The city of Grahamstown marks 200 years of its existence this year and Makana Municipality, with her partners, will observe this historic milestone through storytelling, music, dance, reflection and imagination.
The city of Grahamstown marks 200 years of its existence this year and Makana Municipality, with her partners, will observe this historic milestone through storytelling, music, dance, reflection and imagination.
It cannot be denied that the town was born out of blood and war during the colonial wars between the British, Xhosas and Khoisan at some stage, and in the past 200 years the city has been characterised by the good, the bad and the ugly.
But these events are what have made us who we are as the people of Makana. As we look back with tears, grief and sorrow, let us look forward with hope as we imagine what the future holds.
This year will be used to try and build a strong sense of community, where we can all renew our commitment to assisting each other in making our municipality genuinely “a great place to be”. The main focus of this year of observation is to encourage all citizens to tell their own stories.
All residents are encouraged to participate to ensure that the history of our town is inclusive. We invite everyone to reflect on their own histories and make contributions to the different themes for every month.
The money spent on the project will be mostly spent on community members who propose and design events, projects and programmes.
On 18 February 2012, on Church Square at 11am we will be launching the Project 200 Years. The proceedings of the day will start at the Drostdy Lawns, where participants will assemble and embark on a street parade from Somerset Street down High Street, and come to an end at the Church Square for a street carnival for young and old. None of us were present when the town came into being 200 years ago and surely might not agree with some of the things that happened, but now we all have an opportunity to be part of how the new bicentenary will be. Take part in making Makana a great place to be!
Zamuxolo Peter, Executive Mayor
