FROM THE RUBBLE, WE RISE — 57 YEARS ON 29 September 1969.
A date forever etched into the history and heart of Tulbagh.
Fifty-seven years ago today, the earth beneath our feet shook with a force that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale — the strongest earthquake ever recorded in South Africa. In just a few terrifying moments, lives were changed, homes and historic buildings were damaged, and a community was left to face the unimaginable.
Tulbagh was never the same again.
But perhaps the greatest story of 29 September 1969 was not the earthquake itself. It was what happened afterwards. It was the people who stood among the ruins and picked up the pieces. It was neighbours helping neighbours. Families supporting families. A community finding courage when courage was needed most. It was the decision to rebuild. And rebuild they did. From the rubble came renewal. From loss came determination. And from adversity emerged a stronger sense of what it means to be part of Tulbagh.
Today, 57 years later, we once again find ourselves at a crossroads.
As we commemorate the earthquake, our town is facing another painful moment in its history — the closure of the Rhodes canning factory. For decades, the factory was far more than a workplace. It was woven into the economic and social fabric of Tulbagh. It provided livelihoods, supported families and became part of the story of generations who called this valley home. Its closure marks the end of an important chapter. And yes, it is painful. There will be uncertainty. There will be difficult questions. There will be families wondering what comes next. But standing here, 57 years after that September morning, we have something that those before us had too:
Perspective.
We know what this community is capable of when confronted with adversity. We know that Tulbagh has been shaken before. We know that Tulbagh has lost before. And we know that Tulbagh has risen before. So perhaps this is our next rubicon moment — another point in our history where we must decide not simply what we have lost, but what we are going to build. The factory may be closing. But Tulbagh is not closing. Our story is not ending. A chapter is ending — and a new one is waiting to be written. Let us write it together. Let us support those who are hurting. Let us stand behind our local businesses, our workers, our farmers, our young people and our entrepreneurs. Let us look for new opportunities and new ideas. Let us draw on the incredible spirit, history and character that has carried this valley through difficult times before. Because the lesson of 29 September 1969 is not simply that the earth can shake beneath us. It is that when it does, we can find the strength to stand again.
Today we remember those who lived through that terrible day. We honour those who rebuilt. We remember the lives and livelihoods shaped by the Rhodes canning factory. And we look forward with hope to the next chapter of our town.
57 years on, the ground may be different beneath our feet — but the spirit of Tulbagh remains.
We were shaken. We rebuilt. We endured. And we will rise again. Tulbagh — this is our moment. This is our town. This is our future. And together, we can write the next chapter. ... See MoreSee Less
Yesterday, the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, had the privilege of planting 10 indigenous trees in a park in Witzenville.
This initiative began some time ago when community member Pamela Apollis approached me to ask whether it would be possible to source donated trees for the park next to her home. The children in the neighbourhood use the park every day, yet there was very little shade.
I contacted Beauty at Kluitjieskraal Nursery, who generously donated 10 indigenous trees, making this dream a reality.
What makes this project even more meaningful is the story behind the park. Not long ago, this space was an illegal dumping site filled with rubbish. The surrounding community came together and advocated for it to be transformed into a safe public park. Today, residents contribute towards paying someone to maintain the garden, while the Municipality provides irrigation. Witzenberg Municipality also provided fencing to secure the space.
This is a beautiful reminder that real change happens when communities, government departments, local businesses, and organisations join hands with a shared vision. Together, we are not only planting trees—we are planting hope, creating shade for future generations, and investing in a greener, healthier Witzenville. ... See MoreSee Less
The museum is having quite a few visitors today, amongst them the Pollard and Fouché families. Thank you for choosing to visit us today families and I hope you enjoy your visit. ... See MoreSee Less
The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum Management and Board of Trustees proudly congratulate Boitumelo Zengele on graduating from UNISA with a BA specializing in Psycology and Afrikaans.
Boity's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From working as a cashier at Tulbagh Spar while beginning her tertiary studies, to making use of the Conrad Sidego Resource Centre at the Museum for research and exams, she has shown remarkable dedication and perseverance.
We are honoured to have played a small part in her success-from assisting with her application process to providing a space where she could pursue her academic goals.
Boitumelo, today we celebrate with you and your family, your hardwork and determination, and we wish you every success in the bright future ahead. ... See MoreSee Less
FROM THE RUBBLE, WE RISE — 57 YEARS ON
29 September 1969.
A date forever etched into the history and heart of Tulbagh.
Fifty-seven years ago today, the earth beneath our feet shook with a force that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale — the strongest earthquake ever recorded in South Africa.
In just a few terrifying moments, lives were changed, homes and historic buildings were damaged, and a community was left to face the unimaginable.
Tulbagh was never the same again.
But perhaps the greatest story of 29 September 1969 was not the earthquake itself.
It was what happened afterwards.
It was the people who stood among the ruins and picked up the pieces.
It was neighbours helping neighbours. Families supporting families. A community finding courage when courage was needed most.
It was the decision to rebuild.
And rebuild they did.
From the rubble came renewal. From loss came determination. And from adversity emerged a stronger sense of what it means to be part of Tulbagh.
Today, 57 years later, we once again find ourselves at a crossroads.
As we commemorate the earthquake, our town is facing another painful moment in its history — the closure of the Rhodes canning factory.
For decades, the factory was far more than a workplace. It was woven into the economic and social fabric of Tulbagh. It provided livelihoods, supported families and became part of the story of generations who called this valley home.
Its closure marks the end of an important chapter.
And yes, it is painful.
There will be uncertainty. There will be difficult questions. There will be families wondering what comes next.
But standing here, 57 years after that September morning, we have something that those before us had too:
Perspective.
We know what this community is capable of when confronted with adversity.
We know that Tulbagh has been shaken before.
We know that Tulbagh has lost before.
And we know that Tulbagh has risen before.
So perhaps this is our next rubicon moment — another point in our history where we must decide not simply what we have lost, but what we are going to build.
The factory may be closing.
But Tulbagh is not closing.
Our story is not ending.
A chapter is ending — and a new one is waiting to be written.
Let us write it together.
Let us support those who are hurting. Let us stand behind our local businesses, our workers, our farmers, our young people and our entrepreneurs. Let us look for new opportunities and new ideas. Let us draw on the incredible spirit, history and character that has carried this valley through difficult times before.
Because the lesson of 29 September 1969 is not simply that the earth can shake beneath us.
It is that when it does, we can find the strength to stand again.
Today we remember those who lived through that terrible day.
We honour those who rebuilt.
We remember the lives and livelihoods shaped by the Rhodes canning factory.
And we look forward with hope to the next chapter of our town.
57 years on, the ground may be different beneath our feet — but the spirit of Tulbagh remains.
We were shaken.
We rebuilt.
We endured.
And we will rise again.
Tulbagh — this is our moment.
This is our town.
This is our future.
And together, we can write the next chapter. ... See MoreSee Less
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Oude Kerk Volksmuseum standing in solidarity with all victims of GBV this morning. Enough is enough!! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please come and say hello to us. ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We welcome the Hiller family, all the way from Australia, this morning. ... See MoreSee Less
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Yesterday, the Oude Kerk Volksmuseum, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, had the privilege of planting 10 indigenous trees in a park in Witzenville.
This initiative began some time ago when community member Pamela Apollis approached me to ask whether it would be possible to source donated trees for the park next to her home. The children in the neighbourhood use the park every day, yet there was very little shade.
I contacted Beauty at Kluitjieskraal Nursery, who generously donated 10 indigenous trees, making this dream a reality.
What makes this project even more meaningful is the story behind the park. Not long ago, this space was an illegal dumping site filled with rubbish. The surrounding community came together and advocated for it to be transformed into a safe public park. Today, residents contribute towards paying someone to maintain the garden, while the Municipality provides irrigation. Witzenberg Municipality also provided fencing to secure the space.
This is a beautiful reminder that real change happens when communities, government departments, local businesses, and organisations join hands with a shared vision. Together, we are not only planting trees—we are planting hope, creating shade for future generations, and investing in a greener, healthier Witzenville. ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
@followers
Baie dankie Shurine van Niekerkk. Ek vandag huistoe gekom dis pragtig en waardeer regtig baie
Pragtige gebaar. Dankie Shurine en almal wat betrokke is . Dit sluit die planters ook in. Vir die area trots en moraal se opbou.
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The museum is having quite a few visitors today, amongst them the Pollard and Fouché families.
Thank you for choosing to visit us today families and I hope you enjoy your visit. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
@followers
The Oude Kerk Volksmuseum Management and Board of Trustees proudly congratulate Boitumelo Zengele on graduating from UNISA with a BA specializing in Psycology and Afrikaans.
Boity's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From working as a cashier at Tulbagh Spar while beginning her tertiary studies, to making use of the Conrad Sidego Resource Centre at the Museum for research and exams, she has shown remarkable dedication and perseverance.
We are honoured to have played a small part in her success-from assisting with her application process to providing a space where she could pursue her academic goals.
Boitumelo, today we celebrate with you and your family, your hardwork and determination, and we wish you every success in the bright future ahead. ... See MoreSee Less
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations
Congratulations sthandwa ❤️
Chommie yam I am super proud of you 💃💃💃💃
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