City seeks public input on KhoeKhoen materials and resources
17 April 2023
The City is calling on Cape Town residents and
all interested parties to comment on the proposed Khoekhoen materials and
resources to be used as general information, exhibition displays, education
lesson plans and activities inside the new domed educational space at the
City’s Experiential Education Garden (EEG) development in Green Point Park
(GPP).
The Khoe education programme and exhibition displays will form part of the current construction of a domed educational space imitating a Khoe dwelling, with exhibitions inside complemented by landscaping.
The purpose of the public participation process is to solicit input and comments from key stakeholders, such as the First Nations Groups (e.g. the Khoekhoen descendants), and all other residents who may be interested. This is to ensure that the information the City intends to convey to visitors about the heritage and culture of the Khoe is respectful, accurate and mindful of the fact that this history does not belong to the City, but to the Khoe.
The commenting period for the public participation will conclude by mid-July 2023. This week the proposal will be distributed to all Subcouncils across the city for ward councillors' comments.
The City will present drafts of the KhoeKhoen guide, exhibition panels and education lesson plans and activities at the following workshops where members of the public can attend and will be given an opportunity to provide input:
- 13 May 2023: from 11:00 to 14:00 at the Smart Living Education Centre
- 27 May 2023: from 11:00 to 14:00 at the Smart Living Education Centre
And a public open day:
- 10 June 2023: from 11:00 to 16:00 at the Smart Living Education Centre
'The intention of the Khoe learning materials is to improve history learning by focusing on cultural heritage and local history. Local history is very meaningful and can provide our communities with a sense of pride and a renewed sense of belonging and inclusivity. However, it is critical that the information that is shared about the Khoe is accurate and respectful. I encourage all interested parties to please participate, and to review the material. We need your input, guidance, and knowledge. The City designed the new dome classroom structure in 2022 and involved some of the First Nations Khoe groups as key stakeholders in the process. It is important to now also get the First Nations Khoekhoen groups, and other stakeholders involved again this time around,' said the City's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
The first phase of the EEG project was launched in December 2020 and during the current phase, more elements, such as the dome structured classroom, is being added . The dome's design references the dwellings of the Khoekhoen and pays tribute to their heritage as a first nations group. The proposed exhibition displays and educational programmes will further relay their history. These components will also link to the current Khoe structures and information in the Biodiversity Showcase Garden in the GPP.
The aim of the EEG is to reconnect people and especially children, living in a city, to the environment in a creative and fun way. The addition of the KhoeKhoen dome structure; exhibition and lesson elements will further enhance the EEG's offering to all visitors.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
