History and Economics

It was a cool, misty day as we rumbled into Greytown on 29 October to visit two commercial banks, ABSA and Standard. The learners were given a tour around the banks during which they were free to ask questions. They were required to complete a questionnaire on each bank and compare the information they had collected. After spending two hours at the banks, we left the modern world and entered the world of the past at the Greytown Museum. Research booklets with questionnaires were ready. Into the beautiful, wooden-floored building we went to explore the people, events and memorabilia from Greytown’s past.

The learners were free to walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds, the old toys and carriages, bathroom furniture and battles. The learners answered questions to show their understanding of how different life was over 100 years ago.

They heard about the Bambatha rebellion, Lord Grey, the old ways of communicating and cooking. They saw real, old carts with giant wheels and imagined ladies with long flouncy dresses climbing into them. Gramophones with trumpets and old commodes caused a stir. Bottles of old medicines and equipment used by doctors all added to the atmosphere of another life in, it seemed, another world. There were guns and cannons from past wars where local people became heroes and families suffered hardships. In a corner of the smithy among iron hammers and horse shoes, a pickled snake became a star attraction.
Crumbling leather maps and musty old school books caused imaginations to race and questions to flow. The Zulu room was intriguing telling the meaning of the colourful bead work and having the added appeal of a Zulu hut built in one corner.

The curator gave an informative tour and kindly answered the learners’ questions.
After two hours, tired and full of local history, we topped up the tummies at the Wimpy where burgers, chips and milk shakes were devoured with relish.

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Mrs M Khwela & Miss H Leach