Dept to reach out to community
AS WOMEN’S Month draws to an end tomorrow, the Northern Cape Department for Sport, Arts and Culture will be embarking on an outreach programme in Greenpoint with a focus on empowering the community and highlighting the historical contribution that has been made by various prominent figures from the area.
“Taking the socio-historical background of Greenpoint into account, specifically relating to August 9 and women’s struggle heritage, the programme intends to pay tribute to those whose struggles laid the foundations for the women’s rights and freedoms we enjoy today,” said department spokesperson Conrad Fortune.
“Our aim is to inspire action to further transform gender relations and to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment in South Africa.”
Fortune explained that the area has produced several prominent political figures including Frances Baard, who was actively involved with the drafting of the Freedom Charter and was among the leaders of the historic march to the Union Buildings to protest against passes for women on August 9, 1956.
Other key political figures from the area include the first democratic elected premier of the Northern Cape, Manne Dipico, as well as Arthur Letele, who fought for proper health care and equal rights during apartheid.
“Women have historically helped build resilient communities and the event to is to honour, entertain and celebrate the women of Greenpoint as pillars of strength in their community.”
Joined by MEC Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, the department will start proceedings from 7.30am tomorrow morning with a health walk from the Diamond Pavilion Mall, via the Kimberley Airport, to the Greenpoint Park, to get a bumper weekend of activities under way.
After an aerobic session at the park, commencing at 8.45am, local schoolchildren will be taken on tours of the airport and the McGregor Museum.
Books will be handed over at the Greenpoint Library and sports equipment will be donated to Greenpoint Primary School.
Shoprite will be running a soup kitchen from noon while sports equipment and sanitary towels will be handed over at lunchtime at Greenpoint High School before the official closing programme commences at 1.30pm.
Two houses in the area will be renovated on Saturday while a jam-packed day of sport and a cultural programme are planned at Greenpoint Park.
Sunday will see heritage tours of the Kimberley Mine offered to the community, followed by a choir competition.