Preparation is well underway for the inaugural KiwiSA Expo, taking place in Thames on September 6.
The event, a collaboration between multiple community groups and organisations, is being billed as a celebration of the historical links between South Africa and Thames.
It is the brainchild of Mike Dwight, the international director at Hauraki Plains College.
“It’s all about shared heritage. There’s an opportunity, really, for Thames to position itself as the must-go place to find out all about that,” Mike, an ex-pat himself, said of the expo.
“It’s the first event of its kind, it’s totally unique.”
Expo organisers have sought to integrate the celebration with existing events and locations within the community, to encourage participation from all corners of Thames.
The day will begin with the Saturday Thames Market, where South African-themed stalls have been encouraged to participate.
Thames heritage sites will then have themed displays and activities throughout the day, and there will also be a treasure hunt.
Participating sites include the Bella St Pumphouse, Carnegie Library and Treasury, the School of Mines, the Thames Small Gauge Railway, Thames Museum, and the Goldmine Experience.
Displays will cover a variety of topics, including stories of New Zealand’s involvement in the South Africa war of 1899; exploring the history of a set of 15 Boer rifles which now reside in Thames’ Carnegie Library; discussing how gold mining technology from Thames helped save the South African mining industry in 1890; and exploring Sir George Grey’s links to both Thames and Cape Colony.
Local schools have also been getting involved with poster and steam turbine engine-making competitions. The students’ creations will be on display at the expo.
The day will culminate with the screening of the All Blacks v Springboks Freedom Cup test at participating pubs in Grahamstown.
The Thames High School Student Volunteer Army will be helping to run the expo, with the assistance of the Thames Business Association.
“It’s an opportunity for a whole lot of learning with the kids… with that slice of history.”
DETAILS: See www.kiwisaexpo.com for more.
