GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Graaff-Reinet Museum recently celebrated International Museum Day (IMD) with a special event that combined education and historical research.
This year's IMD theme, Museums for Education and Research, provided a perfect opportunity for the museum to engage with the community, particularly the youth, and shed light on the historical and contemporary significance of elections and voting.
In collaboration with the local office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the museum organised an informative and interactive educational programme for Grade 11 learners from Nqweba Secondary School.
The event aimed to educate students about the historical evolution of voting systems, both globally and locally, while providing practical experience with the electoral process.
Historically, the concept of voting dates back to the Roman empire, where only landowners had the right to vote. Interestingly, the Romans used a negative voting system, where the individuals with the most votes were ostracised.
This process was recorded on broken pot shards, known as ostraca in Greek, which is the origin of the word "ostracised."
The museum's event also highlighted voting practices among indigenous South African groups, such as the Khoi and the San, as well as in African chiefdoms. These systems were significantly altered after the introduction of colonialism.
By examining these historical contexts, the museum provided learners with a comprehensive understanding of the development of voting systems. The highlight of the day was a mock voting station set up by the museum staff and IEC officials.
Each student received a mock ID card and a ballot paper, allowing them to participate in a simulated voting process. This hands-on activity not only made the learning experience fun but also ensured that the students gained practical knowledge about casting a vote.
The event enhanced the students' understanding of the electoral process and encouraged them to become informed and active participants in their democracy.
Dr Anziske Kayster, the head of the museum, emphasised the importance of such educational initiatives. "Many still believe that museums should stay out of politics. However, museums have a social responsibility to disseminate history and heritage objectively.
This includes educating the public about current political systems and processes. Politics will always be a part of history and heritage," she remarked.
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