Indigenous Obs history celebrated

By: Ben Pettee

Observatory recently celebrated Heritage Day at the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Although small, the event was abundant with historical significance.

The event was celebrating the deep ties Observatory has with the history of the Khoi and San people.

The Liesbeek River was the very first meeting point between the native peoples of this country and the invading settlers.

It is crucial that as a community we do not forget the Khoi and San were the original inhabitants of this place, and the heritage day event was an appreciable way to do that.

The event featured many performances, including the esteemed Prince Happy from the Nguni counsel who shared words of wisdom and encouragement about celebrating our heritage.

Performers spoke of the amazing strategy and brilliance the native people displayed when fighting the invading settlers.

The Khoi people knew that the settlers' guns needed to be dry in order to work, so they only attacked them when it rained.

Eventually, their tactics worked and they drove away the invaders.

The heritage event was delightful and a great way to uphold the rich history of the original inhabitants of Obs.