The Salt River Heritage Society was recognised for its contribution to the Promotion of Local History, Heritage or renaming of Geographical Features at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s (DCAS) Cultural Affairs Awards on Tuesday 26 September.
The 21st Cultural Affairs Awards took place at the Artscape Theatre.
The awards honour individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions in the areas of arts, culture, heritage, language, libraries, archives, museums, heritage and geographical names.
Anroux Marais, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, also bestowed ministerial awards on individuals who have left a legacy in this environment.
Lutfi Omar, chair of the Salt River Heritage Society, said winning the award was an honour.
“We have been around for four years; we didn’t expect to win. We appreciate the recognition for our hard work in promoting local heritage in our community.”
Omar said the society was established in September 2018 to collate and preserve the heritage and history of the Salt River community.
“We started off with a history timeline where people could record their histories on the timeline. It spans various eras from preoccupation in the 1600s to 1994.”
He says through this information they created community art murals to depict this rich history.
“We use art to memorialise the heritage and the history of the people of Salt River.”
Omar calls on other communities to follow suit and document their stories.
“Otherwise, they get lost, and it is important for us to capture this, because they are not highlighted in textbooks. When the youth find these stories, they can relate to it and be proud because it is history from their community.”
On Saturday 30 September the society unveiled murals paying homage to influential people who grew up in the area.
“We unveiled the freedom fighter’s murals which acknowledge four remarkable freedom fighters, Gadija Isaacs (trade unionist at Rex Trueform), Soraya Abbas, founder of Molo Songololo, Karima Brown (apartheid activist and journalist) and Gladys Thomas (author).
“The Black Christ, by an artist named Ronald Harrison, was also unveiled. He painted The Black Christ in response to the Sharpeville Massacre.”
Omar says residents and people who want to join the society are welcome as they still have various projects ahead.
The evening was hosted by two masters of ceremonies, Ayanda Dlamini and Jabaar Mohamed, while the guests were entertained throughout the evening with performances by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Nobulumko Mngxekeza, Chene Hugo, Zinzi Nogavu, Dance for all, Zip Zap Circus, Koleka Phutuma and Rieldansers.
Marais emphasized the importance of all the categories in which the winners were announced.
“The awards showcase the wide range of cultural activities which the Western Cape is involved with, and which we support very passionately. We honour those who have left a lasting legacy and have helped us grow all these important arts and culture activities in our province,” she said.
Carol van Wyk, Chief Director for Cultural Affairs, thanked everyone who supported the event.
“What you have seen is a beacon of hope for communities across our province. Please continue to help us shine this light.”
