The City of Cape Town is seeking feedback on 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).
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The Khoekhoen education programme and exhibition displays will be integrated into the ongoing construction of a domed educational space modelled after a Khoe dwelling, with exhibitions inside complemented by landscaping.
The public participation process seeks input and comments from key stakeholders such as First Nations groups (e.g., 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 Khoe heritage and culture is respectful, accurate and mindful of the fact that this history belongs to the Khoe, not the City.
The public participation comment period will end in mid-July 2023.
The proposal will be distributed to all sub councils across the City this week for ward councillors’ feedback.
At the following workshops, where members of the public can attend and provide input, the City will present draughts of the Khoekhoen guide, exhibition panels and education lesson plans and activities:
- 13 May 2023: From 11am to 2pm at the Smart Living Education Centre
- 27 May 2023: From 11am to 2pm 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,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
He continued, ‘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 shared about the Khoe be accurate and respectful. I encourage all interested parties to please participate and review the material. We need your input, guidance and knowledge.’
Alderman Andrews explained that the City designed the new dome classroom structure in 2022, with some First Nations Khoe groups serving as key stakeholders.
‘It is important to now also get the First Nations Khoekhoen groups and other stakeholders involved again this time around,’ he said.
The EEG project’s first phase began in December 2020, and more elements, such as the dome-structured classroom, are being added during the current phase.
The design of the dome is inspired by Khoekhoen dwellings and pays homage to their heritage as a first-nation group. The proposed exhibition displays and educational programmes will provide additional context for their history. These components will also connect to the existing Khoe structures and information in the GPP’s Biodiversity Showcase Garden.
The EEG’s goal is to reconnect people, particularly children living in cities, to the environment in a creative and fun way. The addition of the Khoekhoen dome structure, exhibition and lesson elements will improve the EEG’s overall offering to all visitors.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook
