'History Lesson' by Siphokazi Jonas

We are excited to share a truly special piece of art that has been in the making for a year.

In 2025, Grootbos Foundation invited award-winning poet and author Siphokazi Jonas to Gansbaai to immerse herself in a fynbos experience, and more importantly, to meet the people who live here, work here and conserve this landscape.

Over several days, Siphokazi visited and experienced Klipgat caves for the first time, spoke to families who have lived in this region for generations, and learnt from the entomologists and ecologists who are tasked with protecting this landscape's vulnerable and fragile ecosystems.

The resulting poem captures the essence of Walker Bay and pays homage to its people, its plants, its insects and its animals - the inhabitants of the Cape Floristic Region.

Thank you to Siphokazi Jonas for listening and talking, engaging and learning, and supporting us through storytelling!

Watch the full performance video below and experience the magic of fynbos through this poem.