Renowned Eastern Cape storyteller and historian, Alan Weyer, will be speaking about the history of the area and its original inhabitants on Saturday at the East London Museum.
Weyer has presented his talk, titled Spirits of the Past, both nationally and internationally.
Born, bred, and educated in the Eastern Cape, he is a true son of the Frontier region and of farming stock going back four generations.
His interest in history and people began as a young boy roaming the family farm.
This launched him on a lifelong career as a public historian, storyteller and actor, earning numerous national and international awards for performances such as the popular Boet ‘n Swaer comedy show performed with comedian Gino Fabbri, and inspired by Weyer’s experiences as a farmer.
Spirits of the Past celebrates Border’s historical significance through exploring the diverse cultures, migrations, and conflicts including the violent clashes between British settlers and the amaXhosa in a series of Frontier Wars, as the colonialists sought control of the land.
This period also introduced missionaries, traders, and a colonial infrastructure that deeply impacted indigenous communities. Today, as a result of this history, the Border region is a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage, representing SA’s complex past and diverse roots, as captured in Weyer’s talk.
Weyer said: “The talk gives insight into the background of our Border area, the individuals who have been involved in the region over the years, and how their various migrations and interactions have brought us to where we are today.
“Audience’s will learn about the Eastern Cape’s history and will have a deeper comprehension of the region’s qualities and its significance to South Africa overall.”
Williamson Martinson, chair of the Border Historical Society, believes that public lectures such as Weyer’s are important because they popularise local history, and provide context to present-day realities.
The talk is at 2.30pm at the museum’s MCL Hall. Entry is R50. Inquiries: 078-126-0477.
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