THE Robert Sobukwe Trust is currently undertaking a R5 million building project in Umasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, to construct a historical museum and learning centre in Sobukwe’s name.
The project is aimed at restoring the legacy of the political icon and empowering Umasizakhe residents through various educational and empowerment programmes.
The structure, which is being constructed on a piece of land donated to the trust by the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, includes a historical museum, media centre, conference facilities and an arts and crafts exhibition centre. The funding for the construction was sourced from the National Lottery.
The museum will serve as a multi-purpose centre to Umasizakhe residents as it will store archived materials on Sobukwe’s life and political history for educational purposes while also serving as a tourist destination that will boost township tourism, especially in arts and crafts.
Dinilesizwe Sobukwe, the spokesperson for the trust, said, “The centre will take forward Sobukwe’s ideals as an educator and will also provide a platform for residents to congregate for learning and recreation.”
The project has already had positive spin-offs as some interns have already been empowered through its Youth Tourism Development programme that was facilitated in partnership with the Eastern Cape Tourism and Parks Agency.
The trust has indicated that it has a number of upcoming projects aimed at promoting the museum and ensuring that it plays a significant role in strengthening and developing the rural communities of Graaff-Reinet and its surroundings through the provision of educational and informative programmes to the youth of the area.
The projected launch for the official opening is envisaged to be in December.
In the meantime, community members are urged to embrace the project by being part of any projects that will be undertaken to make this a success.