Reframing Stellenbosch invites visitors to look beyond familiar narratives and discover a richer, more inclusive understanding of the town’s past. Mapping Die Vlakte brings together stories, memories, and historical evidence that have often been overlooked, demonstrating that Stellenbosch’s history is far more diverse than conventional accounts suggest. By broadening the historical narrative to include communities and individuals whose experiences have been marginalised, the project seeks to foster a fuller, more truthful understanding of the town and its shared heritage.
Beyond the Traditional Narrative
Many of Stellenbosch’s historical narratives have been shaped by selective interpretations that have overlooked or marginalised important people, places, and experiences. This section re-examines some of these narratives, demonstrating how a broader and more inclusive understanding of the town’s past can emerge when overlooked voices and historical evidence are brought to the forefront.
Exhibiting Die Vlakte
The way history is presented in museums and exhibitions shapes public understanding of the past. This section examines a public exhibition on Die Vlakte, asking whether it accurately reflected the community’s history and experiences, or whether important voices and perspectives were overlooked in the process of telling the story.
Whose History is Being Told
History is never simply a record of the past. It is also shaped by the choices of what is remembered, what is forgotten, and whose voices are heard. This section explores how institutional histories can present only part of the story and why a more inclusive account is essential to understanding Stellenbosch’s past.
