Let a thousand voices be heard, talking history
Plett Tourism is excited to introduce a new highlight on the Plett calendar of events, the Watercourse History Fest in Plett, 13 – 15 February 2020.
Local media and development consultant and publisher of the Watermark Press series, Mike Kantey, is the festival director and impresario of the first history festival in Plettenberg Bay.
The first Watercourse History Fest in Plett offers a variety of programmes for both residents and visitors to experience the Southern Cape’s unique cultural heritage and historical resources. The Watercourse Media & Development Company has developed a schedule designed to tell the story of early modern humans and the ‘first people’ of the Southern Cape during this community-wide event. Many of the events are free of charge unless otherwise stated.
Plett offers a variety of programmes for both residents and visitors to experience our unique cultural and historical heritage. The organisers have developed three days of presentations and debate to introduce two eras in Southern Cape history: the period of early modern humans and that of so-called ‘first people’, otherwise known as Khoekhoen and Bushmen.
Thursday 13 February
09h00 at the Piesang Valley
Community Hall
Entrance R100
Professor Sarah Wurz of the University of the Witwatersrand will give a presentation on Early Modern Humans at Klasies river mouth.
Thursday 13 February
11h30 at the Piesang Valley Community Hall
Entrance R100
Dr Joané Swart will give a presentation on Engendering South African Rock Art.
Thursday 13 February
14h00 at the Methodist Church, Marine Drive
Entrance FREE
Open Public Debate: Can the Evidence from Archaeology be Reconciled with Religious Faith?
Friday 14 February
09h00 at the Piesang Valley Community Hall
Entrance R100
Professor Mike de Jongh will speak about the Hessequa of the Riversdale area, part of his Forgotten People series, two of which have been published by the Watermark Press.
Friday 14 February
11h30 at the Piesang Valley Community Hall
Entrance R100
The Griqua National Council will talk about their latest book on the official History of the Griqua nation.
Friday 14 February
09h00 at the Methodist Church, Marine Drive
Entrance FREE
Open Public Debate: Is Toenadering Possible in the Face of Race, Class, and Language Differences?
Friday 14 February
18h00 at Old Nick Village
Entrance FREE
Old Nick Village celebrates Valentine’s Day with a festival of romance, including indulgent fine foods and live music.
Saturday 15 February
All-day, throughout Plett
Everyone is invited to talk about popular history, biographies and memoirs. Among other events throughout Plett, David Bristow will present his latest book on Twenty Amazing Places in South Africa: Hominins, Hunter-Gatherers and Heroes at the Village Bookshop on Main Street as well as other venues TBC.
The Bitou Municipality is a proud sponsor of the first Watercourse History Fest, and Plett Tourism is one of the media sponsors. Let’s support this new initiative and let a thousand voices be heard!