Litnet

Hybré van Niekerk, a self-taught Historian and Culture tourist guide from Paarl, always had an interest for history since the age of 12 years. When she was appointed as information officer at Paarl Tourism Association in 2005, knowing the history of Paarl by heart came with the job description. In 2011 van Niekerk was appointed as Curator of Het Gesticht Slave Museum. It was here where her love for historical research took flight when she completed the family tree of Jason Adams, who became the first member of Zion congregation in 1820. This she accomplished with the guidance of the late Professor Robert Shell and assistance from Professor Hans Heese.

During this research process, she realised the challenges beginner researchers face on their first visit to the archives. This made her more determined to assist them by doing the electronic searches online on their behalf to such an extent that they only need to present a reference number when they get to the Western Cape Archives. Although she never had History as a subject during her Secondary school years, her passion for local history will let you to believe otherwise. She works closely with well-known Genealogist and her mentor, Aubrey Springveldt on local projects within the Drakenstein area.