A tribute to the Sisulu family
EASTERN Cape department of sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina officially opened the Walter and Albertina Sisulu Travelling Exhibition centre at the Frontier Museum in Queenstown on Tuesday.
The opening formed part of the International Museum and Heritage Day celebrations in Queenstown.
The MEC opened the session with a song praising the Sisulus, who, she said, played a huge role in bringing about democracy.
She said it was sad that museums in the province were still only displaying Frontier Wars pictures and wagons and not giving a true reflection of how the country obtained democracy. “We can not wipe out history. This is a democratic country and now we are rewriting that history.”
She said children needed to be shown “who brought us where we are today. We started this honour- ing of our struggle veterans in Fort Beaufort. We will continue with this programme and go around the province.”
Government would not only honour legends in museums but would also speak about them to communities as the country’s history would be incomplete without the inclusion of those who had fought for freedom.
The government was against the destruction of statues and heritage symbols. “This trend of destroying history is not right. We need to protect our identity in the province.”
Sisulu family member Vuyolwethu said his family was happy that government had decided to honour Walter and Albertina.
“We thank Nelson Mandela Bay Museum and the government who ensured that this honouring of our parents was successful.”
The function was a partnership between the provincial government, the Nelson Mandela Museum and the Queenstown and Frontier Museum.