Back In The Sea Of Time

Images by : Paul Zisiwe

It is commendable that in South Africa, there still are places where we can go to get a more in depth study on past cultures, extinct animals, and the general evolution of our planet. These places are well-preserved and stocked with information that provides a unique prospective into all different aspects of social evolution, and are usually an extremely interactive atmosphere in which to touch on the important events, phenomena and creatures from the past. Yet, in a country inundated with galleries than museums, we now sadly see our awareness of our accumulated national heritage dwindle like a flame in a murderous wind of technologically induced complacency.

Research shows that people who have had first-hand experience of historical information are more likely to retain it in later life, and museums provide a unique interactive experience of getting up close to things we usually only see in books, newspapers or on the television. This allows for a more immersed mental interaction between people and their history, a cultivated sense which we hope future generations would possess. Unfortunately, our current school system does not stimulate the proper level of importance the historical significance of the past holds on modern society. I recall my visits to The Sterkfontein caves as a young man in primary school. The impact of those encounters had an indelible mark on my future perception of life and history. So I wonder how many of our children have visited a museum this year. And how many parents make it a point to allow themselves to lead by example and engage with these places of memory?