Gallery

KNYSNA NEWS - A mere four days after the Knysna community of Hornlee was plunged into bedlam with riots over housing issues on Sunday 20 September, residents came together at Hornlee Park in Calendar Street on Heritage Day to celebrate their cultures.

The riots a little over a week-and-a-half ago brought a dark cloud over the suburb of Hornlee in Knysna, dividing the area between those who supported the cause that was being fought for but didn't support the means, those who supported the cause wholeheartedly, and those who condemned everything that happened on the day. 

But, regardless of whose loyalties fell where, there was a feeling that Hornlee needed to come back from what happened.

"We couldn't live with that, especially for our children, we needed to bring the community together again and celebrate our cultures together," said Rochelle van Rheenen-Briesies, one of the organisers of the event. "We needed our children to be reminded of their heritage too. There's no reason they can't have fun and learn at the same time."

Photo gallery: Happy Heritage Day Hornlee

The event drew a vast number of people to the park, which is not far from Hall Street where the riots began, along with their families and friends to revel in a shared love of their cultures. Co-organiser Barend Fredericks opened the afternoon with a warm greeting, and an important message for those in attendance. 

"We have the chance to reshape our society on this Heritage Day, to provide opportunities for our children and their futures," he said. "Today we celebrate the diversity of cultures that constitutes our unique South African society and everything that lies within it."

Children of Hornle took part in the worldwide craze, the Jerusalema dance, and created their own variations. Photo: Blake Linder

And so the afternoon commenced and all in attendance set out to enjoy the day. Music filled the air throughout the afternoon as children sang and danced on the "stage" - a large concrete slab - at the park, while parents lay back in the sunshine and enjoyed a fulfilling day off.

There was, of course, plenty of food as potjies were put on the coals, with a few braai masters taking Braai Day - as Heritage Day has been dubbed by some - to new levels.

Co-organisers Barend Fredericks (left) and Reggie Dovson (far right) with local traditional leaders Christopher Johannes and Ashley Wildeman. Photo: Blake Linder

'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'