall and repeat visits to ensure sustainability. Mobile heritage craft sales outlets will be provided and will bring urban renewal to depressed areas close to tourism routes. Said municipal manager Dr Sidima Kabanyane, “The De Poort heritage Village will help heal the divisions of the past by using a common inclusive industrial heritage and interaction with a living past to create linkages nationwide and awareness of a rapidly disappearing heritage.”
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