The Huguenot Memorial Museum has a new manager. Anita van der Merwe (nèè Du Preez) has taken over the reins from Elvira Johannes who was transferred to the Paarl Museum during 2017.
Anita has more than 20 years’ experience in the cultural sphere, during which time she worked in several parts of the country. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from Stellenbosch University as well as a post-graduate qualification in Museum Studies. Her MA degree dissertation dealt with Cultural Landscapes.
She joined the Western Cape’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in 1997; initially as the Visual Art Genre developer in the Art and Culture section and later as a Heritage Researcher with a focus on geographic names – role she still fulfils.
Anita is a passionate garagiste winemaker and, fittingly, a French Huguenot descendent. She says she is excited by the opportunities offered by her new position and looks forward to becoming a part of the Franschhoek community and its activities.
