New tourist hub for Walmer Township

AUGUST 27 – THE opening of the new the Sukume Museum and Xhosa Culture Centre in Walmer, Nelson Mandela Bay, on 26 August 2010 was heralded by the sound of tribal drumbeats and ululation resonating in the air.

Sukume Museum and Xhosa Culture Centre is a community-based tourist centre and museum focusing on the Xhosa culture and the history of Walmer (Gqebera) Township, told by the people who live there.

“We are incredibly proud to open this centre which focuses on Xhosa culture and history and which will bring tourists into contact with both culture and people still practising Xhosa traditions today,” explained Diane Darlow of Jerusalem Ministries.

“The Museum – an initiative of the Gqebera community, Ikhaya Community Based Tourism Forum and Jerusalem Ministries – reflects the history of the Walmer Township, and aims to inform about the Xhosa Culture including circumcision, lobola (bride-price), traditional dress and umqombothi (traditional beer). An apartheid timeline, well known Xhosa personalities as well as the history of the Gilsands Hall (Human Dignity Centre) is depicted as well.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) marketing manager, Titus Chuene said organic initiatives like this are what is needed for the growth of sustainable tourism products in the city.

“We applaud the launch of this home-grown project and promise to work closely to cross-promote the venture,” said Chuene.

While the Sukume Museum is temporarily situated at the Human Dignity Centre in Victoria Drive, the aim is to obtain permanent premises in the near future. 

The museum also provides an outlet for products of the members of The Kwasa Project, which is aimed at income generation for HIV-positive parents and caregivers of children living up to its name which means “to uplift.”

Dancers gyrated to a classic African tempo singing, "Ubonqonqoza xa ungena emzinam" (when you come to my house, you must knock) and entertainment was provided by the beneficiaries of the Kwasa Project as well as the Dance Group, African Renaissance.

The Museum is open every week day from 9am to 3pm.  For more information please contact Sandile on 041 – 366 2082 or visit: http://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/sukume_museum_and_xhosa_culture_centre.html
or http://www.jmin.org.za/smx.html