Maintain historic sites, museums for Bay to celebrate heritage
ESTELLE Brand, 38, of South End, said: “The historic sites and museums should be fixed and looked after as they are getting old. My husband used to take me to see some nice monuments in the Bay.”
Ongeziwe Sirayi, 21, of Summerstrand, said: “A lot of people still need to learn about these sites. I am not from Port Elizabeth, so I’m quite interested in visiting some of the monuments around here. They should be maintained as they play a huge role in our lives.”
Maureen Kwentu, 62, of New Brighton, said: “The sites have sentimental value to our lives as a black community. They should be maintained. For instance, the Red Location Museum in New Brighton
Bay residents are not surprised that many of the city’s historic and heritage sites are in a dreadful state. But most strongly believe they should be restored to their former glory, as Weekend Post reporter Yonela Mgwali discovers
has been closed for a while now. These sites are where we celebrate our heritage, they must not only be looked after when it’s Heritage Month.”
Sibusiso Matyityi, 24, of Motherwell, said: “I love all the historical sites . . . they provide a sense of home and it feels nice to have those old buildings. They should be restored and maintained because we learn about our history at these sites. It would be nice for people to take their grandchildren to see the monuments.”
David Ford, 48, of Charlo, said: “Embracing history is part of our lives. The buildings need proper maintenance in order for us to be united in keeping our history and heritage alive.”
Shavonne Jackson, 22, of Schauderville, said: “It’s the beginning and the end of Port Elizabeth. The Horse Memorial at the Rink Street Spar should be restored along with the other heritage sites, like they did with the Donkin Reserve. It looks beautiful now and attracts so many people.”
Khanyisa Mani, 22, of KwaDwesi, said: “They play a significant part in teaching us our history and not to lose our identity. For future generations to understand our history and heritage in Nelson Mandela Bay, we need those historic sites.”
Anele Sirunu, 24, of Algoa Park, said: “They remind us of what happened before democracy and play an important role in terms of where we are going in the future. People from overseas are interested in our history. They should spend money maintaining them as they preserve our culture.”