Just over a century ago, historian Sir George Cory recorded the story of the Xhosa people, as told by their leader, King Manxiwa, during a meeting, at Willowvale, Gatyana. It was a momentous occasion and 100 years later, the Rhodes University's Cory Library sees it as an example of what can be achieved by working in unity.
Just over a century ago, historian Sir George Cory recorded the story of the Xhosa people, as told by their leader, King Manxiwa, during a meeting, at Willowvale, Gatyana. It was a momentous occasion and 100 years later, the Rhodes University's Cory Library sees it as an example of what can be achieved by working in unity.
On Monday, to mark the 101st anniversary of this meeting, the library will hold an event to celebrate its “vast accumulation of genealogical records and illustrations concerning all aspects of Eastern Cape Heritage”. The library, founded by Cory, has archived private papers and official records, maps, photographs and genealogies.
Documents in isiXhosa and English cover topics as diverse as politics and literature, churches and schools, colonialism and apartheid, and protest and resistance. Much valuable information can be accessed in the library, including on sensitive issues such as the murder of King Hintsa in 1835.
Monday's commemorative event will begin at 10am, with Professor Russell Kaschula as Master of Ceremonies. Library head, Professor Jeff Peires, will introduce “Friends of the Cory Library” – an initiative to enable the broader community to participate in the work of the library and also to benefit from its resources.
Displays titled Indigenous Plants, African Intellectuals, Genealogy, Website and Conservation of Rare Books can be viewed from 1.30pm to 4pm. Dignitaries, including the Manxiwa family, the granddaughter of George Cory, Joan Cory Teeton and imbongi Yesizwe, Zolani Mkiva, will be present and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Heritage Council, Advocate Sonwabile Mancotywa, will deliver the keynote address.
Eastern Cape Reprints, a new series which re-issues rare books, will be launching its first two volumes – Ibali lamaMfengu, by Richard Tainton Kawa (an indigenous history book) and A Contribution to South African Materia Medica by Andrew Smith of St Cyrus (a book on indigenous medicinal plants). There will be a Behind the Scenes presentation at 2 pm.
