TIME CAPSULE: SA through the lens of mission stations: Genadendal, Goedverwacht and Wüpperthal
A documentary team visiting old mission stations to record oral histories and Afrikaans variants meet a mix of young and old in Genadendal, speak to a community empowered through learning their origin story in Goedverwacht, while in Wüpperthal, still reeling from the devastating 2018 fire, see magic unlocked through a rieldans and basuin-orkes.
The documentary team travels to several mission stations across South Africa to record oral histories and explore the Afrikaans variants spoken in these communities. In Genadendal, they discover one of the first printing presses in Cape Colony, the first teacher training, and the distinct "Genadendal Afrikaans" language. The town, once the "food basket" of the region, thrived as a Moravian mission station, influencing the local dialect with influences from Khoi, German, Dutch, and Malay.
Next, the team visits Goedverwacht, a secluded Moravian community near Piketberg. Here, the local tour guide Lorraine Cornelius shares the rich history of the village, which is connected to a few family names. The community has found empowerment through storytelling, enabling them to take pride in their origin story and adapt to modern society despite potential challenges.
Finally, the team arrives at Wüpperthal in the Cederberg Mountains, still recovering from a devastating 2018 fire that destroyed 53 houses. While the Rupert family has contributed significantly to rebuilding, the community still feels the impact of the disaster. The team witnesses a spark of magic in the community through the revival of traditional rieldans (dance) and basuin-orkes (trumpet band) practices, which provide much-needed extracurricular activities for the youth.
The documentary raises questions about the success of missionaries in meeting existing communities and the role of Christian values in helping these communities adapt and survive in contemporary South Africa.
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