Over the past six months, bibliophiles and avid historians have found themselves cut off from both libraries and museums. However, this is all about to change, following a visit from the MEC for Arts and Culture, Hlengiwe Mavimbela.
During her visit to Newcastle on Friday, 2 October 2020, MEC Mavimbela visited Newcastle Library, Fort Amiel Museum and the Charlestown Library.
The purpose of the visit was to determine the readiness of the institutes, in terms of re-opening to the public. Extremely impressed by the preparedness of the establishments, she enjoyed a walkabout at all three sites.
During the walkabout at the museum, she stated, “I have learned so much and on behalf of the department, I would like to say we appreciate the efforts put in by the museum’s team.”
Additionally, she encouraged Fort Amiel Museum’s Curator, Louis Eksteen and his team to continuously improve and attract guests. “As we enter Level 1, we need to be accommodating to visitors, as they contribute to the economy.”
Furthermore, the MEC says, this was her first visit to Newcastle and the museum, emphasising, “I was truly inspired while walking around and looking at the different structures. This area has a rich history and future generations have much to learn from it.”
Further highlighting that while we cannot deny where we as a country come from, it is instrumental that places such as libraries and museums exist. She elaborates it is through these institutions that we can learn from the past, paving the road to a future of unity and development.
The Newcastle Municipality will be notifying the community in due course when both Newcastle Library and Fort Amiel Museum will officially be opening.
Author: Quinton Boucher
Edited: Calvin Swemmer
