A journey of democracy in the Northern Cape

The town of Hanover in the Northern Cape is dubbed the ‘middle’ of South Africa. It sits halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town; between Cape Town and Durban, and between Upington and Port Elizabeth. 

Hanover falls under the Emthanjeni Municipality.

Besides its interesting geographic location, it is home to Olive Schreiner, the acclaimed late author of The Story of an African Farm, who championed women’s rights and was an anti-racist. The trailblazing Schreiner lived between 1855 and 1920.  
It is no surprise that when the Democracy Bus visited this town, Schreiner’s progressive values resonated with locals as South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy.

The bus stopped at Hanover Clinic and Hanover Primary School where community members gathered to reflect on how the three decades of democracy had impacted their lives. 

Hanover Primary School principal Solomzi Mtuba lauded the school nutrition and the teacher assistant programmes, which he said had brought change to his school.

“We have seen a lot of improvements over the 30 years of freedom in schools. The food nutrition programme and the teacher assistant programme have been a great help to us,” said Mtuba.

The principal of 20 years highlighted that a high number of pupils in his school came from disadvantaged backgrounds and receiving meals at school made a positive impact in their lives and allowed them to focus on school.

“One of the nurses in this clinic was a student of mine, I saw her from her first day of school and today she is a nurse here at the clinic. This was not possible for us black people before democracy. I feel I have been part of a significant change, and I will retire a happy man,” Mtuba spoke excitedly.

Emthanjeni Municipality Ward 6 Councillor, Lena Andrew’s experience resonated with Schriener’s values of equal rights for all.
Andrews reflected on how democracy had bought dignity especially since her community members have title deeds for their homes and access to housing.

“Before the 30 years, we never owned houses, all the houses that were here were owned by the government and we had to pay rent. If you could not afford it [rent] that month you would be kicked out,” said Andrews.

The bus’s travels did not end with the Schriener's captivating history, whose house has been turned into a national monument. It also made a quick stop in Prieska where we engaged local resident Samuel van Staden.

“I grew up in Prieska and I worked here. I also lived here during apartheid. I am happy that I can go where I want to go and speak to whom I want to speak to without any restrictions,” he said.
Prieska, is situated on the south bank of the Orange River. It was originally named Prieschap, a word meaning "place of the lost she-goat".

About 168 kilometres further from Prieska, the Democracy Bus found itself in Carnarvon, under the Kareeberg Municipality.
Situated half-way between Botswana and Cape Town, it is famously known for its dome-roof structure houses made from flat stones since the 1800s.

For local astro guide Brendon Booysen, he has been exposed to a universe of opportunities thanks to 30 years of democracy.
Astro guides tackle a different aspect of tourism, as they are knowledgeable about stars and planets.

The Northern Cape is known for its outstanding astro tourism, as the province has open and clear skies for sky-gazing.

“Government achieved a lot during the 30 years of freedom. I have a small medium and micro enterprise. I would not have been able to become an astro-guide in the past. I have benefitted from government programmes, one of which was funding and equipment from the National Youth Development Agency,” said Booysen.

The Northern Cape’s stunning skies will take centerstage during Tourism Month taking place in September.
The Department of Tourism recently announced that this year’s focus will be on astro tourism, highlighting the Province’s ideal conditions for stargazing.

Nonjabulo Ntuli is an intern at the Government Communication Information and System.