Sarah Bartmann Centre of Remembrance

PHOTO CAPTION: At a progress update on the Sarah Bartmann Centre of Remembrance were Clr Thandeka Maseti, Sam Mahatlane (Director in the Office of the Arts & Culture Minister), Clr Luks Ntshiza, Clr Virginia Camealio-Benjamin and Irwin Langeveld (Senior Manager: Heritage Projects at Arts & Culture).

R168-million heritage boost

Construction of the Sarah Bartmann Centre of Remembrance at Hankey will commence as soon as the Department of Agriculture gives the green light.

The R168-million centre is set to be built on land across the road from the burial site of Khoisan icon Sarah Bartmann.

At a briefing session between the Department of Arts & Culture and Kouga Municipality last week, it was reported that the Department of Agriculture had not yet given the go-ahead for the subdivision and rezoning of the intended site from its current zoning, “Agriculture 1”, to “Special Zone” for heritage and conservation purposes. In terms of legislation this approval is necessary before construction can begin.

However, Irwin Langeveld, Senior Manager: Heritage Project at Arts & Culture, said his team was optimistic that the contractor would be on site  before the end of the year.

“Our aim is September, but there might be a slight delay depending on how quickly the procurement processes can be finalised,” he said.

Tenders from contractors are expected to be invited by latest July. The professional team, including an exhibition planner, will also be appointed during this period.

Langeveld said construction would take approximately 29 months due to the “size and complexity” of the project. This puts the expected completion date at early 2015.

The centre will consist of two museums, one that pays homage to Sarah Bartmann and the other to the Khoisan. Other features include an indigenous garden and nursery.

He said extensive bulk infrastructure work would also be undertaken, including the upgrading of the R330. An underpass will also be built to connect the burial site to the rest of the centre.

Kouga Executive Mayor Booi Koerat said the municipality was looking forward to the project.

“Not only will it capture an important aspect of our past, it will set the tone for the future of Hankey. A significant portion of the funding will go towards skills development so that locals can benefit from the jobs that will be created during the construction period.

“The centre will also give tourists a good reason to stop and spend time in Hankey, which will help to grow the economy and create long-term, sustainable business opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” he said.