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?
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