Living legends of Drakenstein
2006-12-14
WE looked for living legends, stories that will come true for our children’s children.
This is how André Smith of Koinonia Community Centre in Paarl described the oral history project that took them more than a year to complete. They took some young fieldworkers and sent them to some of the most revered icons in the community.
“We want to bring back our people’s dignity and also conserve the stories for the community,” Smith explained.
“We thank you for allowing in your lives - that we could sit at your feet.”
The project was done in conjunction with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. The stories were included in a booklet that will be available at museums and libraries in Drakenstein.
The project will be followed up with a story-telling camp early in the new year.
Charlotte Cupido of Wellington was interviewed by Leandi-Afton Claasen.
“My sole intention for this interview with Miss Cupido was to get a scoop of this woman’s extraordinary life, but little did I know that this interview would turn into a story of such grandeur and vivid detail.”
Leandi-Afton tells the story of a woman who dedicated her life to the arts and teaching.
After 50 years of teaching she retired at Berg River Secondary in 1989 at the age of 65.
She is 84 years old and still living as if there is no tomorrow. What is her secret, one would wonder.
“I am successful, I have no worries, I live a balanced life, I exercise, I don’t allow people to upset me, I move away from fighting.”
Selwin Adams spoke to another Wellingtonner: Henry Jones.
He took up boxing as young boy; he built up his physique by picking up heavy rocks. Because of a lack of boxing competition, however, he developed an increasing interest in body-building and weightlifting.
Henry’s first big success as a body-builder came in 1959 when he stole the show by winning the Mr Body Beautiful title in the Woodstock town hall.
In 1959, he took part in the Mr South Africa competition for the first time, in the Kimberley town hall. There, he gained second place.
The next year, in 1960, Henry won first place in the sought-after Mr South Africa body-building competition in Johannesburg.
Henry entered various divisions in the Mr Universe competition and walked away with the “Short Man” title and with second place in the “Under 6 foot 6 inches” division.
And then Henry was awarded official Springbok colours, becoming one of the first coloured people to become a Springbok.
The next year, in 1964, Henry left for Paris, France, and won the Mr Universe title for the second year running.
At the age of 71, Henry is still enjoying good health, living in the Abbeyfield Home in Joubert Street, Wellington, where he plays an active role in the care of the elderly.
Irene de Waal, also from Wellington, was interviewed by Anele Ngxata.
The story of Irene de Waal is one of endurance and of perseverance. It is a story of compassion and of undaunted belief in life. And of the hope that this holds for each of us.
Irene qualified as a general nursing sister at Groote Schuur Hospital. It was here that her passion for people, particularly for people in need, took root.
Irene believed that the dawning of the New South Africa was the start of great things for the country. It meant that she could use her influence, skills and expertise effectively to the benefit of all the people of our country.
This she puts into practice especially in her daily involvement with the Wamakersvallei training centre, where especially unemployed (and, in many cases, abused) women get a second chance in life.
From Mbekweni comes the story of Lizzy Nomaliso Phike, as told to Crystal Welgemoed.
This is the story of an ordinary woman who became extraordinary.
Through trials and tribulations in the darkest years of her life, she rose triumphantly by living by the simple rule of never setting one’s own limits.
She dedicated much of her life to trade unionism and the youth. Nothing gave her a greater sense of purpose than seeing someone she knew realise their full potential.
With 17 years of hard-earned experience in the trade union sector she represents farm workers in cases against them and even acts as a translator.
She fights for her people’s rights and remains their pillar of strength and courage.
Last, but definitely not the least, is Dan September from Saron.
Chrystal Welgemoed and Selwin Adams talked to this remarkable man.
At 76 years of age, he can be described as someone who has, in no uncertain terms, made his mark in his community.
Oom Dan was born in Saron, but as a young man striving for a better future, he moved to Cape Town where he worked for the Cape Town municipality.
Because of poor health reasons, Oom Dan was declared unfit for work in 1969, at 39 years of age, and he and his wife moved back to Saron.
Even though he was retired, Oom Dan still became involved in the Saron agricultural projects in 1970 and in part-time vehicle repair work for extra income.
Thus he began playing a remarkable role in the Saron community, helping with the education of people in agriculture and with agricultural upgrading as well as with the integration of Scheme 2, otherwise known as the Hex Valley Dam.
More
News
|
