Weird and wonderful museums

Our beautiful South Africa is home to a myriad of museums. Although a young country by all accounts, our tumultuous history and the amazing setting in which it unfolded has inspired the establishment of a multitude of museums in every city and numerous towns.  As a result, we tend to associate museums with art and the preservation of bygone times, creatures and events, but South Africa is also home to a number of unusual museums that offer a unique experience to visitors.

1. The Warrior Toy Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town

This museum houses a permanent collection of dinky toys, dolls, Meccano sets, model cars, boats, planes and other toys, including scores of toy soldiers depicting various battles from history. Toy collectors, children and the young at heart will enjoy the exhibits immensely. 

For more information, call 021 786 1395.

2. Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum - Bredasdorp, Cape Overberg

The only shipwreck museum on the African continent came into being with the help of shipwreck expert and author, Coenraad Potgieter. Shipwrecks along the Strandveld coast had an immense influence on the history of the region with the southern point nicknamed "graveyard of ships". Many survivors from shipwrecks stayed on in this far-off and isolated area, bringing their experience and skills to the Overberg. The museum now has an amazing exhibition of items like furniture, figureheads, shipping equipment, household articles, lifebuoys, newspaper cuttings and scale models of shipwrecks.  

For more information, call 028 424 1240.

3. Elgin Apple Museum - Grabouw, Cape Overberg

This museum is housed is housed in what used to be an old shoemaker's cottage, a building that is over 100 years old. Established in 1972, the Elgin Apple Museum depicts the history of the apple and fruit industry in South Africa through photographic displays and exhibits. From the machines and tools used in the early days of the industry to the more advanced computerized methods of today, the museum chronicles the development and changes of this important industry over the years.

For more information, call 021 859-2042.

4. The Heart of Cape Town Museum - Observatory, Cape Town

Located in the Groote Schuur Hospital, in the very same theatre where the first human heart transplant was performed by Dr Christiaan (Chris) Barnard in 1967. The museum honours all those who played a major role in this surgical feat which marked the beginning of a new era in medicinal sciences. The museum is divided into eight parts, which includes a timeline, animal lab and a Christiaan Barnard room.

For more information, call 021 404 1967.

5. Beer Museum - Newlands, Cape Town

Over 18s are welcome to take a tour of the Beer Museum at Ohlsson's Cape Brewery. The informative tour through a fully functioning brewery is the perfect way to learn about the history and practice of the beer brewing process. Visitor's are also invited to taste the many different SAB brews at the on-site pub. 

For more information, call 021 658 7511.

Leading the way - Cape Town's green initiatives

Cape Town is leading the way towards encouraging sustainable development and renewable energy in South Africa. The Mother City's Green Goal 2010 programme surrounding the new stadium and other World Cup facilities, and other new initiatives implemented by the Cape Town Partnership, won Cape Town the 2009 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award, beating 35 other entrants in the Best Destination category.

The aim is however to continue to build on the successes and recognition the city received during the World Cup and next on the agenda is Cape Town's Green Week (19-23 October 2010). During this week, ahead of the UN Climate Change Summit in December, at a series of events hosted by the Cape Town International Convention Centre, hundreds of international delegates and professionals (including business leaders, financiers and investors, green groups and property sector professionals) will converge on Cape Town to explore ways to take a "greener" approach to business and creating employment opportunities, while protecting the environment and building communities and cities that work. Partners in this event include the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and the Green Building Council of South Africa, among others. The City of Cape Town will launch its Green Building Guidelines and Green City Programme during this week.

(Read more about Cape Town's Green Initiatives at www.capetownpartnership.co.za).

So what can you do while the movers and shakers discuss and make decisions? Join a green group (for example, www.freelifeonearth.org). Educate yourself. Every little thing that each of us can do to reduce our impact on the earth and the environment will ensure a better future. If a lot of individuals could bring the earth to the state it is in today, then individuals can fix the problem! Take a stand today.